<![CDATA[Objective: This paper explores sociolinguistic variation in code switching behaviour among bilingual speakers in the academic subjects. Through the research, the most prevalent forms of code-switching will be identified, discuss social and contextual factors that affect language alternation, and investigate the ways bilingual speakers use language alternation as a communicative tool in the process of academic engagement. Method: The research design used in the study is mixed method (quantitative and qualitative research design). The data were gathered on 60 bilingual subjects, comprised of students of undergraduate level and postgraduate level, as well as academic instructors of different academic fields. The data were collected using three primary tools, i.e., semi-structured interviews, recorded academic interaction, and questionnaires that addressed the language use and attitudes to code-switching. Results: The results indicate that the process of code-switching is a common and regular characteristic of the academic communication in bilinguals. Out of the various types of switching established, intra-sentential switching was most common followed by inter-sentential switching and tag-switching was least common. Academic disciplines also showed some differences with the participants in humanities and social sciences showing more code-switching than the participants in applied sciences. Novelty: In general, the results of this research indicate that code-switching cannot be regarded as a lingual drawback but as an effective communicative tool that bilingual speakers apply to negotiate between academic speech and interpersonal communication.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
