Remember
What is code-switching?
Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or language varieties during a conversation or interaction.
Why did Sarah switch to Māori when greeting Mere in the meeting example?
To express solidarity and shared ethnic identity.
Two bilingual speakers are talking in English and one says “ándale pues.” What type of switching is this?
Tag switching.
How does code-switching help speakers construct social identity?
It allows speakers to show membership in different groups and express different social roles.
Create an example of tag switching.
Example: “We should meet tomorrow, ándale, let’s do it.”
What social change may trigger a code-switch when a new person joins a conversation?
A change in participants, which may cause speakers to adapt their language to include or accommodate the new person.
Why might bilingual speakers switch languages when discussing technical or academic topics?
Because they learned the specialised vocabulary in one language and it is easier to discuss those topics in that language.
A student uses a dialect with friends but switches to the standard language with a professor. What factors influences the switch?
Status and formality.
Why did the grandfather switch from Hungarian to German when scolding the children?
German symbolised authority and distance, helping him express anger and control.
Create a short dialogue where speakers switch languages to show solidarity.
A: “Hey, how are you?”
B: “Bien, amigo! I missed you.”
What type of switching involves inserting a short phrase or interjection from another language to signal identity?
Tag switching (also called emblematic switching).
How can code-switching signal solidarity between speakers?
By using a shared language or ethnic marker that shows closeness, shared identity, or group membership.
Three Cantonese-speaking students discuss cooking in Cantonese but switch to English to talk about chemistry. What triggers the switch?
The topic.
In the reading, Mr Rupa is a respected village entrepreneur speaking at a community meeting in Papua New Guinea. During his speech, he switches repeatedly between Buang, the local tribal language of the community, and Tok Pisin, a widely used lingua franca associated with business, trade, and communication beyond the village. He is trying to persuade people to keep their money invested in a village store rather than taking it back.
How does Mr Rupa’s switching between Buang and Tok Pisin help strengthen his speech and make his message more persuasive?
Buang emphasised solidarity with the community, while Tok Pisin highlighted his authority and business expertise.
Create an example where someone switches languages to quote another person.
“She looked at me and said, ‘Estoy cansada’, and then she left.”
In bilingual communities, which variety is typically used in formal contexts such as government or education?
The H variety (High variety).
Why might a speaker switch languages to express anger or disapproval?
Because switching to a more formal or authoritative language can create distance and emphasise authority or reprimand.
A speaker switches languages to quote a proverb exactly. What function does the switch serve?
A referential function, ensuring accuracy.
In the reading, a Samoan speaker is talking about his experience trying to follow his doctor’s advice to go on a diet. While telling the story, he switches between English and Samoan. In English he describes factual events, such as what the doctor told him, while in Samoan he expresses how he felt about trying to control his eating habits.
What does the speaker’s switching between Samoan and English reveal about the message he is communicating?
One language expresses personal feelings (affective function) while the other conveys more objective information (referential function).
Create a situation where someone switches languages to show authority.
Example: A parent suddenly uses a formal language variety to discipline a child.
What term refers to switching languages in order to reproduce exactly what someone said?
Switching for quotation.
Why do some sociolinguists prefer the term metaphorical switching instead of code-mixing?
Because the switching is purposeful and meaningful, not random mixing of languages.
A speaker switches between languages to emphasise both community identity and professional authority. What type of switching is this?
Metaphorical switching.
Why can code-switching be considered a creative linguistic resource?
Because speakers use it strategically to express identity, humour, emphasis, and social meaning.
Create a short example of metaphorical switching.
A politician uses the local dialect to connect emotionally with voters but switches to the standard language to discuss policy.