A Corpus-based Analysis of Code-switching Patterns inUrdu-English Bilinguals

Abstract

Code-switching, the intentional alternation between two or more languages within a single discourse, is a prevalent linguistic phenomenon among bilingual individuals. This research explores the patterns and factors influencing code-switching behaviors in Urdu-English bilinguals, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of language use in multilingual communities.The study employs a corpus-based approach, utilizing a diverse dataset of speech samples collected from naturally occurring conversations and social interactions of UrduEnglish bilingual speakers. The corpus is meticulously annotated and analyzed to investigate the frequency, distribution, and syntactic structures of code-switched elements in various communicative contexts.Through rigorous quantitative and qualitative analyses, the investigation uncovers prevalent code-switching patterns, highlighting the linguistic strategies and motivations behind the seamless blending of Urdu and English. Factors such as language proficiency, sociolinguistic context, and topic-related triggers are examined to understand their impact on code-switching tendencies.The findings of this study not only contribute to the growing body of knowledge in sociolinguistics but also hold potential implications for language education and policy-making in multilingual societies. The insights gained from this research provide valuable information for language educators, enabling them to design more effective pedagogical approaches that acknowledge and embrace the natural code-switching practices of bilingual learners.In conclusion, this corpus-based analysis offers a comprehensive understanding of code-switching behaviors in Urdu-English bilinguals, providing crucial insights into the complex interplay of languages in multilingual settings. By delving into the underlying mechanisms of code-switching, this study advances our understanding of bilingual language processing and contributes to the broader fields of sociolinguistics and language education.