Code-switching between Algerian Arabic and French in Jijel speech community: motives and functions

Abstract EN

The paper at hand attempts to explore the motives and functions of code-switching phenomenon between Algerian Arabic and French in Jijel speech community.

for this, a questionnaire was administered to 60 informants who were randomly selected from different socio-educational backgrounds.

through the use of a mixed methodology, the analysis of the naturally-occurring audio recordings complements and supports the results attained from questionnaires.

the findings revealed that speakers in Jijel code-switch with different degrees and in different ways to fulfill a variety of motives and functions as; appeal to the literate, appropriateness, conveying closeness-to or distance-from the addressee, filling a linguistic need, imitation, gain prestige, preference, showing off, speak about a particular topic and much more functions.