Code-switching as a communication, learning, and social negotiation strategy in first-year learners of Danish

Authors: Söderberg Arnfast J.; Jørgensen J.N.

Source: International Journal of Applied Linguistics, Volume 13, Number 1, June 2003 , pp. 23-53(31)

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Abstract:

The term ‘code-switching’ is used in two related yet different fields of linguistics: second language acquisition and bilingual studies. In the former, code-switching is analyzed in terms of learning strategies, whereas the latter applies a competence view. This article intends to detect the borderline between the two concepts by investigating the use of code-switching in first-year learners of Danish. Our study points out that code-switching appears as a skill used in early attempts of playing with the languages involved in the conversation (Danish/English and Danish/Polish/German/English). Thus we have to acknowledge code-switching as an increasingly sophisticated language skill even at an early stage of SLA.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1473-4192.00036

Affiliations: 1: University of Copenhagen

Publication date: 2003-06-01