Code switching in Religious Discourse in Egypt: The Case of Moez Masoud

Abstract

This study investigates the use of code switching (CS) between English and Arabic in the religious discourse of the Islamic preacher Moez Masoud. Data selected for this analysis came from two TV programs, presented by Moez Masoud entitled "The Right Path" on Iqraa TV and "The Journey of Certainty" on CBC TV channel. The results showed a number of functions of code switching, including lack/difficulty of an Arabic equivalent, quoting, smoothing negative connotations of a given expression, establishing authority and explaining academic terminology. In addition, the results of the analysis yielded a number of indexes: prestige, modernity, good education, and refusal.