L2 PROFICIENCY AND CODE SWITCHING

Effect of Second Language Proficiency on Code Switching and Attitudes toward Code Switching in Bilingual International Students



Abstract

This study deals with identifying different proficiency of L2 in code switching among bilingual international students at Bangor University. It involves studying code switching patterns in students, based on their linguistic proficiency. To develop a better understanding of code switching, introduction of code switching, code mixing, types of code switching and ideological perspectives surrounding code switching will be discussed in this research paper. This study also highlights different attributes which affect code switching in bilingual international students. This research also provides that proficiency of language plays a major role in affecting the pattern of code switching in bilingual students. Another important aspect found during research is that students with L2 proficiency are more inclined towards code switching as compare to students with high L2 proficiency. Students with high L2 proficiency also switch codes, but there are it depe4nds on different factors as compare to students with low L2 proficiency. This study also provides different factors which affect attitudes of code switching in bilinguals, such as level of proficiency, educational background, social interaction with friends and different other factors which identify changes in attitudes of code switching. It means that code switching depends on level of proficiency, students with both high and low L2 proficiency, involves in code switching, but there is difference in frequency and reasons for code switching.

Table of Contents

Abstract1

Introduction2

Code Switching2

Mixing Language and Inter Language3

Types of Code Switching4

Critical Review of Previous Researches on Code Switching in Bilinguals5

Aims and Objectives of the Study6

Research Questions6

Hypothesis7

Methodology7

Participants7

Materials10

Procedure10

Data Analysis, Observations and Interpretations11

Language Proficiency of the Participants12

Participants' Knowledge of First and Second Languages14

Frequencies of Code Switching and Bilingualism16

Reasons and Factors for Code Switching17

Reasons for Mixing Languages (High Proficiency)17

Reasons for Mixing Languages (Low Proficiency)18

Results19

Attitudes toward Code Switching in Bilingual International Students23

Discussion28

Conclusion30

References31

Appendix34

Effect of Second Language Proficiency on Code Switching and Attitudes toward Code Switching in Bilingual International Students

Introduction

Language learning is a natural phenomenon which involves various social, cultural, economic and psychological factors. All these factors not only provides the reasons for language learning, but also affects language proficiency and language use of an individual after he became bilingual or multilingual. One of the major factors associated in bilingualism is to switch between L1 and L2 (Mackey, 1962, p. 51-85). This depends of various social and psychological factors, and most commonly 'psychological' factors as it involves the sense of using privileged language, attempt to show expertise in L2, making their points clear, lack of confidence and other such factors which defines attitude of code switching bilinguals. According to Bhatia & Ritchies, Code switching is a “socially stigmatized behavior” (Bhatia & Ritchies, 2006, p.290).This phenomenon is very common in bilingual international students.

Code Switching

As individuals become bilingual, they will switch between t two languages in their attempts to be understood or to clarify listener what they mean. This behavior is called code switching (Wei, 2000, p.126), and over time, individuals who are in constant communication may create ...