Code switching can be defined as the use of more than one language, variety, or style by a speaker within an utterance or discourse, or between different interlocutors or situations SWITCHING CODE
bilingual communities. Code switching occurs mostly in bilingual communities. Speakers of more than one language are known for their ability to code switch or mix their language during their communication. Many linguists have stressed the point that switching between languages is a communicative option available to a bilingual member of a speech community, just as switching between styles or dialects is an option for the monolingual speaker.
What About Code Switching With Dialects? Yes, someone might code switch within one language by mixing dialects or types of vernacular. You can mix academic- speak with street-speak, for example, or slip mid-sentence into baby-talk.
To Fulfill a Need. A speaker who may not be able to express him/herself in one language might switch to another to compensate for the deficiency. As a result, the speaker may be triggered into speaking in the other language for a while. This type of code switching tends to occur when the speaker is upset, tired, or distracted in some manner, or when they are less fluent in one language. To Express Solidarity. Switching also commonly occurs when an individual wishes to express solidarity with a particular social group. Rapport is established between the speaker and the listener when the listener responds with a similar switch. To Exclude Others. Code switching may also be used to exclude others from a conversation who do not speak the second language. Reasons Speakers Use Code Switching Reasons Speakers Use Code Switching
Code Switching As A Language Interference In the classroom, code switching can be seen as language interference. Students may see code switching as an acceptable form of communication in society, and may feel comfortable switching languages in everyday normal conversation. This would put those who are not bilingual at a disadvantage, because they would not be able to communicate effectively. Therefore, code switching can be both beneficial and a possible language interference, depending on the situation and the context in which it occurs.
Inter-Sentential In inter-sentential code switching, the language switch is done at sentence boundaries. This is seen most often between fluent bilingual speakers. In intra-sentential code switching, the shift is done in the middle of a sentence, with no interruptions, hesitations or pauses indicating a shift. The speaker is usually unaware of the shift. Different types of switch occur within the clause level including within the word level. Some researchers call it also code mixing. Extra- Sentential There is an insertion of a tag from one language into an utterance that is in another language.