CODE-SWITCHING IN MULTILINGUAL COMMUNITIES: PATTERNS AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONS IN CENTRAL ASIA
Keywords:
Code-switching, Multilingualism, Sociolinguistics, Language patterns, Social functions, Central Asia, Identity, Language useAbstract
Code-switching, the practice of alternating between two or more languages within a conversation or discourse, is a pervasive phenomenon in multilingual communities. In Central Asia, where languages such as Uzbek, Russian, Kazakh, and English coexist, code-switching has become an essential strategy for communication, identity expression, and social negotiation. This study explores the patterns and social functions of code-switching among speakers in urban and semi-urban communities across Central Asia. Using qualitative methods, including sociolinguistic interviews, natural conversation recordings, and discourse analysis, the research identifies the frequency, direction, and situational contexts of language alternation. Preliminary findings indicate that code-switching serves multiple social functions, including indexing group membership, signaling social status, conveying emphasis or nuance, and negotiating politeness and solidarity. The study also highlights differences in switching behavior based on age, gender, and educational background, revealing how linguistic choices reflect broader sociocultural dynamics. By examining both structural patterns and functional motivations, this research contributes to understanding how multilingual speakers navigate complex linguistic landscapes. The findings have implications for language planning, education, and sociolinguistic theory, illustrating that code-switching is not merely a communicative convenience but a sophisticated, socially meaningful strategy that shapes language use and cultural identity in contemporary Central Asian societies.
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