Code switching: a variation in language use

Abstract

In every speech community, multiple codes exist from which speakers or users of language make their choice in any communicative purpose. When more than one language are in use, speakers select the language or a mixture of languages that is most appropriate and which suits the speech situation. In such cases, speakers are bound to code mix or code switch in their language use. Traditionally, practices of code switching and code-mixing are viewed negatively. Some see them as “evidences of internal mental confusion’’ and some as manifestations of language competence deficiencies. This paper therefore sets out to examine the formal structure and the socio-linguistic function of code utterances. It discusses these based on Grice Co-operative Principle which regards conversation as an enterprise in which participants can draw inferences through knowledge of appropriate codes to achieve effectiveness. Data for the analysis will be obtained from a corpus of speeches from undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka through observation and questionnaire. The paper essentially argues that the switching from one code to another, its frequency and the communicative ease with which it is accomplished cannot be dismissed as evidences of linguistic incompetence in their first language (L1) or in the target language. It concludes therefore that the codes have certain socio-linguistic functions and they serve as variations in language use.