The aim of this study is to explore the phenomenon of code-switching between Vietnamese and English among Vietnamese-English bilinguals in Melbourne, Australia. This study focuses on code-switching patterns of Vietnamese-English bilinguals in Melbourne In view of the fact that CS can be approached from a wide variety of perspectives, this study uses a combination of different approaches which can serve as a useful framework fro analysing CS data from different angeles.
The main subjects of this study include Vietnamese English bilinguals residing in Melbourne. The CS data were collected in Melbourne from May to December, 1994. The data collection methods include recordings of natural conversation, and taped interviews based on a questionnarie.
The analysis of Vietnamese tones immediately preceding CS reveals that there is a statistically significant proportion of the high tone group at the point of switching. This fact, together with the perceptually phonological compatibility between Vietnamese tones of high and mid-level pitch and English stressed vs unstressed syllables, suggests that CS tends to be facilitated by the mid-level to high pitch Vietnamese tones.
The highly complex system of Vietnamese person reference plays a role in triggering CS. All in all, the findings suggest that CS is an integral part in the repertoire of the Vietnamese-English bilinguals.
E-mail this message to a friend
