Bilingualism, Code-Switching,

Code Mixing, Pidgin, Creole

Widhiyanto

Subject: Topics in Applied Linguistics 1

 A bilingual person
• is someone who speaks two languages. A
person who speaks more than two languages
is called 'multilingual' (although the term
'bilingualism' can be used for both situations).
Multilingualism isn't unusual; in fact, it's the
norm for most of the world's societies. It's
possible for a person to know and use three,
four, or even more languages fluently.
 Code-switching
• is a term in linguistics referring to using more than one
language or dialect in conversation. Bilinguals, who can
speak at least two languages fluently, have the ability to
use elements of both languages when conversing with
another bilingual. What is said is syntactically and
phonologically appropriate; that means that even if words
from another language are included into the sentence, they
will be adapted to the grammatical rules of the first
language. Code-switching can occur between sentences
(inter sentential) or within a single sentence
(intrasentential). Code-switching is now considered to be a
normal and natural product of interaction between the
bilingual (or multilingual) speaker's languages.
 Code-mixing
• refers to the mixing of two or more languages or
language varieties in speech[1]. Some scholars use the
terms "code-mixing" and "code-switching" interchangeably,
especially in studies of syntax, morphology, and other
formal aspects of language.[2][3] Others assume more
specific definitions of code-mixing, but these specific
definitions may be different in different subfields of
linguistics, education theory, communications etc.
• Code-mixing is similar to the use or creation of pidgins; but
while a pidgin is created across groups that do not share a
common language, code-mixing may occur within a
multilingual setting where speakers share more than one
language.
 A pidgin language
• is a simplified language that develops as a means of communication
between two or more groups that do not have a language in
common, in situations such as trade, or where both groups speak
languages different from the language of the country in which they
reside (but there is no common language between the groups). A
"pidgin" language is, fundamentally, a simplified means of linguistic
communication, as is constructed impromptu, or by convention,
between groups of people. A "pidgin" language is not the native
language of any speech community, but is instead learned as a
second language.[1][2] A "pidgin" language may be built from
words, sounds, or body language from multiple other languages
and cultures. "Pidgin" languages usually have low prestige with
respect to other languages.[3]
• Not all simplified or "broken" forms of a language (patois) are
"pidgin". Each "pidgin" language has its own norms of usage which
must be learned to speak the "pidgin" language well.
 A creole language
• is a stable language that has originated from a
pidgin language that has been nativized (that
is, taught to children). The vocabulary of a
creole language consists of cognates from the
parent languages, though there are often
clear phonetic and semantic shifts. On the
other hand, the grammar often has original
features but may differ substantially from
those of the parent languages.