Code-Mixing: Features and Reasons

Code-Mixing: Features and Reasons

1. Features

   • nouns are the words used in highest numbers as code-mixed words.
   • Code-mixing is a result of bilingualism and multilingualism
   • CS and CM are consistently viewed as communicative strategies of bi-and multilingual speakers
   • Code-mixing is not only a common occurrence but also communicational requirement
   • Code-mixing has become so common because it helps us for effective communication
   • There are various reasons of code-mixing.
   • Code-mixing is one of the commonly observed linguistic behaviours in the speech of bilingual or multilingual speakers
   • Code-mixing may cause language change
   • code-mixing may result in the creation of new styles and registers of language use
   • codemixing is characteristic feature of the elite group
   • code-mixing is generally perceived by some as an ‘impure’ linguistic behaviour
   • Code-mixing refers to “all cases where lexical items and grammatical features from two languages appear in one sentence
   • The amount of mixing that occurs in a code-mixed variety corresponds to the level of education of the speaker
   • The research narrows down on the fact that code-mixing takes place at the lexical level only
   • The code-mixing makes us think about the native language of the speaker and the code-mixed words give an idea about the second language of the user
   • Code mixing involves the embedding or mixing of various units, i.e. morphemes, words, phrases and clauses
   • Affixation plays vital role in code-mixing.
   • Code-mixing occurs on certain contexts
   • .Code-mixing takes place at lexical level

2. Reasons

   • Restricted Vocabulary
     • when the speaker has restricted vocabulary
     • he/she does not have an appropriate word to express in that language
   • Stressful Situation
     • When the speaker is upset, tired or in a stressful situation
     • uses code mixed variety.
   • Habitual Expression
     • Many people often mix some words or expressions from another language out of habit
     • It happens so naturally and easily
   • To Convey Special Attitude /Emotion
     • We use code-mixed variety to convey some special attitude or emotions
     • To convey happiness, sorrow, love, anger, regret
   • Mood of the Speaker
     • We can understand the mood of a speaker through his/her use of language
     • The bilingual speaker knows both the languages, but his/her mood decides his/her choice of language.
   • Identity Marker
     • may be used as a device to mark an identity
     • We give identity marker to a person to show the traits of his personality
   • Profession
     • when an attempt is made to highlight the profession of a particular person in relation to the society or class in which he works
     • the attitude of people towards the profession and professional ethics
   • To Show Respect and Relation
     • often used to show respect to a person
     • The suffixes like 'ji' are generally, used in Hindi to show respect.
   • To Criticise
     • often used to criticize a human being or the society