CODE-SWITCHING IN DIGITAL COMMUNICATION: A CASE STUDY OF SENIOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH MAJORS

Abstract

ABSTRACT In language studies, code-switching in digital communication has gained considerable interests recently, as the phenomenon exhibits ever-changing and constantly-evolving language practices by bilinguals in unprecedented scales and growth. The current research aims at (1) identifying patterns of Vietnamese-English online code-switching employed by college students, with reference to their code-switching in real life, and (2) explain reasons of such linguistic behaviours from the students’ perspective. The research adopts a case study design and employs mixed methods of both quantitative and qualitative examination, using documentation and interview to collect data from two English-majored students. The results indicate that the students mostly rely on inter-sentential code-switching, especially insertions of content words, when presenting themselves in typical digital platforms. This is considered consistent with their code-switching tendency in face-to-face communication. As regards motivation behind code-switching, four reasons emerge as most influential: switching for availability, formulaic expressions, response to previous language choice and alteration of tone/moods/feelings. The study affirms that code-switching is performed naturally and persistently by bilinguals on the cyberspace, yet it is always customised and flexibly altered by each individual to meet the distinct needs of their interaction.