Code Switching

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how the term code switching" is actually used to describe those cases wherein a bilingual speaks to another bilingual with the same linguistic background and changes from one language to another in the course of conversation. It provides an overview of the grammar of code switching, some constraints associated with the concept, a description of the quantitative and qualitative differences that affect language acquisition and use, and the code-switching differences between children and adults. A critical review of the peer-reviewed and scholarly literature to this end is followed by a summary of the research and salient findings in the conclusion.

Outline:
Review and Discussion
Grammar of Code Switching
Constraints of Code Switching
Language Acquisition: Quantitative vs. Qualitative Differences
Children vs. Adult Code Switching
Social Factors and Code Switching
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"According to Byram (2000), "Just like words, the voice (the way of pronouncing words and phrases, intonation and rhythm), gestures of various kinds, visual signs, posture, gaze, proxemic positioning and so on contain information which can be captured and used by the interlocutor in an appropriate and efficient manner, irrespective of the language and culture and in spite of certain quantitative and qualitative differences" (p. 446). In this regard, Meisel (2000) suggests that language acquisition studies have much to gain from investigating the simultaneous acquisition of two (or more) "first languages": "By analyzing the development of two linguistic competences in one individual, we may be capable of sorting out more easily to what extent the underlying logic of development is determined by the grammatical system to be acquired, or the particular way of human language processing as opposed to properties of the individual or of the communicative situation. There is, in fact, a steadily increasing amount of research in this area" (p. 344)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bakker, P. (1997). A language of our own: The genesis of Michif, the mixed Cree-French language of the Canadian Maetis. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Bialystok, E., & Hakuta, E. (1994). In other words: The science and psychology of second- language acquisition. New York: Basic Books.
• Blake, M. E., & Van Sickle, M. (2001). Helping linguistically diverse students share what they know. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 44(5), 468.
• Blanc, M. H., & Hamers, J. F. (2000). Bilinguality and bilingualism. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
• Byram, M. (2001). Routledge encyclopedia of language teaching and learning. London: Routledge.

More papers on Code Switching:

• Analytical Essay # 63499 : "The Power of Code-Switching"
• Essay # 20594 : "Code-Switching in English across Cultures"
• Essay # 53879 : "Bilingual Language Development"

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