Abstract

Code switching in the Arab world has been discussed extensively. This study explores different factors that affect the process of code switching between English, Egyptian Colloquial Arabic, and Modern Standard Arabic among a specific cohort. It examines how speakers position themselves and reflect their identities by using different associations of different codes in formal and informal settings. Data were collected through observations, a demographic questionnaire and interviews from eight board members at the Leo Club of Alexandria, Egypt, a charity and community service club. Five general and board meetings were recorded and transcribed in order to investigate the occurrence of code switching during these meetings. The eight participants filled out the demographic questionnaire. Interviews with the participants were then conducted in an attempt to examine their perceptions about code switching and why they personally use a specific code in different situations. Results reveal that social class, education, and gender appear to be the most important factors affecting participants’ choice of codes. In addition, most of the participants were found to use code switching in order to position themselves in a powerful state that gives them confidence and authority.

Department

Applied Linguistics Department

Degree Name

MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Graduation Date

6-1-2015

Submission Date

May 2015

First Advisor

Bassiouney, Reem

Committee Member 1

Plumlee, Marilyn

Committee Member 2

Gebril, Atta

Extent

82 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Code switching (Linguistics) -- Egypt.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Indexicals (Semantics)

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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