Reviewed by Anish Koshy, The EFL University, India
This book comprises eight chapters. In the introductory chapter, Gardner-Chloros gives a general background to the study of code-switching (CS) in terms of functional reasons attributed to their use, the sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic/cognitive, grammatical, and acquisitional perspectives which have guided research on CS. Ch. 2 examines the place of CS in language contact and its relation to borrowing, pidginization, convergence, divergence, accommodation, and language shift. The role of CS in contact-induced change, intergenerational factors, and stabilizing of CS varieties is also discussed.
In Ch. 3, the author explores social factors influencing CS, such as the prestige of the codes, the expression of identities, power relations and resistance to domination, speakers’ social networks, and the avoidance and management of conflicts between different roles. Three dimensions of sociolinguistic factors influencing CS are examined in Ch. 4: social-psychological influences (attitude, accommodation), conversational/ pragmatic motivations, and gender. The author explores the use of CS to exploit symbolic associations and through the structuring of discourse to show solidarity, deference, politeness, and bonding.
In Ch. 5, the role of grammar in CS is discussed. Topics explored include the theory of a matrix language, difficulties in studying CS if language is looked upon as a closed system, the idiolectal nature of CS, and the counter-balancing claims of socio-cultural norms and possible universal processing constraints. While exploring the psycholinguistics of CS in Ch. 6, insights on bilingual individuals are extended to cover CS, but the a priori assumption of separate languages and the artificiality of controlled experiments are critiqued. The role of emotional factors and the possibility of dual activation in bilingual minds are also explored.
In Ch. 7 insights on bilingual children’s critical period hypothesis are examined. Parallels are drawn between second language (L2) acquisition/learning and the ‘acquisition’ of CS, while noting that CS could also be employed by people whose grasp of the L2 is insecure. The author also notes that CS might represent uneven competence or conscious manipulation for pragmatic purposes. The concluding chapter summarizes the various positions taken in the book on CS, and acknowledges the problems that arise from laboratory investigations into CS and the lack of interdisciplinary approaches in the studies. The need to acknowledge the fuzzy nature of CS and future directions of CS research are also laid out.
The book includes an appendix discussing the Language Interaction Data Exchange System (LIDES) Project, especially the transcription techniques developed as part of it. A useful glossary is also provided.
The book succeeds in providing a balanced and comprehensive picture of the ongoing work in the field. By successfully counter-balancing a priori notions, particularly on the nature of the codes and the individuals involved, the author succeeds in opening up the field for more fruitful enquiries in the future. The author’s advocacy of interdisciplinary collaborations is also timely.