SarraaNasserFayezAlRuwayjih.pdf

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

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3

LITERATURE REVIEW ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8

CNOCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………………………………………16

REFERENCES …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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REFERENCES

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