The stufy of Code-Switching/ Mixing in Algerian Universities

Abstract

Language is a mirror that reflects the human behavior, and language contact attracts sociolinguists to tackle it as a phenomenon to for research. Algeria is a perfect example of the existence of different varieties (Algerian Arabic, Standard Arabic, Berber and French), either as a result of colonialism or educational system which lead to code-switch. This process has drawn much attention to raise questions for the present study to be conducted the reasons behind Algerians switching and mixing languages in their daily interactions, as well as, switching codes within a sentence. This study aims to shed some light on the phenomenon of code-switching and its different related concepts of language use including bilingualism, code-mixing and diglossia that represent the sociolinguistic situations. The main aim of this research paper is to figure out the reasons behind switching and mixing languages within one sentence in daily discourse. To keep this study in acceptable bounds, Master one English students at Mostaganem University have been chosen as a sample since they are attached to the languages previously stated. The analysis and interpretation of the results of the present study seem to support the hypotheses that Master students code-switch according to the topic and the context. Also, to show prestige and their level of education. Therefore, it has been discovered how Master students switch codes according to the formality of situation at hand, not to forget that the lack of vocabulary in their language has a certain impact for mixing languages. Also, the results show that whenever students learn a new language they will find a way to code-switch through it unconsciously too.