What is Spanglish? The phenomenon of code-switching and its impact amongst US Latinos

Abstract

Considering the significant num bers of Spanish speakers in the United States and resulting linguistic strategies in an English language dominant context, the phenomenon of code-switching is examined in this paper as an important element of ‘border culture’. Focus is given to linguistic and sociocultural code-switching practices based on research in US Latino communities, and the differences between code-switching and code-mixing are analysed alongside attitudes towards the phenomenon. In asking the question, what is Spanglish? the terms “Latino”, and “Hispanic” are problematised, demonstrating that these labels carry strong connotative meanings, and in this way, the use of the term “Spanglish” can be seen as a political assertion of a border identity.

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