CODE-MIXING AS A TOOL OF COMMUNICATION IN ARAB
SOCIETY
STUDENT NAME: Sarraa Nasser Fayez Al Ruwayjih
STUDENT NUMBER: 438801035
COURSE NAME: Research Project
DEPARTMENT: English Department
COURSE CODE: 422Eng-2
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Rashid Mahmood
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 8 April 2021
Bisha University
College of Sciences and Arts
English Department
2
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
LITERATURE REVIEW ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8
CNOCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………………………………………16
REFERENCES …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17
3
INTRODUCTION
Language and society share a mutual relationship and have always had the most
profound impact on each other. Sometimes in our daily life, we communicate with people
that their language is different from ours. Through this communication, some of the
linguistic phenomena may occur. One of these phenomena is code mixing, which is widely
used as a tool of communication amongst speakers of languages, dialects, and accents.
Code mixing occurs when people tend to use words or small linguistic unit from other
languages while they are talking for many reasons. Muysken (2000) defined code mixing
by stressing that it is“…a term used to refer to all cases where lexical items and
grammatical features from two languages appear in one sentence” (p.1). Therefore, code
mixing is depicted as one of the strategies that are used to help communicate with people
effectively. It is a common linguistic phenomenon that occurs in many parts of the world so
it gets wider attention. Code mixing is a useful tool since it helps the speakers deliver their
intended message so that will make the communication very effective especially for
bilingual or multilingual people. To exemplify, it had been noticed that people in Arab
countries use both Arabic and English as a way of communication and interaction for
various functions and reasons.
Despite the fact that Arabic is the first language in the Arab countries, English is
spoken at different levels and in different occasions and situations in most of the Arab
countries. It is used by educated people during speeches and conferences. As both Arabic
and English are used widely in various states, many Arab students use code mixing in a
natural way when combining both languages easily and effectively most of the time. So,
this research aimed at investigating the phenomenon of code mixing, which is used widely
as a tool of communication in Arab countries and communities. Since the researchers
didn’t negotiate code mixing code as a tool of communication in Arab society.
Due to the study’s significance on a theoretical level, the study sought to fill the gap
on the sociolinguistic aspect of code mixing as a tool of communications in the Arabic
context. So, the present research focused to answer the following questions:
1) What are the domains of code mixing occurring as a regular speech pattern of
conversation?
2) What are the most Arabian nationalities using code mixing ?
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3) What are the linguistic features of the English items mixed in Arabic?
4) What are the reasons that are responsible for code mixing in Arab societies?
Moreover, understanding and identifying this phenomenon as a means of
communication among Arab speakers could help teachers and curriculum designers
develop various linguistic aspects related. As indicated before, the aim of this study was
to investigate code mixing as a tool of communication in Arab society. To achieve this aim,
the researcher used a checklist as a tool to collect data from YouTube videos. Therefore,
the data was collected from 15 videos from 6 different Arabian nationalities.
5
LITERATURE REVIEW
Theoretical Framework
In our daily life we communicate with many people, and we become closer to each
other through this communication. In communication, there are various means to carry out
meanings between the parties. Code mixing is one of these means. Code mixing is a
sociolinguistic phenomenon in any multilingual setting and it is one of the communication
approaches used for convenience as well as for social interaction. Code mixing as a
communicative strategy is studied largely in connection with the bilingualism in Arab
communities. In general, “code” means a system that people use to communicate with
each other. According to Ayeomoni (2006), “Code will be taken as a verbal component that
can be as small as a morpheme or as comprehensive and complex as the entire system of
language” (p.91). The use of different codes in a single language depends on the
language variety. Normally, people in a bilingual or multilingual society use two or more
languages.
Most of the people when they mix their language with another by using terms from
foreign languages, they remain influenced by their native- language. According to Warris
“code-mixing is the phenomenon closely related to code-switching, and takes place
without a change of topic and can involve various levels of language such as phonology,
morphology, grammatical structures or lexical items ” (2012, p.123). In addition, many
researchers find out there are types of code mixing. Muysken states that “code mixing is
divided into three types, which are insertion, alternation, and congruent lexicalization”
(2000, p.3). In addition, the codes mixing or switching depends primarily on the context,
people’s social or cultural background, age or gender. For example, Some Arab man and
women might use English words or phrases when talking with their peers, friends or
strangers as an indication of being prestigious and sophisticated. Some other codes can
be used depending on the formality of people dealing with. For instance, colloquial Arabic
is used mainly amongst friends and acquaintances. However, standard Arabic must be
used in formal conferences, symposiums and meetings.
On the other hand, Mujiono et al (2017) did study on the code mixing phenomenon
that is performing by outbound call centers agents. It is evident from this study that code
6
mixing is used primarily in different occasions to perform a specific function based on the
person communicating with. Hence, code mixing is used as a tool for communication
effectively. Sometimes Arabic native speakers do not find an appropriate equivalent in
their native-language when they communicate with others, so they tend to use foreign
terms.
Baker (2006) mentioned “CS-CM can be used to emphasize a particular point, to
substitute a word in place of unknown word in the target language, to express a
concept that has no equivalent in the culture of the other language, to reinforce a
request, to clarify a point, to express identity and friendship, to ease tension and
inject humour into a conversation” (as cited in Johanes, 2017, p. 24).
There are other functions of code occurred in various communications. Code mixing or
switching can be used to repeat messages already stated to stress out what it has been
said or emphasize the importance of the message itself. Also, interjections can be
expressed by altering certain codes in some conversations.
Code-mixing often associated with the concept of bilingualism and mixing
between codes is considered a common feature in a bilingual community. According to (
Britannica, 2019), bilingualism is “ the ability to speak two languages. It may be acquired
early by children in regions where most adults speak two languages (e.g., French and
dialectal German in Alsace)” (p.na). Code mixing can occur in different situations to
achieve various purposes. Bilingual and multilingual people switch codes for filling motives
or prestige ones. Alkhawaldeh (2019) did study on code mixing reasons, forms, and
attitudes. It is evident from the study that people insert English words in the middle of their
mother tongue sentence. Moreover, there are occurrences of encouraging attitudes for a
multitude of aims for the participants to switch codes. The most protuberant of these is the
worth devoted to being able to use a foreign language, such as English. In addition, people
need to associate with other people. The participants confirmed the propensity to achieve
prestige by switching to English from Arabic. It is clear that code mixing as a phenomenon
is an essential driver used by language users for communicative and social purposes.
There many reasons for code mixing by language users. Prirol and Masruddin
(2019) highlighted many of them in their study. It is evident from the study that the social
outlook to code mixing is a determining feature. If code mixing with a language is
7
processed undesirably by the community, then it will be reserved at least by the users, and
the opposite is also correct. Code mixing is used communicatively based on the audience,
setting, and people who are interacting with each other. As well, there are factors that
contribute to create the code mixing. One of these factors is gender where it could affect
the speaker’s language. Bhatia and Ritchie (2004) state that “in many traditional societies,
where gender roles are clearly demarcated, i.e. men work outside the home and women
are engaged in domestic activities, language mixing and switching in women is
qualitatively different from that in men” ( as cited in Kim,E.H.,2006, p.48 ). That is, there is
a positive relationship between the occurrence of code mixing and interacting with the
outside world. The more one interchange with the others the more this phenomenon
occurs. As well,
“ Certain social factors – who you are talking to, the social context of the talk, the
function and topic of the discussion – turn out to be important in accounting for
language choice in many different kinds of speech community. It has proved very
useful, particularly when describing code choice in large speech communities, to
look at ‘typical’ interactions which involve these factors” (Holmes,2013,p.21).
Evidently, the code mixing phenomenon has a noticeable impact on the
communication occurrences and processes among people from different backgrounds.
Many researchers have studied the phenomenon of code mixing, its types, reasons and
functions. Generally speaking, code mixing occurs regardless of time and space
constraints.
8
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data collection:
The population of the present research was 6 videos from YouTube that include code
mixing. The sample size was 45 items. The researcher collected data randomly from 6
different Arabian nationalities which are Saudi, Kuwaiti, Lebanese, Jordanian, Egyptian,
and Syrian. The reason behind choosing these nationalities in particular among others due
to the full awareness and understanding of their culture, shared social background, accent,
as well as their common used of the code mixing phenomenon.
The researcher prepared a checklist as a tool for the present research and aspired
to collect data from 12 YouTube videos in which 2 videos for each nationality that
mentioned before. Moreover, the data were decided to be collected within three days. So,
the researcher started to look for videos for Arabian people. Besides, the researcher asked
the family members and friends for helping to find relevant videos of the code mixing
phenomenon. However, within these three days, the data was not enough. Thus, it
necessitated adding a time limit of 2 days to collect more items. After all these efforts, the
data collected from 6 videos since it had enough items in the research.
The present research used checklist as a tool and YouTube videos as a source of
data. The tool was created (through) searching for relevant videos to code mixing to focus
on in particular. These videos selected randomly and presented by 6 different Arabian
nationalities. Moreover, the researcher collected 45 items at rate one video for each
nationality. Then these items presented in the form of table and analyzed in a pie-chart
and bar chart. Additionally, this research used a checklist as a tool because of the
quantitative nature of the research. As well, YouTube videos used as a source of data
because of the current condition of Corona Virus pandemic that disallowed the researcher
to be in contact with people directly. So the data collected virtually. This tool enabled the
researcher to organize the items perfectly.
The data has been presented in the form of table according to the research
questions. The table included 45 items. These items classified according to regular
domains of CM, Frequency of CM by each nationality, and the linguistic features of the
items. Then, these items presented in pie and bar chart on the basis of their previous
9
classification to show percentages. Therefore, the researcher was enabled to analyze the
data and get results to be discussed.
Presentation of Data:
Frequency of
CM
Linguistic
feature of the
English items
mixed in
Arabic
Category
Time
Items
No. of
video
/nationality
Cultural Compound Very
common
word at Tip
of Tongue
Cognates Lexical
gap
5
noun ✓ 3:40 theme
Video. No1
( Saudi)
noun ✓ 4:07 line
noun ✓ 4:38 ride
noun ✓ 5:21 Safari
noun ✓ 5:23 tour
11
noun ✓ 1:07 purpose
Video. No2
( Lebanese)
noun ✓ 1:13 Today
noun ✓ 2:30 influencer
noun ✓ 3:32 platform
noun ✓ 3:33 voice
noun ✓ 3:56 communication
11
noun ✓ 4:58 Honour
noun ✓ 5:11 Marka//
Mark
adjective ✓ 5:16 Handmade
noun ✓ 6:04 goal
noun ✓ 6:29 human
5
noun ✓ 2:12 stuff
Video. No3
(Syrian)
adjective ✓ 4:37 /techani/
technical
noun ✓ 4:38 mic
noun ✓ 5:32 studio
noun ✓ 9:21 goal
7
noun ✓ 0:51 notice
Video. No4
(Egyptian )
noun ✓ 1:00 internet
noun ✓ 1:06 agents
noun ✓ 1:36 tape
adverb ✓ 1:43 usually
12
noun ✓ 2:13 film
noun ✓ 2:39 audition
11
noun ✓ 1:45 area
Video. No5
(Kuwaiti )
noun ✓ 2:25 section
noun ✓ 3:13 plus
adverb ✓ 3:31 so
noun ✓ 4:42 corner
noun ✓ 5:58 canvas
noun ✓ 8:44 style
adjective ✓ 8:44 Bohemian
noun ✓ 8:48 touch
noun ✓ 9:02 frame
noun ✓ 9:19 tennis
6
noun ✓ 0:31 filmmaker
Video. No6
(Jordanian
)
noun ✓ 0:39 /televizion/
television
noun ✓ 1:47 creativity
13
Table.1: represents the Research Question 1,2,3
adjective ✓ 4:32 quality
noun ✓ 5:22 ghost
noun ✓ 7:59 /videohat/
videos
14
9%
9%
73%
5%
4%
Reoccurrence
Lexical gap
Cognates
Very common word at
Tip of Tongue
Compound
Cultural
5
11
5
7
11
6
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
SaudiLebaneseSyrianEgyptianKuwaitiJordanian
Frequency of CM
Frequency of CM
87%
0%
9%
4%
Linguistic feature of the English items mixed in
Arabic
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Figure.1: the domains of code mixing occurring as a regular
speech pattern of conversation
Figure.2: the most Arabian nationalities using code mixing
Figure.3: the linguistic features of the English items mixed
in Arabic
Analysis:
To identify code mixing as a regular speech pattern of conversation, checklist from
YouTube videos have been observed. These videos showed several occurrences: lexical
gap, cognates, very common words at tip of tongue, compound words and cultural words.
The prevailing domains of code mixing occurrences are specified by the very common
words used at the tip of tongue with 73% of utterance occurred, for example, the words
,goal , voice, and internet. The second domains of speech patterns appeared equally in
lexical gaps and cognates at 9%. The least patterns were found in compound words (5%)
and cultural words (4%), respectively as indicated in Figure 1.
Arab speakers mix codes in various situations and it was found that the frequency of
code mixing used differs from one nationality to another. Figure 2 illustrated the frequency
of CM occurrences among Arab speakers. Kuwaiti and Lebanese speakers were the
highest among other Arabs with 11 occurrences in various situations. Egyptians were the
second highest with 7 utterances. Whereas, Saudi, Jordanian and Syrian speakers were
among the lowest with 6 times occurrences found in Jordanian and only 5 times occurred
by both Saudi and Syrian speakers.
As known, Code-mixing occurs when lexical items and grammatical features of two
or more languages exist in the same sentence. As Figure 3 showed, it has been noticed
that the nouns were the dominant linguistic features mixed in people’s utterances with
87%, whereas none has mixed verbs during their speech. The second linguistic features
occurred was adjectives (9%), followed by adverbs (4%). The most dominant linguistically
mixed was nouns.
Generally speaking, people in most of Arab countries tend to mix to English
language in some occurrences for certain reasons. Some need to imply a particular social
status or to make themselves distinguishable from other social classes. In addition, some
speakers mix to express their subconscious feelings and attitudes; being happy, angry and
etc. Code-mixing is frequently used in speech deliberately in to attract people’s
attention and get acknowledged.
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CONCLUSION
The present research successfully identified the code mixing phenomenon as a
tool of communication in Arab society. The results of data analysis illustrated that the
foremost domains occurrences were found at the tip of tongue utterances. Moreover,
Kuwaiti and Lebanese speakers were found amongst the highest users of code mixing,
whilst Saudi and Syrians were the least. People in Arab countries tend to mix codes in
to prove social class status or to attract others attention. Nouns were amongst the
highest linguistic features mixed, whereas verbs were never used at all. There were some
difficulties because of the outbreak of Corona Virus pandemic that disallowed the
researcher to be in contact with people directly in to collect data . The research’s
results contributed to help identify the linguistic features that are predominantly occurred
within the Arab speakers’ utterances and the specific reasons that drive the speaker to mix
codes in various occasions and situations. In the future, the researcher recommended
conducting a study whether Arabian people use code mixing or switching intentionally or
spontaneously when communicating amongst each other.
17
REFERENCES
Alkhawaldeh, A. (2019 October 13). Code Switching between Arabic and English:
Reasons, Types and Attitudes as expressed by EFL Female Students at Imam
Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. International Journal of English Linguistics, 9( 6),
135-147. Retrieved on March 22,2021, Retrieved from:
http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ijel/article/view/0/41016
Ayeomoni,M.O. (2006, n.a). Code-Switching and Code-Mixing: Style of Language Use in
Childhood in Yoruba Speech Community. In Nordic Journal of African Studies, 15(1), 90–
99.Retrieved on, February 22,2021, Retrieved from
http://www.njas.helsinki.fi/abstracts/vol15num1/abstract_15_1_7.html
Holmes,J. (2013). An introduction to sociolinguistics. Oxfordshire: Routledge press.
Retrieved on March 22,2021, Retrieved from:
https://salahlibrary.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/janet_holmes-
_an_introduction_to_sociolinguisticb-ok-org.pdf
Johanes,J.(2017). The Influence of Code-switching and Code-mixing on Learning English
Language in Secondary Schools: The Case of Rombo District (master’s thesis). The Open
University of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam,Tanzania. Retrieved on, February 22,2021,
Retrieved from http://repository.out.ac.tz/1733/1/JAPHET_JOHANES_-
_DISSERTATION_24-01-2017.pdf
Kim,E.H.(2006,n.a). Reasons and Motivations for Code-Mixing and Code-Switching.
Issues in EFL, 4(1), 43-61. Retrieved on March 22,2021, Retrieved from:
http://tesolma.com/uploads/3/4/5/9/34595919/spring_2006_issues_in_efl_41.pdf
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Mujiono,M., Wilujeng.R, & Suharto,M. (2017 March1 ). Code Mixing as a Communication
Strategy Performed by Outbound Call (OBC) Center Agents. International Journal of
Social Sciences and Educational Studies, 3(3), 4-18. Retrieved on, February
22,2021,Retrieved from https://ijsses.tiu.edu.iq/index.php/volume-3-issue-3-article-1/
Muysken,P. (2000). Bilingual Speech: A Typology of Code-Mixing. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press
Pauls,E,P.(2019). Bilingualism. In E. Rodriguez(Ed.), Encyclopedia Britannica. Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/bilingualism
Prirol, A., Masruddin. (2019,October, n.a). Reasons and Motivation of Islamic Scholar for
using Code Switching as Strategy in Delivering a Speech (Da’wah). Asian EFL Journal,
25( 5), 265-275. Retrieved on March 22,2021, Retrieved from:
https://www.asian-efl-journal.com/monthly-editions-new/2019-monthly-journals/volume-25-
issue-5-1-2019-2/
Waris, A.M. (2012, June, n.a). Code switching and mixing (Communication in Learning
Language). Jurnal Dakwah Tabligh, 13(1), 123-135. Retrieved on, February 22,2021,
Retrieved from http://journal.uin-alauddin.ac.id/index.php/tabligh/article/view/299/0
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