Methodological considerations of code-switching between Serbian and German

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1.0. Introduction
• 1.1. Aims and content
• 2.0. Introduction to code-switching
• 2.1. Characterisation and definition of code-switching
• 2.2. Prior research on code-switching
• 2.3. Code-switching between multilingualism, language choice and identity
• 3.0. The functional approach to code-switching
• 3.1. Sociolinguistic introduction to code-switching
• 3.2. Discourse functional code-switching by Gumperz
• 3.3. Functional and interactional code-switching by Auer
• 3.4. The Markedness Model by Myers-Scotton
• 4.0. Three grammatical models of code-switching
• 4.1. Introduction to the grammatical approach to code-switching
• 4.2. Types of code-switching
• 4.3. The Variation Theory of Poplack and Sankoff (1981)
• 4.4. The Government and Binding theoretical approach of Di Sciullo, Muysken and Singh (1986)
• 4.5. The Matrix Language Frame Model by Myers-Scotton
• 5.0. An Empirical Study: Pragmatics of Serbian-German code-switching
• 5.1. Introduction to study
• 5.2. Data collection and methodology
• 5.3. Data analysis
• 5.3.1. Discourse functional and pragmatic aspects of code-switching from a grammatical perspective
• 5.3.1.1. Code-switching as insertion
• 5.3.1.2. Code-switching as a case marker
• 5.3.1.3. German verbs with Serbian inflectional morphology
• 5.3.1.4. Identification of the matrix language in Serbian and German code-switching
• 5.3.2. Discourse functional and pragmatic aspects of code-switching from a socio-functional perspective
• 5.3.2.1. Conversational functions of Serbian and German code-switching
• 5.3.2.2. We-code and They-code in Serbian and German
• 5.3.2.3. Language negotiation between Serbian and German
• 5.3.2.4. The humorous effect in code-switching
• 6.0. Discussion of results

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis explores the phenomenon of code-switching between Serbian and German, aiming to understand the discourse functions and pragmatic motivations behind language alternation in bilingual speakers. Through an empirical study based on naturally occurring conversations among Serbian-German bilinguals, the research investigates the linguistic and social factors influencing code-switching practices.

• Discourse functional and pragmatic aspects of code-switching
• Grammatical and socio-functional perspectives on code-switching
• Language choice and identity in bilingual communities
• The role of code-switching in communication and social interaction
• Analysis of Serbian-German code-switching patterns

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The thesis begins with an introduction to the topic of code-switching, defining the phenomenon and reviewing relevant research. It then examines the functional approach to code-switching, exploring different theories and models. Chapter 4 delves into three grammatical models of code-switching, providing a framework for analyzing the empirical data. The core of the thesis lies in Chapter 5, where a detailed analysis of Serbian-German code-switching data is conducted from both grammatical and socio-functional perspectives. This chapter investigates the discourse functions and pragmatic motivations behind language alternation, identifying patterns and highlighting the key features of Serbian-German code-switching.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The primary focus of this thesis is on code-switching, with a specific focus on Serbian and German. Key concepts include discourse functions, pragmatics, bilingualism, multilingualism, language choice, social interaction, and identity. The research explores the grammatical and socio-functional aspects of code-switching, utilizing theoretical frameworks such as the Markedness Model and the Matrix Language Frame Model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is code-switching in linguistics?

Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects within a single conversation or social interaction.

Why do Serbian-German bilinguals use code-switching?

Bilinguals switch languages for various discourse-functional and pragmatic reasons, such as emphasizing identity, negotiating meaning, or creating humorous effects.

What is the "Matrix Language Frame Model"?

It is a grammatical model by Myers-Scotton that explains how one language (the matrix language) provides the structure for a sentence while the other provides insertions.

How does code-switching relate to identity?

The study examines "We-code" and "They-code," showing how language choice reflects a speaker's sense of belonging to a specific community or culture.

Are there grammatical rules for Serbian-German code-switching?

Yes, the study analyzes patterns like German verbs with Serbian inflectional morphology and how case markers are used across both languages.