Paratext: Journal of Language and Literature
Vol 2 No 1 (2026): Paratext: Journal of Language and Literature

CODE-SWITCHING IN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION AMONG FORMER IISMA STUDENTS AT UC CHILE ( A SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS)

Rafael Dwi Putra Momongan (Sam Ratulangi University Faculty of Humanities)
Jultje Aneke Rattu (Unknown)
F. Ari Anggriani Sebayang (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 May 2026

Abstract

This study examines the use of Indonesian–English–Spanish code-switching among former Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) students at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile). It aims to identify the types of code-switching employed, analyze their communicative functions, and explain how such practices support intercultural communication and adaptation in a Spanish-speaking academic environment. This research adopts a qualitative approach within the framework of interactional sociolinguistics and intercultural communicative competence. The findings reveal that intra-sentential switching is the most dominant type, indicating a high level of multilingual competence among the participants. Code-switching serves several key functions, including clarification, solidarity and identity marking, and emphasis. Among these, clarification is the most frequent, reflecting the need to maintain mutual understanding in a multilingual environment. Furthermore, code-switching supports intercultural communication by facilitating interactional flexibility, enhancing cultural awareness, and enabling speakers to adapt to different communicative contexts. In conclusion, code-switching is not merely a linguistic phenomenon but a strategic communicative resource that plays a significant role in intercultural adaptation. This study contributes to sociolinguistic and intercultural communication research by highlighting the importance of trilingual code-switching in non-English-speaking academic settings.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

paratext

Publisher

Subject

Arts Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Paratext: Journal of Language and Literature is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to exploring the diverse fields of language and literature. The journal publishes original research, critical analyses, and innovative studies focusing on literary works, linguistic phenomena, cultural ...