Acquiring L1-English L2-Spanish Code-Switching: The Role of Exposure to Language Mixing

Abstract

This paper explores the code-switching behavior of second language (L2) bilinguals as a lens into the development of their L2 linguistic systems. Specifically, it investigates the acceptability judgments of L1-English L2-Spanish bilinguals on intra-sentential code-switching, comparing those judgments to a group of Spanish–English bilinguals who acquired both languages as an L1. The particular issues of proficiency and bilingual language behavior are analyzed, testing whether either factor has an effect on L2 code-switching intuitions. The results suggest that both proficiency and bilingual language behavior are relevant. L2 bilinguals with an intermediate/advanced proficiency level of Spanish were more likely to align with 2L1 bilinguals with regard to code-switching judgments, as were L2 bilinguals who reported prior experience with language mixing. L2 bilinguals with lower proficiency in Spanish, as well as those who reported never engaging in code-switching, however, were more likely to diverge from the 2L1 bilinguals in their judgments.

What Can L2ers Tell Us about Codeswitching? Mood Selection in Spanish

“…CS use, for instance, was significant in the low proficiency groups, but the non-CS group of higher proficiency fell somewhere in between the two low proficiency groups in their ratings. Koronkiewicz (2018), thus, concludes both proficiency and CS use are important in the acquisition of CS. In general, in Giancaspro (2013Giancaspro ( , 2015 and Koronkiewicz (2018), participants showed evidence of acquisition of CS.…”

“…Koronkiewicz (2018), thus, concludes both proficiency and CS use are important in the acquisition of CS. In general, in Giancaspro (2013Giancaspro ( , 2015 and Koronkiewicz (2018), participants showed evidence of acquisition of CS. These results are consistent with Toribio's (2001) hypothesis that once the related grammar is acquired in Spanish, Spanish L2ers can distinguish grammatical and ungrammatical structures.…”

“…Giancaspro (2013Giancaspro ( , 2015 examined auxiliary and pronoun switches, and although he did not find a proficiency effect among his participants, they were all in upper-level undergraduate courses (equivalent to Toribio's intermediate or advanced speakers). Also examining switches at the pronoun and auxiliary verb, Koronkiewicz (2018) analyzed results from an AJT considering not only proficiency but also CS use. He compared HSs who engaged in CS and were of intermediate-advanced proficiency with groups of L2ers that varied in proficiency and CS: two intermediateadvanced groups that varied in CS use (CSers and non CSers) and two low proficiency groups that also varied in their CS use.…”

Language switching constraints: more than syntax? Data from Media Lengua

“…Both forced-choice and scalar acceptability judgments have been employed in code-switching research, and although direct comparison with the Quichua–Media Lengua data can only be approximated, the fact that the Ecuadorian participants did not categorically reject all nominally disallowed code-switches is not out of line with the results of other studies, even those involving languages with considerable morphosyntactic differences. This includes Aguirre (1981, p. 304; 1985, p. 65) and Koronkiewicz (2014, pp. 83–99 for Spanish–English switches after subject pronouns, Ebert (2014, pp.…”

“…In Spanish–English code-switching, subject pronoun switching is usually unacceptable, due to the status of English as a non-null subject language, but switching can occur with coordinated pronouns, hanging topics, clefting, modification, and prosodic stress (Koronkiewicz, 2012, pp. 1–2; 2014), all cases in which overt pronouns are obligatory in Spanish. Gumperz (1977, p. 26) has suggested that reported constraints against switching between pronouns and verbs may have to do with the fact that many pronouns are short, although when they can be contrasted or stressed switching may occur.…”