Code-switching 語碼轉換 (语码转换)

yǔmǎ zhuǎnhuàn · from English

What is code-switching?

Code-switching is alternating between two or more languages or varieties within a conversation or even a single sentence.

It is normal among bilinguals and signals identity, topic or audience, not lack of skill. Hong Kong Cantonese mixes in English words constantly, Taglish blends Tagalog and English, and Singaporeans switch between Singlish, Mandarin and Malay.

Examples

Hong Kong 我今日好busy ngo5 gam1 jat6 hou2 busy (I am very busy today); Taglish Nag-shopping kami kahapon (we went shopping yesterday); Malaysian Jom lunch (let's have lunch)

Kungfucius says: Bilinguals do not mix languages because they are confused. They do it because they can.