“Amaphi ama-subjects eniwa-enjoy-ayo esikolweni?”: Code-switching and language practices among bilingual learners in the Eastern Cape

AbstractThe speech behaviour in which at least two distinct languages are used in the same conversation (code-switching) is a pervasive feature found in the language produced by fluent bilinguals, particularly when the speakers engage in informal conversation. The multilingual context of South Africa ensures that code-switching is not only a common phenomenon, but that it is probably the most natural speech pattern for presenting multiple identities of self. This study explored the language practices of isiXhosa learners at different stages of an English-medium grade school to determine (a) the stage at which code-switching between isiXhosa and English emerges as a feature of informal speech and (b) the extent to which increased competence in English affects the nature of code-switching which may in turn serve as an indicator of language shift from isiXhosa to English. The study revealed that as early as the Foundation Phase code-switching seems to be a prominent feature of informal speech in certain contexts. More importantly the study revealed that, contrary to expectations, increased competence in English does not necessarily lead to language shift from isiXhosa to English, but rather it leads to more integrated usage of both English and isiXhosa.