Unpacking Language Hybridity: Functions of Code-Switching in Diasporic Arab Texts

Mouna Djeghoubbi; Nimer Abusalim; Mohammad Rayyan

doi:10.17507/tpls.1310.32

Authors

Mouna Djeghoubbi The University of Jordan
Nimer Abusalim The University of Jordan
Mohammad Rayyan The University of Jordan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1310.32

Keywords:

Literary code-switching, code-switching functions, Arab diasporic texts

Abstract

This research intends to shed light on the functions of literary code-switching in diasporic Arab texts with a focus on De Niro’s game (2006) by Rawi Hage and Salt Houses (2017) by Hala Alyan. The aim was to provide an insightful analysis of the functions of literary code-switching. Accordingly, a combination of Callahan's (2004) and Montes-Alcalá's (2012) models was adopted for the sake of the analysis. The combination of both models resulted in a total of ten categories of functions of literary code-switching. The findings of this paper revealed that literary code-switching in Arab diasporic fiction achieved all the ten proposed functions with varying degrees of frequency. Further, the results of this research demonstrated that literary code-switching is not a random or unsystematic practice. Rather, it is seen as a valid literary device exploited by diasporic writers to achieve certain literary functions and stylistic effects.

Author Biographies

Mouna Djeghoubbi, The University of Jordan

Department of English Language and Literature

Nimer Abusalim, The University of Jordan

Department of English Language and Literature

Mohammad Rayyan, The University of Jordan

Department of European Languages

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