The aim of this paper is to provide a complete overview over the phenomenon of code-switching. In this paper, we will summarize the knowledge currently available on the discourse, linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects of code-switching. Such an overview can be used for different purposes: for seminar reports and papers, and for the preparation for exams in linguistics. The first chapter of this paper deals with grammatical/syntactic aspects of code-switching. It is followed by the analysis of the pragmatic/discourse aspects of code-switching. Within the last chapter on psycholinguistic aspects of code-switching we will present some findings of researches on children's acquisition of bilingual speech. Another point of our concern will be the influence of the average bilingual competence on the patterns of code-switching used by bilinguals.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Chapter I. Grammatical/syntactic aspects of code-switching
- 1. Definitions of code-switching
- 2. Code-switching vs. borrowing and code-mixing
- 3. Types of code-switching
- 4. Grammatical constraints on code-switching
- 4.1. Types of grammatical constraints: general/universal vs. relativized/probabalistic
- 4.2. Constraints based on linearity (Poplack)
- 4.3. Constraints based on dependency (theory of government)
- 4.4. Constraints considering asymmetry of two languages (Matrix Language Frame model by Myers-Scotton)
- Chapter II. Pragmatic/discourse aspects of code-switching
- 1. Functions of code-switching (the functional model by Jakobson)
- 2. Discourse functions of code-switching (Gumperz)
- 3. Transactional vs. metaphorical code-switching (Gumperz)
- 4. Concept of the social arena (Scotton and Ury)
- 5. Attitudes towards code-switching
- Chapter III. Psycholinguistic aspects of code-switching
- 1. Acquisition of two languages
- 1.1. Fusion vs. separation of two languages
- 1.2. Acquisition of the pragmatic functions of code-switching
- 1.3. Syntactic aspects of code-switching in the language acquisition
- 2. Bilingual competence
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of code-switching, summarizing current knowledge on its discourse, linguistic, and psycholinguistic aspects. It serves as a resource for seminar reports, papers, and exam preparation in linguistics. The paper explores the complex interrelationship between linguistic forms, practices, and social context within the phenomenon of code-switching.
- Grammatical constraints on code-switching
- Pragmatic and discourse functions of code-switching
- Psycholinguistic aspects of code-switching acquisition and bilingual competence
- Different theoretical models explaining code-switching
- The relationship between linguistic, cognitive, and social processes in code-switching
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter I. Grammatical/syntactic aspects of code-switching: This chapter begins by defining code-switching, differentiating it from borrowing and code-mixing. It then categorizes code-switching into three types: tag switching, intrasentential, and intersentential. The core of the chapter focuses on grammatical constraints, exploring various approaches to formulating formal and functional principles. Poplack's equivalence and free morpheme constraints (based on linearity), government constraints, the concept of L-marking (a refinement of government constraints), and finally, the Matrix Language Frame model by Myers-Scotton (considered the most successful approach) are all discussed and compared. The chapter systematically presents different perspectives on how grammatical structures influence code-switching patterns.
Chapter II. Pragmatic/discourse aspects of code-switching: This chapter investigates the pragmatic and discourse functions of code-switching, drawing upon models such as Jakobson and Halliday's functional model (referential, directive, expressive, and phatic functions) and Gumperz's classification of discourse functions (quotations, reiteration, etc.). A key focus is Gumperz's distinction between transactional and metaphorical code-switching, which is then evaluated against the concept of the social arena (Scotton and Ury). The chapter highlights the limitations of simple dichotomies like transactional versus metaphorical code-switching in capturing the complexity of code-switching's discourse functions, emphasizing the wide variability in the meanings conveyed. The chapter ultimately aims to synthesize multiple approaches to understanding the diverse pragmatic meanings embedded in code-switching utterances.
Chapter III. Psycholinguistic aspects of code-switching: This chapter shifts the focus to the psycholinguistic dimension of code-switching, exploring the acquisition of bilingual speech in children. It examines the contrasting approaches of language fusion versus separation during acquisition, and investigates how children acquire the pragmatic functions and syntactic aspects of code-switching. A key consideration is the role of the child's linguistic development in both languages, along with the influence of overall bilingual competence on code-switching patterns. The chapter highlights the theoretical challenges and limited research in understanding how children acquire grammatical constraints and the social and pragmatic rules governing code-switching in their environments.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Code-switching, bilingualism, grammatical constraints, pragmatic functions, discourse analysis, psycholinguistics, language acquisition, bilingual competence, theoretical models, social context, linguistic variation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Code-Switching
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of code-switching, covering its grammatical, pragmatic/discourse, and psycholinguistic aspects. It aims to summarize current knowledge and serve as a resource for academic study.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
The key themes include grammatical constraints on code-switching, pragmatic and discourse functions, psycholinguistic aspects of acquisition and bilingual competence, different theoretical models explaining code-switching, and the relationship between linguistic, cognitive, and social processes in code-switching.
What are the main chapters and their respective focuses?
Chapter I (Grammatical/Syntactic Aspects): Defines code-switching, differentiates it from borrowing and code-mixing, categorizes its types, and explores grammatical constraints through various models like Poplack's, government constraints, and the Matrix Language Frame model. Chapter II (Pragmatic/Discourse Aspects): Investigates the pragmatic and discourse functions using models by Jakobson, Halliday, and Gumperz, focusing on transactional vs. metaphorical code-switching and the concept of the social arena. Chapter III (Psycholinguistic Aspects): Explores the psycholinguistic dimension, focusing on bilingual speech acquisition in children, including language fusion vs. separation, acquisition of pragmatic functions and syntactic aspects, and the role of bilingual competence.
What are the different types of code-switching discussed?
The document discusses tag switching, intrasentential code-switching, and intersentential code-switching.
What are some of the key theoretical models discussed in relation to code-switching?
Key models include Poplack's equivalence and free morpheme constraints, government constraints, the concept of L-marking, and the Matrix Language Frame model by Myers-Scotton.
What is the difference between transactional and metaphorical code-switching?
This distinction, proposed by Gumperz, refers to the different functions code-switching serves. Transactional code-switching is used for efficient communication, while metaphorical code-switching is used to convey social meanings or create specific effects.
How does the document define and differentiate code-switching from borrowing and code-mixing?
The document provides clear definitions distinguishing code-switching (alternating between two languages within a single conversation) from borrowing (integrating words from one language into another) and code-mixing (a more blended form of language use).
What are the key grammatical constraints on code-switching?
The document explores various grammatical constraints, including those based on linearity (Poplack's model), dependency (government constraints), and asymmetry between languages (Matrix Language Frame model).
What is the role of the social context in code-switching?
The document emphasizes the crucial role of social context in shaping code-switching practices and interpreting their meaning, particularly through the concept of the "social arena" (Scotton and Ury).
What are the psycholinguistic implications of code-switching, particularly regarding language acquisition?
The document examines how bilingual children acquire code-switching, exploring the concepts of language fusion versus separation and the development of both pragmatic and syntactic aspects of code-switching.
What are the keywords associated with the topic of this document?
Keywords include: Code-switching, bilingualism, grammatical constraints, pragmatic functions, discourse analysis, psycholinguistics, language acquisition, bilingual competence, theoretical models, social context, linguistic variation.
Who is the intended audience for this document?
This document is intended for students and researchers in linguistics, serving as a resource for seminar reports, papers, and exam preparation.
- Quote paper
- Elena Gluth (Author), 2002, Code-switching. Grammatical, pragmatic and psycholinguistic aspects, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/537681
