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3. The Nature of Code-switching
The nature of code-switching provides some theories in understanding the definitions of code-switching as well as in what situations code-switching happen
according to some linguists.
a. Definitions of Code-switching
According to Gal 1988: 247, the term ‘code-switching refers to a conversational strategy used to establish, cross or destroy group boundaries; to create,
evoke or change interpersonal relations with their right and obligations’. The statement above is also supported by Wardhaugh 1992: 103 who states that ‘code-
switching’ refers to a conversational strategy used to establish, cross or destroy group boundaries; to create, evoke or change interpersonal relations with their right and
obligations. He asserts that a person may use more than one code in her or his speech instead of just employing a single code. People may switch or mix the codes or
languages that they use. In addition, the term of ‘code-switching’ is used to name this a conversational strategy. It is unusual for a speaker to have command of, or use, only
one such code. In addition, people, then, are usually required to select a particular code whenever they choose to speak, and they may also decide to switch from one
code to another or to mix codes.
b. The Types of Code-switching
Every linguist has their own point of view in classifying the types of code- switching.
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According to McCormick 1994 as cited in The Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics Vol. 10 by Asher, based on the length of juxtaposed utterances, there
are six types of code-switching. Those are diglossic code-switching, situational code- switching, metaphoric code-switching, conversational code-switching, single-word
code-switching and integrated loanwords code-switching. Diglossia is a feature of speech community rather than individuals Holmes,
2001: 30. In diglossic situation, two languages are used for different functions in a speech community. In addition, one language is used for H or high function and the
other is for L or low function. H variety refers to the high class situations, whereas L variety is the lower ones. It means that H variety is used in formal discourse which
illustrates there is a prestige indeed between the speakers in the situations, such as in the office, classroom, or in other formal situations. Meanwhile, L variety is used in
informal discourse due to lack of prestige indeed. People may use L variety when they have conversation with their close friends, family or in other informal situations.
In this case, code-switching may happen from H variety to L variety or just on the other hand. However, not all people can employ code-switching in both discourses.
Most of people who tend to be able to employ code-switching better are they who learn in formal education.
The second type is called situational code-switching. It is “the codes may be perceived as different but be equally valued, and similarity the situations may be
differentiated on grounds other than prestige” McCormick, 1994: 582. Based on the
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statement, it could be seen that the language change depends on the circumstance faced by a speaker since the certain circumstance may encourage the speaker to
exchange the language which is used. However, situational code-switching happens without any change of topic. As a result, the change happens for the whole part of
one’s speech in one context. For example, when the students do not understand the teacher’s explanation using English language for the whole context, the teacher
should re-explain her or his explanation to the students using Indonesian language in order to be more understandable.
The third type is metaphoric code-switching. In metaphorical code-switching, there is a difference from the previous one where a language change may happen
under discussion. It occurs in “whole conversation, each within one role relationship” McCormick, 1994: 581. On the other word, the role of relationship between the
speakers in a conversation may change. The fourth type is conversational code-switching, in which “its occurrence is
not dependant on a change of interlocutors’ topic or situation” McCormick, 1994:
583. It can also be called style shifting or code mixing. It allows the speaker to
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