Code-switching

Gardner-Chloros Penelope

ISBN 10: 0521681138 / ISBN 13: 9780521681131

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2009

About this Item

Print on Demand pp. 300.

Seller Inventory # 8336970

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Code-switching
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521681138
• ISBN 13: 9780521681131
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

It is quite commonplace for bilingual speakers to use two or more languages, dialects or varieties in the same conversation, without any apparent effort. The phenomenon, known as code-switching, has become a major focus of attention in linguistics. This concise and original study explores how, when and where code-switching occurs. Drawing on a diverse range of examples from medieval manuscripts to rap music, novels to advertisements, emails to political speeches, and above all everyday conversation, it argues that code-switching can only be properly understood if we study it from a variety of perspectives. It shows how sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, grammatical and developmental aspects of code-switching are all interdependent, and findings in each area are crucial to others. Breaking down barriers across the discipline of linguistics, this pioneering book confronts fundamental questions about what a 'native language' is, and whether languages can be meaningfully studied outside of the individuals who use them.

About the Author

Penelope Gardner-Chloros is Lecturer in the School of Languages, Linguistics and Culture, Birkbeck College, University of London.