A STUDY ON VIETNAMESE - ENGLISH CODE-SWITCHING AS A COMMUNICATION DEVICE IN CONVERSATIONS AT WORKPLACES

Abstract

Code-switching, the alternate use of more than one language in a discourse, has been explored in many diverse fields such as sociolinguistics, anthropology, psycholinguistics. The internationalization of our societies has facilitated code-switching. Although extensive researches have been done on the subject, it is far from complete. This study mainly focuses on code-switching between Vietnamese and English as a communication device in conversations at workplaces. The study was conducted by means of observations, questionnaires, recordings and interviews. The researcher managed to get the cooperation of 200 participants. They are secretaries, accountants, receptionists and office workers from 20 companies, offices and workplaces in Hue, Da Nang city and Quang Nam province. Firstly, the data from the questionnaire show the frequency of using Vietnamese English code-switching at workplaces. Secondly, recorded conversations were descriptively explained to show the functions and motivations of code-switching. Thirdly, the attitudes towards code-switching among 200 participants were also presented. It is concluded that speakers use code-switching as a valuable linguistic strategy to achieve certain communicative goals. Code switching has been used to construct group identity and a professional working environment where Vietnamese and English can be used alternately to achieve the exact information. Code-switching can also be a useful tool to fill lexical gaps or to maintain communication process. Code-switching is both inevitable and necessary at workplaces, so it should be viewed from the perspective of providing a linguistic advantage rather than an obstruction to communication. The study is hoped to contribute a small part to the field of sociolinguistics, especially to the field of code switching.