Bilingual Communication: A Case Study Of Code-Switching Among King Khalid University Students In Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This article investigates the bilingual speech patterns among students at King Khalid University (KKU) in Saudi Arabia, where collegegoers comfortably blend Arabic and English in their communication. The study aims to explore code mixing as a potential tool for second or foreign language learning, focusing on the attitudes of KKU students. Code-switching (CS), resulting from language contact, is examined as a distinctive feature of a multilingual society. Findings indicate that code-switching is not only discourse-related but is also influenced by participant preferences, showcasing a variety of functions beyond topic shift, including reiteration, change in participant constellation, self-repair, and emphasis. The article suggests the complexity of code-switching functions within discourse. Positive attitudes towards code-switching with English and Arabic are evident among KKU students, reflecting a high level of openness to this practice. Furthermore, the article discusses the potential inclusion of code-mixing as a teaching practice, with necessary refinements, in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) environment.