Code-switching Info Komputer Magazine
9 aim of switching the codes is to build a better communication with others. For
instance, in condition of bilingualism; when the first speaker used “A” language to talk with second speaker, then the third speaker who was not able to use “A”
language came and joined to the conversation. The first speaker might switch into “B” language which was understood by the third speaker. As a result, the
conversation of first, second and third speakers could happen well. In this situation, code-switching is employed.
According to Hoffman 1991: 110, code-switching involves the alternate use of two languages or linguistic varieties within the same utterance or during the
same conversation. Code-switching can occur in both bilingual and monolingual societies. In bilingual society, the switching can consist of changing languages,
whereas in monolinguals the switching consists of shifts of style. Therefore, code- switching is not merely changing or switching one language to another, but
involves linguistic aspects, in this case style of language. This statement is also supported by Hymes 1974, “code-switching is a common term for alternatives
use of two or more languages, varieties of a language or even speech styles.” Code switching belongs to sociolinguistics. Therefore, the social context is
also important to be discussed. Wardhaugh 1992: 103-104 explains where code- switching may happen. First, code-switching may happen in a multilingual
country, for instance Singapore which has five languages. They are English, the mandarin variety of Chinese, Tamil, Malay and Hokkien, another variety of
Chinese. In formal schools the activity is held in formal English and Mandarin. Meanwhile, Chinese people tend to use Hokkien in everyday speech and Indian
10 people use Tamil language. Second, code-switching may also occur where
multilingual people meet each other in a foreign setting. For instance, Indonesian students who live in the United States have a tendency to use not only English all
the time but they may also speak in their native language. When they have discussion in the class they may use English, but when they want to share idea
outside the class in informal situation, they may use Indonesian language.