Abstract:
Code switching is a bilingual linguistic phenomenon. Code switching between two
languages may either be catergorized as insertion or alternation. This paper investigates
the phenomenon of code switching in Sri Lankan bilinguals whose L1 is Sinhala in
contrast with speakers whose L1 is English (or English and Sinhala). The paper
attempts to describe the influence of L1 when switching in conversation. The study treats
insertion and alternation as two separate manifestations of the same linguistic
phenomenon. It also describes attitudes to the phenomenon of code switching in Sri
Lanka by its speakers and non-speakers.
The study makes use of a case study approach. Speakers are catergorized by their L1
and the study analyzes, if there are differences in the manner of code switching i.e.
whether speakers alternate or insert and whether this is due to the influence of L1.The
experiment contains samples of spontaneous speech productions of informants who are
also interviewed.
The findings of the study will determine the influence or non-influence of the L1 in code
switching in bilingual speakers of Sri Lanka. It will also determine whether speakers
combine insertion and alternation when switching codes or whether one phenomenon
leads to the other in the course of conversation. It will determine if insertion and
alternation can separate bilinguals into dominant or balanced groups irrespective of
their choice of L1.
