Methodological considerations of code-switching between Serbian and German

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

6.1. Conclusion

Objectives and Topics

This study aims to identify the motivations behind bilingual speakers' use of code-switching as a discursive strategy, particularly focusing on how language shifts implicate discourse functional and pragmatic effects. The research explores why bilingual speakers alternate between languages and seeks to explain the linguistic and social utility of these occurrences.

• Characterization of code-switching as a linguistic phenomenon.
• Theoretical foundations including functional approaches and grammatical models.
• Empirical analysis of natural Serbian-German code-switching patterns.
• Investigation of pragmatic and socio-functional motivations for code-switching.
• Examination of structural constraints and the matrix language in bilingual discourse.

Excerpts from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1.0. Introduction: Presents the study's goal to identify why bilingual speakers use code-switching and outlines the theoretical and empirical structure of the thesis.

2.0. Introduction to code-switching: Defines code-switching, summarizes prior research, and discusses the relationship between multilingualism, language choice, and identity.

3.0. The functional approach to code-switching: Reviews key sociolinguistic theories, including Gumperz's discourse functional aspects and Auer's interactive approach.

4.0. Three grammatical models of code-switching: Examines structural constraints on code-switching through Variation Theory, Government and Binding, and the Matrix Language Frame model.

5.0. An Empirical Study: Pragmatics of Serbian-German code-switching: Analyzes collected Serbian-German data from both grammatical and socio-functional perspectives, detailing specific switching patterns.

6.0. Discussion of results: Synthesizes the empirical findings with the theoretical framework, confirming the multifaceted pragmatic reasons for code-switching in bilingual discourse.

Keywords

code-switching, bilingualism, discourse functional, pragmatics, Serbian-German, language alternation, linguistic competence, sociolinguistics, grammatical constraints, language contact, matrix language, identity, speech style, insertion, conversational functions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The thesis investigates why bilingual speakers engage in code-switching, specifically examining the discourse-functional and pragmatic motivations that drive language alternation.

Which languages are central to the empirical data?

The empirical study exclusively analyzes natural daily conversations between Serbian-German bilingual speakers.

What is the primary research goal?

The goal is to explain how language shifts during code-switching function as a pragmatic tool to achieve specific communication aims, such as shortening utterances or clarifying meanings.

What methodological approach is used?

The research is based on audio recordings of naturally occurring everyday interactions, which are then analyzed using both grammatical and socio-functional theoretical frameworks.

What does the main body of the work cover?

It covers both theoretical foundations (Gumperz, Auer, Myers-Scotton) and an empirical analysis of Serbian-German data, including syntactic constraints and socio-psychological motivations.

How would you characterize the language used in this thesis?

The thesis is characterized by the analysis of code-switching as a rule-governed, purposeful linguistic behavior rather than random mixing.

How does this study contribute to the understanding of German compound nouns in code-switching?

It demonstrates that bilinguals often insert German compound nouns into Serbian sentences because no single-word equivalent exists in Serbian, making it a pragmatic shortcut.

Does the author perceive code-switching as a sign of linguistic deficiency?

No, the author argues against the "linguistic instability" view, positioning code-switching as a complex, functional, and structurally constrained communication strategy.