International Journal of Language & Linguistics

Structural Features and Sociolinguistic Functions in Bilinguals’ Code Switched Face-to-Face and Short Message Service Conversations
Susana M. Sotillo, Ph.D.

Abstract
This study investigates morph syntactic features and sociolinguistic functions of code-switching in face-to-face (F2F) and short message service (SMS) conversations among bilinguals from typologically different languages: Spanish and Tagalog. Intra sentential code-switching (ICS) is first analyzed in four bilingual corpora. Next, conversation topics in sequential exchanges are examined to infer sociolinguistic functions. Embedded language islands (ELIs) were more frequent in SMS than in direct conversations because more processing time for selecting lemmas is available to those texting than to individuals engaged in F2F interaction. However, inserts were more frequent in F2F conversations. The inferred sociolinguistic functions of CS among bilinguals include arguing, criticizing, gossiping, negotiating message comprehension, and relaying information. These findings reveal the inherent variation of ICS practices in different modes of communication and show how bilinguals in interaction creatively exploit their varied semiotic resources of which language is one

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