Mind the gap: What code-switching in literature can teach us about code-switching

Abstract

This article argues that contrary to sociolinguistic practice which emphasizes spontaneous speech as the main or only source of evidence, the study of literary code-switching (CS) can be relevant to an understanding of CS in general. CS is first distinguished from other forms of literary multilingualism and from borrowing. We then consider how CS fits in with the mimetic function in literary dialogue, and how its functions can be compared with those of natural speech. We will see that literary CS can provide a wealth of sociolinguistically relevant information on speech modes found in various communities, and is particularly apt to portray postcolonial tensions. More stylized CS in poetry and drama can also embody complex multicultural identities and patterns of language choice, even in the absence of strict verisimilitude.

Social Relation that Triggers the Use of Code-Switching in the Novel the Architecture of Love by Ika Natassa

“…One particular form of literary works that use code-switching is novel. However, studies on codeswitching in literary works such as novels have been ignored by researchers because they lack spontaneity (Weston & Gardner-Chloros, 2015).…”

Negotiating Identity: The Author’s Use of Code-Switching in the Novel “The Shelter

“…The code-switching found in this novel contains some specific expressions like honorifics and greetings. Instead of facing difficulty to translate the forms with cultural connotations, the authors attached the honorifics and greetings in the Korean language to convince the readers that the language other than that in the text is being uttered in the conversations (Weston and Gardner-Chloros, 2015); that is not of Indonesian. While the findings of this study suggest that the author switches codes to negotiate identity, the study by Ali (2018) demonstrates that code-switching was one of the methods utilized by the author of "Agency Rules -Never an Easy Day at the Office" to enhance language of the text.…”

Textual Code-Switching: A Case Study Of Malay/English Blogs

“…However, the typical focus has conventionally been on the analysis of its spoken interactions. As a result, studies of code-switching in the written production are not as prolific in comparison to studies of its oral production (Weston & Gardner-Chloros, 2015). In today's digital era, we find ourselves heavily indulge in written and text based communication such as text messaging, chats, emails and blogs (to name a few).…”