Reasons for code switching in informal communication (based on recordings of the speech of young adults)

Abstract

The article is concerned with code switching, i.e. the alternate use of different language codes. Recordings of inhabitants of Minsk aged 20–28 years were analysed. The participants used both Russian and Belarusian in these exchanges, with some using Belarusian as their basic language and others relying primarily on Russian for communication. The aims of the study were to determine and describe the reasons behind code switching in situations where the communication partners had a good command of both languages and so could use either at any moment. The main reasons for code switching are: responding to the language used by the interlocutor, responding to the conversation, as well as quoting, word play, command of language and some others.