[18/05, 17:54] Meta AI: Code Switching

Code-switching is the act of changing from one language to another in the middle of a
conversation. People often do this when they speak more than one language. For example, a
person might start talking in Urdu and then switch to English in the same sentence. This usually
happens when the speaker wants to express something better in another language or when talking
to someone who understands both languages.

Definition
Code means a dialect or language that a person chooses to use on any occasion. Code means a
system used for communication between two or more parties. This implies one speaker can have
more codes. People may switch from one code to another or mix codes even within sometimes
very short utterances and thereby create a new code in a process known as code-switching.

Simple Explanation
When speakers alternate two or more languages in the same conversation, it is called code-
switching. In it, the speaker starts with a language and ends with a different language.

Example: SHIFT FROM ONE LANGUAGE TO ANOTHER (How are you doing?)? I hope
you’re doing well. Well! Today I am here to say something to you. Main bohat thak chuki hoon
or zindagi main thora sakoon chahti hoon. Mujhe paharoo’n main wadiyoon main jana hai.

Phenomena of Language
There are some phenomena of language that occur in societies to make communication more
effective and meaningful. One of these phenomena is code-switching, which we can observe
mostly in second/foreign language classrooms. It refers to the use of two languages within a
sentence or discourse.

Definition by Romaine
The definition of code Switching is the use of more than one language, variety, or style by a
speaker within an utterance or discourse, or between different interlocutors or situations
(Romaine, 1992:110).

Code Switching in Multilingual Speakers

Speakers of more than one language are known for their ability to code-switch or mix their
languages during their communication. People switch code within a domain or social situation.
The switch will be clear when there is an obvious change in the situation.

Examples of Code Switching

- Español Inglés Eyaid Inglés Español Inglés PAR AVION
- Code-switching may be related to a particular participant or addressee. For example, in shops,
salespeople often switch to the language of their customers.
Reasons for Code Switching
- Speakers may find it easier to discuss particular topics in one code rather than another.
- When a speaker switches code to quote a person or give a proverb.
- Attention of the readers-listeners: language switch from L to H can signal disapproval.
- We switch to expressing anger using different styles of English used for amusement and
dramatic effect by telling jokes for expressing emotions.

Metaphorical Switching
A type of code-switching where each of the codes represents or symbolizes some social
meaning, such as using a metaphor, requires being skillful.

Quote
According to Richard Nordquist, “The practice of moving back and forth between two
languages, or between two dialects/registers/styles of the same language, is called code-
switching. It is also called code-mixing.”

Code Switching in Linguistics

In linguistics, code-switching occurs when a speaker alternates between two or more languages,
or language varieties, in the context of a single conversation. Multilingual speakers of more than
one language sometimes use elements of multiple languages when conversing with each other.

Prevalence of Code Switching

Nearly seven thousand languages are spoken throughout the world. More than half of the world’s
population is estimated to be bilingual and engages in code switching across the world. Code
switching occurs far more often in conversation than in writing.

Code Switching in Pakistan

In Pakistan, code-switching is mainly used in military conversation and learning. Code switching
is the process of alternating between two languages or language varieties in a single conversation
while keeping up the linguistic features of that language or variety of language.

Conclusion
Multilingual speakers often move back and forth between two languages or varieties of
languages while conversing with each other to facilitate their conversation. This practice is code-
switching, also known as code-mixing.

Types of Code Switching

1. Tag Switching
Definition: Inserting a tag phrase from one language into a sentence in another.
Example: Woh kal aayega, you know.
Feature: Tags are often short phrases like “okay,” “you know,” and “I mean.”
Function: Used for emphasis, agreement, or clarification.
Forms of Code SwitchingCode switching can take various forms in communication, depending
on the linguistic and social context. These different forms of code-switching allow individuals to
manage their multilingual environments and effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas.-
A. Intersentential Switching: Intersentential code switching is a form of code switching where
language switches occur between sentences or clauses. Speakers alternate between languages or
language varieties at the sentence level to convey specific meanings, emphasize certain points, or
align with cultural or social norms. This form of code-switching showcases the fluidity and
versatility of bilingual or multilingual individuals and seamlessly transitioning between
languages within a conversation.- B. Intrasentential Switching: Intrasentential code switching
refers to the phenomenon where speakers seamlessly switch between languages or language
varieties within a single sentence. It involves incorporating words, phrases, or even grammatical
elements from different languages into the same sentence. It showcases the linguistic dexterity
and creativity of individuals who can fluidly navigate between languages, blending them
harmoniously to suit their communicative needs. This form of code-switching reflects the
complex interplay of language, culture, and identity in sociolinguistic interactions.- C. Tag
Switching: Tag switching is a form of code switching where speakers incorporate a word or
phrase from one language into a predominantly different language conversation. It involves
using a tag or marker in one language while speaking primarily in another language. Tag
switching can serve various purposes, such as adding emphasis, conveying emotion, or signaling
social identity. It allows multilingual speakers to draw on the linguistic resources of multiple
languages to enhance communication or express specific cultural nuances.- D. Code Mixing:
Code mixing refers to the practice of blending elements from two or more languages within a
single utterance or sentence. It involves using words, phrases, or grammatical structures from
different languages interchangeably. Code mixing often occurs naturally in bilingual or
multilingual communities and serves as a means of effective communication.e
2. Intersentential Code-Switching
Definition: Switching languages between complete sentences.
Example: Me tu yahan hoon. What happened?
Feature: Clear sentence boundary between languages.
Skill Level: Requires fluency in both languages.

3. Intrasentential Code-Switching
Definition: Mixing two languages within a single sentence.
Example: Usne mujhe call kiya, but I was busy.
Feature: Code-switching happens inside the same sentence.
Common in bilingual communities.

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[18/05, 17:55] Meta AI: Types of Code Switching
1. Tag Switching
Definition: Inserting a tag phrase from one language into a sentence in another.
Example: Woh kal aayega, you know.
Feature: Tags are often short phrases like “okay,” “you know,” and “I mean.”
Function: Used for emphasis, agreement, or clarification.

2. Intersentential Code-Switching
Definition: Switching languages between complete sentences.
Example: Me tu yahan hoon. What happened?
Feature: Clear sentence boundary between languages.
Skill Level: Requires fluency in both languages.

3. Intrasentential Code-Switching
Definition: Mixing two languages within a single sentence.
Example: Usne mujhe call kiya, but I was busy.
Feature: Code-switching happens inside the same sentence.
Common in bilingual communities.

Examples of Code Switching

Punjabi: ‫تسی کتھے جارے او؟ جلدی واپس آتا۔‬
Urdu: ‫روزنامہ ایکسپریس پشاور آفس کیلئے اسٹنٹ کا سیکر کی ضرورت ہے‬
Urdu-English: Awaam ko koi RELIEF nahi mila. Supreme Court main JUDGES ki tatuad
hartanay kay Bye ACT 33 tabdeel ka jaye Pakistue main jamhooriat ka farogh hamari POLICY
hai MUJHE SHIKAYAT HAI that we are at making history.
Students (Urdu-English): Iss ka onder ooper se agya hai. No one at the office was willing to say
anything except that is ka order ooper se aya hai.
Tamil: Enakkuu thenia. What happened? Polam, make it soon. Avalku adi patturchu, so sad of
her, la? Time, Aachu, shall we make a move? Why this kolaveri di? Dress Nalla in it; she looks
so damn cute.

Code Switching in Conversation

Hari: Hi, Sam! Why are you late? Class approvee start aiduchu.
Sam: Heavy traffic, da. Nee eppoo vandha?
Hari: Traffic is our problem. Somehow IPO

Reasons for Code Switching

- To hide fluency or memory problems in the second language.
- To mark switching from informal situations to formal situations.
- To change a topic and stress that by using an appropriate code.
- To exert control, especially between parents and children.
- Influence of Western culture.
- To express someone’s emotion.
Situational Code Switching
Situational switching refers to the tendency in a bilingual community to use different languages
in different social situations. It may be based on the topic, on the addressee, on the institution, or
on any specific combination of situational factors.

Linguistic Determinism
Definition: The theory that language determines thought.
Associated With: The strong version of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis.
Key Claim: If a language lacks a concept, its speakers cannot fully understand or think about it.

Humboldt’s Concept
Wilhelm von Humboldt’s View: “Language is the formative organ of thought.”
Language Shapes Worldview (Weltanschauung): Each language reflects and influences how its
speakers perceive the world.
Language is dynamic: it is a creative, evolving force.
Inner Form: Language has an internal structure that influences thought and culture.
Influence: Basis for linguistic relativity and the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis.

Reasons for Code Switching

- Sign of solidarity & affiliation (example: elevator)
- Continuity in speech rather than presenting an interference in language.
- Code switching allows a speaker to convey attitude, anger, and other emotions.
- Code switching is done deliberately to exclude a person from a conversation.
- To exert control or attention, especially between parents and children at home, teachers and
students making noise in the class, and teachers using code-switching techniques to control their
classes.
- A religious scholar (called Maulvi or Khateeb) uses Arabic phrases or verses in his religious
speech/lesson in a gathering.

Code Switching in the Classroom

- For translation
- To understand difficult lessons easily
- To learn new vocabulary in the classroom
- To establish a relationship with students
- To assert the authority of the teacher
- Very effective to learn a foreign language
- Increases participation & understanding
- Makes languages motivational and interesting

Advantages of Code Switching

- Change role of a speaker: raise status, add authority, show expertise
- Convey privacy, secrecy, anger, annoyance
- Emphasize group identity (solidarity).
- Hide language incompetency
- Continuity of speech

Disadvantages of Code Switching

- Threat to regional/national language—Code mixing often precedes language shift/death.
- Weakens language competency in writing register
- Exclusion of someone from conversation
- Monolinguals hate code-switching.
- Code-mixing is a marker of education, religion, geographical origin, and caste in some areas.
- Develops formal relationships
[18/05, 17:57] Meta AI: Advantages of Code Switching
- Change role of a speaker: raise status, add authority, show expertise
- Convey privacy, secrecy, anger, annoyance
- Emphasize group identity (solidarity).
- Hide language incompetency
- Continuity of speech

Disadvantages of Code Switching

- Threat to regional/national language—Code mixing often precedes language shift/death.
- Weakens language competency in writing register
- Exclusion of someone from conversation
- Monolinguals hate code-switching.
- Code-mixing is a marker of education, religion, geographical origin, and caste in some areas.
- Develops formal relationships

Functions of Teacher Code Switching

- Topic switch: The teacher alters his or her language according to the topic being taught.
- Affective functions: Important in the expression of emotions and building a relationship
between the teacher and the student.
- Repetitive functions: Code switching is used to clarify the meaning of a word and stresses the
importance of the foreign language content for better comprehension.

Functions of Student Code Switching

- Equivalence: Gives the student the opportunity to communicate without gaps because of
incompetence.
- Floor-holding: Used when a student cannot remember a word and uses their native language to
avoid a break in communication.
- Reiteration: Helps the student to become more competent in the language they are trying to
learn.
- Conflict control: May be used to avoid misunderstanding when a child does not use a correct
meaning in communication.

Using Code Switching in the Classroom

Teachers can integrate code-switching into the activities used to teach a second language. By
having students get in pairs and switch languages at pre-determined points in conversation, it
helps them to learn each other’s language. Teachers can also begin a lesson in one language, then
switch to another language, forcing the children to listen carefully and comprehend both
languages.

Code Switching as a Language Interference

Code switching can be seen as a language interference in the classroom. Students may see code-
switching as an acceptable form of communication in society and would 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.

Language Functions
Directive Function
Language is used to direct people’s actions, including including or excluding them from a group.
- Example: “Please pass the salt.” (Directing someone to perform an action)
- Urdu Example: “Kya aap mere liye chai bana sakte hain?” (Can you make tea for me?)
- Punjabi Example: “Veerey, deo menu phone.” (Friend, give me the phone.)
This is a function of language, where language is used to give instructions or directions.

Expressive Function
Language is used to express emotions, traditions, and customs and to share personal or cultural
identity.
- Example: “I’m so excited for the party tonight!” (Expressing emotion)
- Urdu Example: “Mujhe apne desh se bahut pyaar hai.” (I love my country a lot.)
- Punjabi Example: “Main apne parivaar nu bahut pyaar karna.” (I love my family a lot.)
This is a function of language, where language is used to express feelings and emotions.

Referential Function
Language is used to convey information, facts, or descriptions about the world.
- Example: “The sun rises in the east.” (Conveying information)
- Urdu Example: “Pakistan ka capital Islamabad hai.” (The capital of Pakistan is Islamabad.)
- Punjabi Example: “Sikho gurunanak dev ji da janam din hai.” (Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak
Dev Ji’s birthday.)
This is a function of language, where language is used to convey information and facts.
Phatic Function
Language is used to establish or maintain social contact, such as greetings, small talk, or starting
a conversation with a stranger.
- Example: “How are you?” (Establishing social contact)
- Urdu Example: “Assalam-o-alaikum, kya haal hain?” (Hello, how are you?)
- Punjabi Example: “Sat sri akaal, kiven?” (Hello, how are you?)
This is a function of language, where language is used to establish and maintain social
relationships.

Metalinguistic Function
Language is used to talk about language itself, such as explaining meanings, grammar rules, or
definitions.
- Example: “The word ‘hello’ is a common greeting.” (Talking about language)
- Urdu Example: “Lafz ‘khuda’ ka matlab hai Allah.” (The word ‘khuda’ means Allah.)
- Punjabi Example: “Shabad ‘Sat sri akaal’ da matlab hai God is true.” (The phrase ‘Sat sri akaal’
means God is true.)
This is a function of language, where language is used to discuss language itself.

[18/05, 17:57] Meta AI: Metalinguistic Function

Language is used to talk about language itself, such as explaining meanings, grammar rules, or
definitions.
- Example: “The word ‘hello’ is a common greeting.” (Talking about language)
- Urdu Example: “Lafz ‘khuda’ ka matlab hai Allah.” (The word ‘khuda’ means Allah.)
- Punjabi Example: “Shabad ‘Sat sri akaal’ da matlab hai God is true.” (The phrase ‘Sat sri akaal’
means God is true.)
This is a function of language, where language is used to discuss language itself.

Poetic Function
Language is used to create beauty, rhythm, or artistic effect, focusing on the form of expression
rather than just the content.
- Example: “The sun sets slowly and paints the sky with hues of red and orange.” (Creating a
poetic effect)
- Urdu Example: “Chandni raat mein chand ka suraj ki tarah chamakna.” (The moon shining like
the sun in the moonlit night.)
- Punjabi Example: “Sawan diyaan raaton mein barsat da aanand.” (The joy of rain in the month
of Sawan.)
This is a function of language, where language is used to create aesthetic and artistic effects.

Matrix Language and Embedded Language

- Matrix Language: The dominant language used in a bilingual or multilingual conversation.
- Embedded Language: The less dominant language inserted into the matrix language during a
conversation.
- Example: “Main kal movie dekhne jaa raha hoon; it’s going to be a lot of fun.” (Urdu is the
matrix language, and English is the embedded language.)
- Punjabi Example: “Main apne dost de naal park vich ghooma, we had a great time.” (Punjabi is
the matrix language, and English is the embedded language.)
This is a function of code-switching, where a speaker switches between two languages in a single
conversation.

Conclusion
Language functions are essential to human communication, and code-switching is a common
phenomenon in bilingual and multilingual communities. Understanding the different functions of
language and code-switching can help us appreciate the complexity and beauty of human
language.