A sociolinguistic study of code switching motivations and language attitudes among multilingual Algerians in the UK

This sociolinguistic study investigates code switching (CS) motivations in relation to identity construction, and language attitudes. The participants are twelve first generation multilingual, Arab and Berber Algerians living in different parts in the UK. This research argues that the practice of CS is governed by various linguistic attitudes and social motivations, among which speakers’ identity negotiation is the most apparent one. Expressing an identity often requires the speaker to switch to a different language. However, attitudes, which also cover ideologies about languages, do not always appear to have a direct effect on the code choice of the speakers because the use of language also depends on the social context of the conversation.

To answer the concerns raised above, a qualitative methodology is adopted. I used semi-structured interviews only to develop three different data chapters. Chapter four uses interviews as linguistic material to analyse the practice of CS among the participants in light of the research questions. Chapter five and chapter six are built upon the self-reported opinions of the participants concerning their language use in general.

The analysis of CS practices in Chapter Four was undertaken through an interpretivist lens, drawing on reflexive thematic analysis. This analytical approach was subsequently applied to Chapters Five and Six, rigorously adhering to its structured phases. Moreover, an array of theoretical models—including the Markedness Model, the Gumperz Tradition, Communication Accommodation Theory, social identity theories, the tripartite model, and Family Language Policy—were integrated to interpret, and critically engage with the data obtained.

Findings revealed that participants engage in different linguistic behaviours, yet CS was the most frequent practice. Considering CS motivations, results suggested three factors prompting speakers to switch codes in a single utterance or conversation. (1) Context-related motivations contain factors such as interlocutors’ relationships, setting, topic, and emotions’ expression. (2) Message-related motivations cover factors such as the message itself, quoting and filling linguistic gaps. Regarding the third motivation, (3) participants adopted CS to construct and perform different identities which they struggle to maintain within other competing identities while living in the UK. As for language attitudes, results revealed that participants mainly regarded their linguistic repertoire favorably in different ways. Furthermore, participants’ attitudes towards CS did not affect their linguistic behaviour. Though their understanding of the negative effects of CS on their first language, they still perform this linguistic behaviour due to various social contexts of conversations. Towards the end, participants shared some plans to transmit the heritage language to their children and strategies to maintain the language and preserve it from shift and/ or loss.

This study provides comprehensive insights of the practice of CS among the Algerian Arab and Berber ethnic minorities in The UK and how it is linked to speakers’ identities, attitudes, and efforts to maintain the first language, Arabic. It contributes to the literature review on Arabic and North-African ethnic minorities in the UK in general, and Algerian minorities in diaspora in specific. It might be of interest in further research exploring the relationship between CS, identity, and attitudes among other multilingual speakers in diaspora. It might also be relevant for bi/ multilinguals experiencing CS in terms of adopting some policies to preserve their heritage language and identity from shift, attrition, or loss in host countries.