Functional Aspect of Code-switching

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word or constituent into the sentence structure.

Code-switching of alternation type refers to the usage of two matrix languages within one single utterance; that is, both languages involved are matrix languages, and syntactic structures from both languages are used.

For code-switching of congruent lexicalization type, “the grammatical structure is shared by languages A and B, and words from both languages A and B are inserted more or less randomly” (Muysken, 2000:8). In other words, both languages can be matrix languages; the syntactic structure is alternatively changed within utterance.

2.5.2.4. Functional Aspect of Code-switching 2.5.2.4.1. Functions of code-switching

Many scholars have discussed the functions of code-switching. Auer (1995) proposes eight major functions of code-switching which include: reported speech, change of participant constellation, parentheses or side-comments, reiterations (so called translation, repetitions, or recycling), change of activity type, topic shift, puns or language play, and topicalisation.

Myers-Scotton (1993) propounds four motivations which cause speaker to employs code-switching, including emphasizing personal style and sociopragmatic meaning, using as discourse marker, using for convenience of expression, and using to fill the lexical gap.

McClure (1977) proposes that more than often, code-switching serves to obtain hearer’s attention, to emphasize the manner of speaking, to emphasize topic or

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personal opinion, to reduce ambiguity, to shift the manner of speaking, to conduct topic shifting, to invite new participants, and to show interest to the topic.

2.5.2.4.2. Situational, metaphorical and conversational code-switching.

Gumperz (1982) regards code-switching as a kind of social phenomena that people’s psychological thinking is involved. He proposes that code-switching can imply speaker’s motivation, and it can also label the change of relationship between interlocutors. Through such phenomenon, speaker can confirm and enhance the relationship with their interlocutors, so they can achieve their communicative purposes easier.

Blom & Gumperz (1972) investigate the phenomena of code-switching in the Norwegian village of Hemnesberget. They find out that Norwegians switch between standard language and dialect in order to convey certain social information. They propose that code-switching is influenced by social, situational, and affectional factors, based on which they categorize code-switching as situational code-switching and metaphorical code-switching. Later, Gumperz (1982) proposes another category－

conversational code-switching.

1. Situational code-switching

Situational code-switching is influenced by many situational and social factors, such as types of events (such as debating, chatting, and reporting), settings (such as class, workplace, and home), and interlocutors (such as advisor, family member, and boss). When one of these factors changes, it may cause speaker to do code alternation.

For instance, Blom & Gumperz (1972) investigate the phenomena of code-switching

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in Norway and discover that teachers tend to speak standard language－Bokmål when do the lecture, but use dialect－Ranamål while chatting or discussing with students. This proves that social and situational factors cause the emergence of code-switching.

2. Metaphorical code-switching

Metaphorical code-switching is used to convey certain implicit social meaning.

Topic is the crucial communicative factor which arouses metaphorical code-switching.

That is, if situational factor changes, speaker would chooses an established code in their mind to convey implications or motivations. For instance, Blom & Gumperz (1972) find that bank staffs in Norway tend to use standard language, Bokmål, when they discuss business affairs; but they use the dialect, Ranamål, when they talk about daily affairs.

Such linguistic choice reveals that when people discuss formal or serious topic, they tend to use standard language, while when they discuss casual or personal affairs, they tend to use dialect. It is shown that topic is an important communicative factor which influences metaphorical code-switching. Rickford & McNair-Knox (1994) also emphasize that topic is an influential factor which leads to code-switching.

3. Conversational code-switching

According to Gumperz (1982:59), “conversational code switching can be defined as the juxtaposition within the same speech exchange of passages of speech belonging to two different grammatical systems or subsystems.” He classifies the functions of conversational code-switching into six subcategories: quotation, addressee specification, interjections, reiteration, message qualification, and personalization versus objectivization.

However, McClure & McClure (1988) propose that conversational code-switching is a

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subcategory of situational code-switching, with both being caused by the factor of social identification.

2.5.2.4.3. We Code and They Code

Gumperz (1982) adopts anthropological view of code-switching, and regards code-switching as a kind of social phenomena. He believes that the usage of code-switching is motivated by certain social purpose, and that it is also accompanied with the change of the relationship between the interlocutors. Therefore, he proposes the notion of we code and they code. As Gumperz suggests, code-switching is the shifting between the ethnically minority language and majority language, with the minority language being regarded as we code (i.e. the in-group language that is associated with familiarity, solidarity, or informal activities), while the majority language being they code (which is associated with formal, out group relationship). Therefore, code-switching can be used to reveal interlocutors’ identities and relationship.

Gal (1979:116) provides a classic example in which a Hungarian-speaking woman in Austria uses the majority language, German, to show retort to her husband. In this case, the woman shifts from minority language (i.e. we code) to majority language (i.e. they code) in order to enlarge the social distance between her and her husband, and thus cause the effect of repression.