Free English Language Dissertations - Style Shifting And Codeswitching Introduction Language Does Not Exist In A
Style Shifting and Codeswitching
Introduction
Language does not exist in a vacuum. It exists within a social framework which largely defines its function. The social conditions in which a language is spoken strongly affect the way in which it is spoken. This is the basic premise of sociolinguistics. According to William Labov (1966), the study of language cannot take place without a thorough consideration of the social aspects in which that language existsor rather, information about the speaker. Specifically, this refers to such factors as age, gender, educational level, and ethnic background. The effects these factors have upon the language are often described by such terms as 'style shifting' and 'codeswitching'. What, exactly, are these concepts?
Style shifting and codeswitching are, by definition, separate but similar phenomena. They are based on the same underlying principle, which has been described by one linguist as a need to utilise a more expressive range of words (Gal, 1979, p. 95). The primary difference seems to be that each term refers to the same basic concept, but in different conditions. Style shifting is a phenomenon that is most often identified within monolingual discourse, whereas codeswitching is primarily discussed in terms of bilingual discourse. However, the terms are frequently used interchangeably by many linguists. As a result, the distinctions between the two tend to become even more obscure. This paper will closely analyze these concepts in order to identify what makes them similar, as well as what sets them apart. In addition, it will offer explanations about why the two terms have come to be considered so close in meaning that they are frequently used to refer to the same concept.
Style Shifting
Most individuals, when engaged in monolingual discourse, tend to practice style shifting. This basically means that speakers are able to 'shift' from one style to another style as circumstances dictate. Take, for example, an everyday work situation. In this setting, an individual who is speaking to a colleague of equal rank will use a style of discourse that is appropriate to the setting. The style will necessarily be influenced by additional considerations, such as level of familiarity with the coworker, length of acquaintance, presence of other individuals, etc.
If a third person were to become a part of this conversation, either as an active participant in discourse or a casual bystander, the individual who is speaking may engage in style shifting. The shift in style will largely be based on the social relationship of the speaker in relation to the newcomer. If all participants in discourse are on an equal social level, the shift may be imperceptible, or there may be no shift at all.
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