Sociolinguistic Factors behind Code-Switching at Micro Level in a Bilingual Society: Urdu-English-Punjabi Coexistence

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This study aimed to investigate and explore the factors behind code-switching in a bilingual society at the micro level.

Methodology: The sample frame for this study was students of BS classes studying in different colleges in the city of Sialkot. The participants were 20 local bilingual students, male or female, randomly selected who were studying at the BS level in various semesters and disciplines. The data were collected from the participating students through a semi-structured interview.

Findings: The thematic analysis and the final results enabled us to identify various factors behind code-switching, viz., lack of competence in L2, to avoid misunderstanding, proficiency in the rules of L1, CS (code-switching) as a gap filler, lack of vocabulary knowledge in one language, to maintain privacy, to avoid taboo impact, to emphasize a point, to boast higher knowledge of English and due to market value of English.

Conclusion: The results are quite revealing as they prove that code-switching is an efficient strategy used by bilingual speakers to interact with each other and transmit knowledge effectively to bilingual listeners in classroom interactions. This study also hints at more areas to be researched, such as conducting social class and gender-based studies to explore other factors. It provides some implications for the English language teaching (ELT) community, including language learners, teachers, and curriculum developers.