Okuzeka
Linguistics & Grammar vocabulary · Sociolinguistics

Code-switching

Meaning in linguistics & grammar, with examples

/ˈkəʊd ˌswɪtʃɪŋ/nounCommon term

In linguistics & grammar, code-switching means: Moving between two or more languages or varieties within one conversation or even within one sentence, a normal practice among bilingual speakers.

In Turkish: dil değiştirme, kod değiştirme, düzenek değiştirme

How it is used

Studied in sociolinguistics and bilingualism research, which shows that it follows rules and has social functions. Some writers use code-mixing for switches inside a sentence. In everyday English it also means changing your style for different groups.

Example sentences

  1. 'Bu akşam meeting var, sonra seni call ederim' is a typical example of code-switching among Turkish office workers.

  2. Code-switching is not a sign of poor language skills; it often shows a high level of control over both languages.

Common collocations

  • intra-sentential code-switching
  • patterns of code-switching
  • code-switching and code-mixing
  • functions of code-switching
  • bilingualismThe ability to use two languages, or the regular use of two languages by a person or a community; using more than two is called multilingualism.
  • sociolinguisticsThe study of how language varies and changes with society: how age, region, social class, gender and situation shape the way people speak.
  • registerA variety of language used for a particular situation or purpose, from formal to informal, such as academic writing, legal language or chatting with friends.
  • dialectA variety of a language used by speakers in a particular region or social group, with its own vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.

More terms: Sociolinguistics

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: