ALS455: LANGUAGE AND SOCIETY

CODE SWITCHING

DUE DATE: WEEK 7

NAME : MUHAMMAD RAFFIQ ADZRI BIN MOHD ZIN

ID : 2018424426

CLASS : LG240 2Ai

LECTURER : DR. AINI AKMAR BINTI MOHD KASIM

FACULTY : AKADEMI PENGAJIAN BAHASA

 Introduction
Holmes (2013) defines code-switching as the switch of language or code within
domain or social situation. This phenomenon usually occurs when a bilingual or multi-
lingual person switch their code in conversations quite often in a specific setting. People
switch their codes when there is change in the situation. For example, making new
acquaintance of different background, we switch our code as a sign of solidarity and to
exhibit our membership or shared ethnicity with the person we speak to. Even though we
might not always switch codes and the rest of a conversation can be conducted in one
particular code or language, it is safe to assume that code-switching is closely depends
on particular participants or recipient. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to study the code-
switching forms and function based on a clip from the movie Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna
(2006).

1.0 Code-switching Forms

In her book “An Introduction to Sociolinguistic”, Holmes (2013) asserts that there
are three distinguishable form of code switching which is tag switching, inter-sentential
switching and intra-sentential switching. In the movie clip extracted, there are two code
switching forms that are prominently used throughout the entire conversation:

1.1 Inter-sentential switching

Inter-sentential switching takes place a when a speaker switches his or her

language outside the sentence or clause level, at the boundaries of sentences or
clauses. The phrase or clause can both occur at the beginning or the end of a
sentence and this type is often noticeable in bilingual speakers. In this particular
clip, both the character Dev and Rhea switches between two languages which are
Hindi and English. There are three explicit examples that can be extracted from the
clip showing this type of switch.

As can be observed at the 00:24-00:26 mark of the clip, the Rhea told Dev “By
the way, I want to tell you something…”. This demonstrated the first example as
she switches from English to Hindi in two different clauses in her sentence.

The second instance of this form can be seen when Dev lashed out at his son,
Arjun for playing the violin, more specifically at 02:00-02:03. “This is no time for
you to play violin… It’s time for you to sleep… You’ve got school tomorrow...
Go now…”. The first two clause is in English while the later two is switched into
Hindi.
 Finally, the inter-sentential switching transpired at 02:27-02:32 where she said
“Yes Dev… I didn’t have time… because I worked very hard…” to Dev. Compared
to first example, the switching in this sentence happen at the beginning of the
sentence where she switched from Hindi to English. The phrase “Yes Dev…” and
the clause “I didn’t have time...” is in Hindi and she ended her sentence with
another language which is English.

1.2 Intra-sentential switching

In intra-sentential switching, the shifting of the codes and languages occur in

between a sentence or a clause without interference, stalling or stops to stipulate
the shift. Due to the nature of the conversation to be rapid, the speaker that uses
this form of code-switching is usually unaware of the shift. The same can be said
for the claim. Their conversation is an argument; thus, they are producing
sentences at faster rate than a normal and calm conversation. Dev and Rhea also
barely stops and there is no hesitation in what they are saying.

First example can be seen at 00:49-00:53 where Dev expressed his

disappointment with Rhea for seeing him just as a husband. “After all who am I?
I’m just your husband?”. This sarcastic remark from Dev uses the form explicitly
as he switches between two languages with great ease.

Apart from that, at 01:37-01:40. “If you refused the promotion what was the
need to tell me?” said Dev. The entire sentence is in Hindi except for the word
promotion. No pauses, fast and the speaker did not even realise it at the moment.

Lastly, at 02:23-02:39 Rhea retaliates Dev’s argument that she never had time
for their son by saying “No one asks men when they are busy when they have no
time for their children”. Only the word busy is expressed in English while the others
are completely in Hindi”
2.0 Basic Functions of Code-Switching.

Soo (1987) identified that there are six basic functions of code-switching which is:

I. Representative
II. Directive
III. Expressive
IV. Declaration
V. Interjection
VI. Loan words

In this part, the focus will be on three out of the six functions which is:

Functions Explanation Example

Interjection It is used to put an impression and it is “Wow! And of course, there was no
also used to connect the previous need to consult me.” (00:44-00:48)
sentence to next one. It is unknown if
the use is intentional or not. If it is, then
it is used to express his anger.
Declarative Used to convey thoughts effectively. In “I know how to handle him…I have
this case, Dev uses English at first and brought him up…” (02:18-02:21)
then switches to Hindi to emphasize his
thought on why Rhea should not
comment what he did to Arjun
Directive Used to give command. Dev switches “This is no time for you to play
between languages when he instructed violin… It’s time for you to sleep…
his son to stop playing violin and to go You’ve got school tomorrow... Go
to bed. (Bolded is the commands) now…”. (02:00-02:03)
3.0 Society’s Approval of Code-Switching – An Opinion

People are unaware of the fact that they code-switch. When their
attention is drawn to this behaviour, however, many tend to apologise for
it, condemn it and generally indicate disapproval of mixing languages. -
Holmes (2013, p. 46)

In my opinion, I think that the society should not disapprove of code-switching usage. As
stated in Holmes (2013) many would jeer or call names to those that switch codes regularly.
In Malaysia, we have what the people called “broken English”, in other countries they call
pretenders and so on. I think that this habit of viewing code-switching practice as something
negative or repulsive should stop as there are plenty of reasons that code-switching can prove
to be beneficial.

First and foremost, code switching can help the knowledge learned or information
conveyed to be better understood. Children and students are often faced with problems of
being not sure whether what they would say in class is right or wrong. In non-English speaking
countries, lessons are usually taught in their native language so when the students are asked
to say something, they would hesitate because the lack of vocabulary in English. Code-
switching will undeniably help them to convey what they would want to say without a doubt in
their hearts. Pollard (2002), found that students that was allowed to code switch freely in class
was able to project their knowledge to teachers and friends alike better than those who do not.

Moreover, it is also important as it can create a relaxed classroom for the student. Tension
can rise if the class is too formal meaning that whatever the language used, code-switching is
not allow as it disrupts the formality of the learning environment. A more relaxed classroom
will ultimately lead to more students’ participation. Metila (2009) notes that a less tense
classroom environment is created when code-switching is allowed among the student and as
a consequence, promotes interaction among the students themselves as well as the teacher
(as cited in Aljoundi, 2013). This concept can also be applied to our daily life. Being in a good
environment will help to strengthen the bonds and relationship between family and friends as
a result of a better understanding of each other

All in all, code-switching is essential to the development of the language and society.
Different people might have different reasons to practice code switching. Some are
unconsciously practicing it, some knows what it does and what I does not. Despite, its different
uses, we cannot refute the fact that code switching is beneficial to the society as a whole. I
hope that this practice someday will be more acceptable all across the world in pursuit of a
better society.
 References

Aljoundi, E. K. (2013). The strengths and weaknesses of code switching and bilingualism in

the language classroom.

Esen, S. (2014, April 13). Code Switching: Definition, Types, and Examples. Retrieved from

https://owlcation.com/humanities/Code-Switching-Definition-Types-and-Examples-

of-Code-Switching

Nurhamidah, N., Fauziati, E., & Supriyadi, S. (2018). CODE-SWITCHING IN EFL

CLASSROOM: IS IT GOOD OR BAD? Journal of English Education, 3(2), 78-88.

doi:10.31327/jee.v3i2.861

Pollar, S. (2002). The benefit of code switching within a bilingual education program.

Shuter, J. (2013, November 5). Code-Switching in Society — Science Leadership Academy

@ Center City. Retrieved from https://scienceleadership.org/blog/code-

switching_in_society

Siti Hamin Stapa, & Nurul Nadiah Begum Sahabudin Khan. (2016). Functions of code-

switching: a case study of a mixed malay-chinese family in the home

domain. Pertanika Journal, 24, 181-194.