CODE SWITCHING AND CODE MIXING OF ENGLISH IN URDU: A STUDY OF BILINGUAL IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION AT QUAID-I-AZAM UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This research examines the process of bilingual code-switching and code-mixing between Urdu and English as well as the impact on undergraduate students of Quaid-i-Azam University using the theoretical framework of Bilingual identity construction theory (BICT). The present study analyses students’ attitudes towards code-switching and code-mixing and their effects on students’ personality, culture, and language choice. A combination of both qualitative and quantitative research questionnaires were administered and responses collected in terms of scores and narratives respectively. The preceding results confirm the structures conclusions, which point to code switching and code mixing as being practices required positively by students since they help them overcome cultural and linguistic barriers, and to facilitate complex thinking, and interaction in multicultural social environments. Several respondents raised issues regarding the threats posed by linguistic depreciation and identity clash, but the most common fear expressed was of the assimilative and acquisitive character of those practices. The present research also finds that having bilingual means is further supported because one has idiosyncratic and effective utilisation of multiple linguistic assets for cultural integration. This work adds to the knowledge on bilingualism particularly in an academic setting where switch between languages and intermingling codes should be celebrated as part of process of communication and identification. The study also establishes the requirement for studying these practices in other Bilingual populations.