grammatical constraints and motivations for - University of the ...

Therefore, speakers may switch to a language when they lack the vocabulary
necessary for a given topic or when they feel that certain words are more
meaningful in one of the languages they know.
Switching may also serve a directive function. In this case a speaker may use a
particular language or code to address a specific hearer. Alternatively, speakers
may switch codes to exclude individuals from a conversation.
The phatic function of codeswitching is indicative of a change of tone in a
conversation. Languages or codes may be switched to portray humour as is the
case with punchlines and jokes that are expressed in the second language.
Appel and Muysken (1987: 120) argue that, “the metalinguistic function of
codeswitching comes into play when it is used to comment directly or indirectly
on one of the languages involved.” In such instances, speakers may switch
languages or varieties in an effort to impress others by showing off their linguistic
ability.
Lastly, according to Appel & Muysken (1987: 119), codeswitching serves an
expressive function which enables speakers to “emphasize a mixed identity
through the use of two languages in the same discourse.” Therefore, each
language is associated with a distinct identity and the ability to use two languages
allows one to demonstrate two separate identities.
Myers-Scotton (1993a, 2006a) proposed a model that seeks to explain the
motivational aspects related to codeswitching. This markedness model accounts
for the reasons individuals alternate between languages in communication.
2.4.1 The Markedness Model
According to Myers-Scotton, (1993a: 84), the markedness model assumes that,
“… code choices are understood as indexing rights-and-obligations (hereafter
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