Code-Switching (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780521681131)

It is quite commonplace for bilingual speakers to use two or more languages, dialects or varieties in the same conversation, without any apparent effort. The phenomenon, known as code-switching, has become a major focus of attention in linguistics. This concise and original study explores how, when and where code-switching occurs. Drawing on a diverse range of examples from medieval manuscripts to rap music, novels to advertisements, emails to political speeches, and above all everyday conversation, it argues that code-switching can only be properly understood if we study it from a variety of perspectives. It shows how sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, grammatical and developmental aspects of code-switching are all interdependent, and findings in each area are crucial to others. Breaking down barriers across the discipline of linguistics, this pioneering book confronts fundamental questions about what a 'native language' is, and whether languages can be meaningfully studied outside of the individuals who use them.

Author: Penelope Gardner-Chloros
ISBN-10: 0521681138
ISBN-13: 9780521681131
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 06/25/2009
Pages: 254
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.90h x 5.90w x 0.50d