Functional and sociocultural attitudes of code-switching and its relation to the meaning-making process: The case of dubbing Kim Possible into Arabic

Abstract

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: The aim of this study is to investigate the sociolinguistic functions of code-switching and its relation to the meaning-making process by using the animated series Kim Possible as a case study. Design/methodology/approach: This study employs Muysken’s taxonomy to draw on code-switching patterns in lexico-grammar in relation to human behavior. The study also uses the functional approaches of Muysken and Appel and Gumperz as binary investigatory frameworks to locate interlingual and intralingual code-switching particularities and to elaborate on code-switching functions. Data and analysis: The analysis encompasses 48 episodes. Firstly, we extracted and transcribed code-switching occurrences in light of Muysken’s typology episode-by-episode and categorized them according to their code-switching type (interlingual or intralingual). Secondly, we quantified the occurrences according to their syntactic form to make more systematic claims about code-switching patterns. Next, we triangulated the patterns by examining the context of utterances and extralinguistic factors in the original series vis-à-vis the dubbed version to draw upon information beyond the structure or grammar. Findings/conclusions: The Arabic dubbed version was able to communicate the characters’ cosmopolitan diversity, which correlates with the series’ sense of linguistic modernity and humor. At the same time, the Arabic version was able to portray the extralinguistic reality of Lebanon and its multi-linguistic tapestry. Originality: This research is original because it focuses on Lebanese-Arabic, a dialect seldom discussed in the context of translation. The research also examines language variations in the context of dubbed discourse, where code-switching is integrally pertinent to visual-signs and the cultural background of characters. Significance/implications: The study recognizes the intricacy of code-switching as a reflective phenomenon of social reality and power dynamics; therefore, it contributes in the fields of translation and sociolinguistics.

A Systematic Review of the Literature on Code-Switching and a Discussion on Future Directions

“…The importance of codeswitching as a way of expressing identity, maintaining social relationships, and navigating the online environment. Thus, dubbing has a complex interplay between language, culture, and meaning (Yahiaoui et al, 2021).…”

“…Additionally, future studies could focus on the sociolinguistic aspects of code-switching, exploring how social factors, such as cultural identity, social context, and community norms, impact the frequency and patterns of code-switching. Foster cultural sensitivity and understanding among individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds (Zunnorain, 2015;Yahiaoui et al, 2021); this can help reduce the negative social implications of code-switching and promote acceptance of linguistic diversity. Encourage and support the development of proficiency in both languages.…”

Issues and Functions of Code-switching in Studies on Popular Culture: A Systematic Literature Review

“…More than half of the total number of studies focused the discussion on identity that can be further delineated into social identity (Albawardi, 2018;Baoueb, 2020;Martin-Anatias, 2018;Mohamed Nil & Paramasivam, 2012;Muller, 2015;Rafi, 2017), group marker (Barnes, 2012); Bentahila & Davies, 2002;Davies & Bentahila, 2008;White, 2019), ethnicity (Akande, 2013;Manns, 2014), and multilingual community (Pérez-Sabater, 2021; Pérez-Sabater & Moffo, 2019; Umpornpun & Mongkolhutthi, 2022). Constructions of meaning is another issue that has been frequently discussed in code-switching studies, researching the use of code-switching in relation to societal and cultural elements of discourse (Lin, 2017) and as meaning constructions (Chau & Lee, 2021;Schau et al, 2017;Yahiaoui et al, 2021). In a specific area of advertisement, an issue that is emphasised revolves around the use of code-switch as a persuasive element in conveying the message in product evaluation (Ahn et al, 2017;Lin & Wang, 2016;Luna & Perrachio, 2005;Zhiganova, 2015).…”

“…On a larger context, Schau et al, (2017) addressed the issue of bridging the gap of "home and host culture" where code-switching between Chinese and English happened to discuss American retail environment (p. 178). Analysing a cartoon broadcasted on television, Yahiaoui et al (2021) also pointed out that code-switching is vital in meaning construction in relation to cultural milieu in Lebanese multilingual context, suggesting modern language use and wittiness of the characters in the series that reflect the cultural background of the cartoon characters.…”

A Psycholinguistic Study of Codeswitching: Data from Burundian Multilingual Adult Speakers

“…Different perspectives have been taken to address the issue of CS. These perspectives are structural linguistic perspective including types of codeswitches (Mari, 2005), an examination for structural constraints able to account for different ways in which known languages can be combined (Poplack, 1980), the use of different language pairs and others, a sociolinguistic perspective (Gumperz, 1976;Almelhi, 2020;Yahiaoui et. al., 2021;Gardner-Chloros, 2020) and a psycholinguistic perspective.…”