Differences in Code-Switching between Chinese Heritage and Non-Heritage Learners in Computer-Mediated Communication

Chinese Title

华裔与非华裔汉语学习者在电脑辅助交流中的语码转换的不同

Authors

Feng Xiao, Pomona CollegeFollow
Cecilia Wade, Pomona CollegeFollow

Author Name in Chinese

萧峰；卫嘉美

Author Affiliation

Pomona College

Author Affiliation in Chinese

波莫纳学院

English Abstract

In the fields of bilingualism and second language (L2) acquisition, growing attention has been paid to code-switching in Chinese heritage learners , as they show how early linguistic and cultural influence affects language use. Most existing studies focused on balanced bilinguals but little has been done to understand the differences in code-switching between Chinese heritage and non-heritage learners. Moreover, no studies have focused on L2 code-switching in computer-mediated communication which has become a daily routine of many L2 learners after the COVID pandemic. To fill these gaps, the present study compared differences in code-switching instances between five Chinese heritage and five non-heritage learners in a semi-structured interview in English conducted via Zoom. Results showed that the heritage learners have more instances of code-switching from English to Chinese and knowledge of Chinese cultural terms but fewer linguistic errors than the non-heritage learners. Results also revealed that all the learners shared similar code-switching reasons, namely adapting to different conversations.

Manuscript Language

English

Recommended Citation

Xiao, Feng and Wade, Cecilia (2023) "Differences in Code-Switching between Chinese Heritage and Non-Heritage Learners in Computer-Mediated Communication," Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology: Vol. 6: Iss. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/cltmt/vol6/iss1/2