The purpose of this paper is to look at the relation between structural and social factors in the formation of CS patterns in bi-/multilingual communities. Furthermore, the general applicability of the MLF and the MM to the CS data from different bilingual communities will be explored.
At the beginning, the concept of code-switching and its typology will be introduced. In section 3.2, the MLF will be presented in order to define morphological and syntactical constraints for CS. Then, in the frame of the MM, possible motivations for CS will be examined. These are followed by the perspective on the relation of both models to each other. In Chapter 4, using the MLF and the MM, CS data from several bilingual communities will be analysed and finally, problematic issues in both models will be discussed.
While monolinguals can vary their utterances by means of changing styles within a language or a dialect, through speech rate or intonation, bilinguals can do the same in both languages, plus they can switch between the languages. Thus, the speech of bilingual speakers is interesting for research. Many researchers have examined this language contact phenomenon and have tried to explain how and why people code-switch.
The study of CS has developed in two main directions: structural, that is grammatical and sociolinguistic, also called pragmatic aspect. Originally, CS was considered to be the result of poor language competence in both languages. Later, in the 1970s, linguists, for example, Gumperz (1972) and Pfaff (1979), suggested that mixing between languages does not occur randomly but rather follows certain grammatical rules. Many grammatical models have been proposed to account for the grammatical constraints in CS. One of the most influential models, the Matrix Language-Frame Model (MLF), was introduced by Myers-Scotton (1993b).
The model is based on two asymmetries: matrix language vs. embedded language, and system vs. content morphemes. However, not only structural factors but also social and psychological factors influence the speakers’ motivation to engage in CS. It is one of the biggest challenges in the research on CS to link all these factors to provide a better understanding of the phenomenon of CS. Therefore, Myers-Scotton (1993a) went further and developed the Markedness Model (MM) in an attempt to explain why bilingual speakers code-switch and how the social environment influences the type of CS present in the community.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Literature Overview
3 Code-Switching (CS)
3.1 Terminology and definitions
3.1.1 Definition of CS
3.1.2 CS vs. borrowing
3.1.3 Types of code-switching
3.1.4 Insertion vs. alternation
3.2 Theoretical Models of CS
3.2.1 The Matrix Language-Frame Model (MLF)
3.2.2 The Markedness Model (MM)
3.2.3 Intersection of the MLF and the MM
3.3 Summary
4 Discussion
4.1 Supporting evidence for the MLF and the MM
4.1.1 Bosnian-Turkish CS
4.1.2 CS in Creole languages
4.1.3 Chinese-English CS
4.2 Problematic issues in the MLF and the MM
4.2.1 Matrix Language definition
4.2.2 System vs. content morpheme distinction
4.2.3 Points of critique in the MM
4.3 Summary
5 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This thesis explores the intersection of structural and social factors in the formation of code-switching (CS) patterns within bi- and multilingual communities, specifically analyzing the applicability of Myers-Scotton's Matrix Language-Frame Model (MLF) and Markedness Model (MM).
- Grammatical constraints in code-switched utterances.
- Social and psychological motivations for code-switching behavior.
- Analysis of CS data from Bosnian-Turkish, Creole, and Chinese-English communities.
- Critique of theoretical frameworks regarding the definition of matrix language and morpheme distinctions.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2.1 The Matrix Language-Frame Model (MLF)
Many researchers, for example, Poplack (1980), Pfaff (1979) and Myusken (1995) tried to explain the grammatical structure of utterances where two or more languages occur together. While intersentential CS is the main focus of the sociolinguistic approaches to CS, in order to describe the grammatical structure of CS, intrasentential CS must be examined.
Myers-Scotton (1993b) proposed her own model which is called Matrix Language-Frame Model1 (MLF) to explain grammatical constraints in the intra-clausal or intrasentential CS. This model is based on Swahili-English corpus of recorded conversations which she collected in Nairobi, Kenia. The MLF is not intended to apply to all types of CS. The intra-clausal CS, where two grammars are in force, is a good backdrop to discuss the grammar of CS (Myers-Scotton 2006: 241). The model predicts which utterances containing CS can be grammatically well-formed and therefore may occur in the speech. The ungrammatical utterances are not supposed to occur, unless they are stylistically marked and have some socio-pragmatic function, for example, emphasis (Myers-Scotton 1997: 75).
The main assumption of MLF is that during the switch participating languages stay in an asymmetrical relationship to each other. One of the languages, the matrix language (ML), is dominant and supplies the morphosyntactic frame of the bilingual clause or sentence. The other language has an auxiliary function and supplies content morphemes which are embedded into the ML. This language is called embedded language (EM) (Myers-Scotton 1993b: 35).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the code-switching phenomenon and introduces the structural and sociolinguistic research directions, focusing on Myers-Scotton's models.
2 Literature Overview: Summarizes the historical development of CS research from viewing it as a linguistic deficiency to recognizing it as a skilled, meaningful communicative strategy.
3 Code-Switching (CS): Defines CS terminology, differentiates it from borrowing, details the types of switching, and presents the foundational theoretical models (MLF and MM).
4 Discussion: Analyzes empirical data from various language pairs to evaluate the validity and limitations of the MLF and MM, including critical perspectives on their definitions.
5 Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, emphasizing the interrelation between structural and social factors and calling for future models that bridge cognitive, social, and structural aspects.
Keywords
Code-switching, Matrix Language-Frame Model, Markedness Model, bilingualism, sociolinguistics, structural constraints, insertion, alternation, matrix language, embedded language, system morphemes, content morphemes, negotiation principle, language contact, intrasentential code-switching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this thesis?
The thesis examines the phenomenon of code-switching (CS) by investigating the interaction between structural grammatical constraints and the social motivations that drive bilingual speakers to switch languages.
What are the primary theoretical frameworks used?
The study primarily utilizes Carol Myers-Scotton's Matrix Language-Frame Model (MLF), which focuses on grammatical constraints, and the Markedness Model (MM), which addresses sociolinguistic and socio-psychological functions of code-switching.
What is the main goal of the research?
The goal is to explore the relationship between social and structural factors in code-switching and to test the general applicability of the MLF and MM against data from diverse bilingual communities.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The work employs a comparative analysis of existing research, evaluating CS data from specific bilingual communities (Bosnian-Turkish, Creole, Chinese-English) against the hypotheses proposed in the MLF and MM.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers definitions and types of CS, theoretical models, empirical support for these models through case studies, and critical discussions regarding definitions of the matrix language and morpheme classification.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include code-switching, matrix language, embedded language, structural constraints, unmarked/marked choices, and the negotiation principle.
How does the author define the Matrix Language?
The author discusses the definition of the matrix language (ML) as the dominant language supplying the morphosyntactic frame of a bilingual clause, while noting the challenges and debates surrounding this definition in various contexts.
What is the significance of the "Markedness Metric"?
The markedness metric is described as an innate cognitive faculty that allows speakers to judge code-choices as either expected (unmarked) or unexpected (marked) within a specific social context, serving as a basis for negotiating interpersonal relationships.
Why are there counterexamples to the System Morpheme Principle?
Counterexamples exist because in some bilingual data, system morphemes from the embedded language appear, challenging the assumption that only the matrix language can provide such morphemes; the thesis discusses these as "problematic issues" within the MLF.
- Citar trabajo
- Lena P. (Autor), 2014, Code-Switching in the Matrix Language-Frame Model, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/318866
