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5.2 Social motivations for Codeswitching
5.2.1 Update Kaapse Vlakte 1
Throughout the discourse, unmarked switching occurs as the host engages in a
continuous pattern of using two languages. All through, he alternates between
English and Afrikaans as opposed to the co-host of the show who appears to use
English almost all of the time.
In some instances, switching occurs as a marked choice: when the speaker wishes
to express emotion or increase social distance. One particular instance where the
host switches codes to put up a social barrier is in turn 27 when he speaks about
Blackman Ngoro, saying, “As ek daai jong in die hande kry / If I get hold of that
guy”. Clearly, he does not wish to be associated with him and switches to
Afrikaans as a means of putting up a social barrier and expressing his anger.
Ngoro was born in and grew up in Zimbabwe. Therefore, it is unlikely that he
speaks or understands Afrikaans. Thus, the host may be attempting to get
Afrikaans speakers to side with him against Ngoro who is not a member of their
speech community.
At times, English is used to allow the host to be taken more seriously and to assert
authority. “No, Clarence, Clarence, I am so gonna smack you” (Turn 53) is a
typical example of this. At other times, the host uses English as a means of
expressing deference and showing respect. “… and of course, Clarence who’s the
very knowledgeable person about the Red Light District…” (Turn 59) seems to
illustrate deference and respect, as the host admits, in a somewhat sarcastic way,
that Clarence is, indeed, knowledgeable.
A consistent pattern that does emerge from the data is the use of Afrikaans as the
dominant language for story-telling purposes. Particularly in the first show,
where the host reminisces on a trip to Europe, Afrikaans serves as the matrix
language. However, switching occurs continuously (serving a variety of
functions) as many English phrases and content words (the majority of which are
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