Discusses a continuum of language alternation phenomena that spans between the prototypes labeled codeswitching (CS), language mixing (LM), and fused lects (FLs), with CS and FLs representing the polar extremes of the continuum and LM a point in between. (Author/VWL)

Examines the roles that morphemes of different types play in contact-induced change. The data examined are taken from interviews with seven speakers of Pennsylvania German. Argues that a turnover of the Matrix language is in process in PG. (Author/VWL)

Simultaneous interpreting is a complex task where the interpreter is routinely involved in comprehending, translating and producing language at the same time. This study assessed two components that are likely to be major sources of complexity in SI: The simultaneity of comprehension and production, and transformation of the input. Furthermore,…

This article presents an empirical and theoretical critique of the Matrix Language Frame (MLF) model (Myers-Scotton, 1993; Myers-Scotton and Jake, 2001), and includes a response to Jake, Myers-Scotton and Gross's (2002) (JMSG) critique of MacSwan (1999, 2000) and reactions to their revision of the MLF model as a "modified minimalist approach." The…

This paper showcases a case study documenting the intended and actual language practices of a Japanese-English bicultural family. The study focuses on a family consisting of a Japanese father, Australian mother, son and daughter living in Japan. The parents were interviewed by questionnaire to determine their intended language practices. The…

The purpose of this study was to examine how classroom conversations about diverse dialects of English can provide a useful foundation for critical language and literacy instruction for students who speak African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and other stigmatized dialects. This article describes a weeklong unit on language variety that…

The development in Mauritius's three major languages is essentially sequential for most of the population: Creole, French, English. In schools, English is used alongside French (and some Creole) in Primary Standards 1 (ages five-six) to 3 (ages seven-eight). English is officially the sole medium of instruction from Primary Standard 4 (ages…

Takes the position that the use of creole and English varieties in Guyana is socially motivated. Examines the linguistic behavior of nine groups of individuals from three communities within a theoretical framework proposed by LePage. The framework shows these groups, and the individuals, exploiting the codal resources of their society to their…

As one of the best known linguistic constraints on code switching, Poplack (1980) has proposed the "free morpheme constraint," which predicts no switching between free morphemes and bound morphemes. It is argued that this theory is not supported by linguistic data, and that semantic content, rather than morphology, must be considered. An…

Discusses the modeling hypothesis, in which bilingual children's rates of code mixing are related to rates of mixing in the input addressed to them, and the assumption that children are sensitive to code mixing in the input and can adjust their own rates in accordance with the input. Reports a study of six bilingual toddlers recorded during play…

Investigates the Spanish-English code switching of 60 elementary Mexican-American students in a story retelling activity. Suggests there is a positive relationship between code-switched story retelling, oral language usage, and enhanced narrative skills. Suggests that teachers explore the use of code switching in a story retelling activity as a…

Addresses the issue of code switching in the classroom and analyzes the roles and functions of the first language in the second language class. The observation of intra-sentential code switching shows complex learning ad communicative strategies and emphasizes the need to better understand these strategies and their role in the learning process.…

Describes a project whose purpose is to set up a computerized database of bilingual texts to be used by researchers in the field of language interaction (i.e., codeswitching, borrowing, and other outcomes of contact between varieties). Current work includes adaptation of the CHILDES system to take account of the different needs of researchers in…

Discusses a written linguistic system, evidenced in medieval mixed-language business texts, that was replaced by Early Modern English. Examines medieval mixed-language business writing from the point of view of suffix mergers, as the lack of language specific suffixes resulted in code-intermediate states. (Author/VWL)

Code switching includes the use of complete sentences, phrases, and borrowed words from another language (Brice & Brice, 2000). It is a common linguistic phenomenon noted among bilingual populations. In order to code switch effectively, students must possess a high level of understanding of the 2 cultures, as well as a deep understanding of the…