Patterns of Arabic-English Code-Switching in Youth Communication in Cairo

Abstract

This study aims to identify patterns of Arabic-English code-switching in verbal communication among the students of the American University in Cairo with reference to nonlinguistic factors affecting their linguistic behavior. The data were analyzed in the framework of Pieter Muysken’s typology of codeswitching. Four types of code-switching were found: insertion, alternation, discourse marker switching and congruent lexicalization. The study shows that code-switching is acquired through socialization and the use of particular patterns is strongly correlated with the speakers’ social background alongside their exposure to English and bilingual code-switching before admission to the university.

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