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Difference Between Code Mixing and Code Switching

The document discusses the differences between code mixing and code switching in linguistics. [1] Code mixing involves integrating words, phrases, clauses, or sentences from multiple languages, while code switching is done intentionally to create a special effect or when changing identities when speaking to different people. [2] Language contact and bilingualism are the primary causes of code mixing and switching, as communities using different languages interact. [3] While code mixing may occur unconsciously due to lack of translation, code switching is a conscious choice done for a specific social purpose or setting.

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Leila zaiter
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1K views

Difference Between Code Mixing and Code Switching

The document discusses the differences between code mixing and code switching in linguistics. [1] Code mixing involves integrating words, phrases, clauses, or sentences from multiple languages, while code switching is done intentionally to create a special effect or when changing identities when speaking to different people. [2] Language contact and bilingualism are the primary causes of code mixing and switching, as communities using different languages interact. [3] While code mixing may occur unconsciously due to lack of translation, code switching is a conscious choice done for a specific social purpose or setting.

Uploaded by

Leila zaiter
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Difference between Code Mixing and Code Switching

BY PAYAL KHULLAR · FEBRUARY 6, 2018

Code in sociolinguistics simply refers to a language or a language variety. Both Code Mixing and Code
Switching are in one way or another coming together of two or more languages or codes. Unlike
Pidgins and Creoles, these are milder instances of language contact situation. By simple definition,
Code Mixing is mixing of mostly words, but also phrases, clauses or even complete sentences of two
languages or varieties. Code Switching is nothing but switching from one language to another to
create a special effect. Note the addition of the phrase “special effect” in the definition of the latter.
The key Difference between Code Mixing and Code Switching is indeed that Code Switching has a
special, social pragmatic consequence while Code Mixing does not.

What are the Causes of Code Mixing and Code Switching?

Let us first talk about one of the major causes of Code Mixing and Code Switching in linguistics.
Language contact is when two or more languages or communities speaking those languages come in
contact with each other. Coming together of individuals or communities speaking distinct languages
most often results into bilingualism within the communities or its members. In this age of wide
spread global communication, you can imagine that a language or speech community can rarely be
monolingual. Even if there were an isolated, monolingual community somewhere, it would still show
bilingualism, although within the language varieties or dialects of that same language.

Hence, language contact and bilingualism are the prime causes of code mixing and code switching in
speech communities. This contact situation is not only brought by physical interaction of the
speakers. It can also be social media interaction. Some other examples that facilitate language
contact are academic or non-academic reading in a non-native language.

Code Mixing and Code Switching Difference

Let us now go on and talk more about the Difference between Code Mixing and Code Switching with
examples. Note that the terms code mixing and switching in sociolinguistics are so closely related
that some linguists do not mind using them interchangeably. Both involve hybridization of words,
phrases, clauses or even full sentences of two or more languages. The Difference between Code
Mixing and Code Switching is that switching is done in a particular setting or for a particular purpose.
And code mixing is done more out of linguistic requirement.

The language user switches codes while speaking in a certain style in front of another person. In one
way, we kind of change identities while talking to different people. However, code mixing is more
unintentional that way. We can mix one code with another when we do not know the correct
translation of a particular word in another language. In fact, over the time, many code-mixed words
become so frequent that they form a part of the language as loan or borrowed words. It is important
that we look at a language synchronically to better study code mixing.
Also, language and cultures are closely related. Sometimes a concept expressed by one language is
totally missing in another language. For example, the word jhootha in Hindi. The word is used for
something like a utensil or food that someone has already used or tasted. This concept is totally
missing in a language like English. So while speaking or writing in English, the user has no option but
to use the word as it is. She can also choose to give a description of that word instead. However, if
she knows that the other person knows Hindi as well, she will most likely use the word as it is
without hesitation. You may want to read this interesting Quora discussion on how to say something
is jhootha in English.

Examples for Difference between Code Mixing and Code Switching

Let us now try to understand Difference between Code Mixing and Code Switching by looking at
some example scenarios. While speaking Hindi, many people use the word “teacher” instead of the
word adhyapak. This is because we use it less frequently. In fact, it is quite unnatural to say it like
that. Pure Hindi is spoken rarely these days. Many a times, it is humorous to speak pure Hindi.

Sometimes we do not mix words just to sound natural. It also happens that we forget words in our
language. Or we do not know them at all. For instance, do you know the Hindi word for the famous
sport “Cricket”? How about the word “Computer”? Please write the correct answer in the comments
below if you do. But I feel, you most likely don’t.

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