College of Languages and Translation
The study "Bilingual Communication: A Case Study of Code-Switching Among King Khalid University Students in Saudi Arabia" investigates the bilingual speech patterns of students at King Khalid University (KKU). It focuses on how these students seamlessly blend Arabic and English in their communication. The research aims to explore code-switching (CS) as a potential tool for second or foreign language learning, particularly examining the attitudes of KKU students toward this linguistic phenomenon.
The findings indicate that code-switching among these students serves multiple functions beyond mere topic shifts. These include reiteration, changes in participant constellation, self-repair, and emphasis. The study reveals that code-switching is influenced by participant preferences and is not solely discourse-related. Moreover, there is a high level of openness toward code-switching among KKU students, reflecting positive attitudes toward blending English and Arabic. The article also discusses the potential inclusion of code-mixing as a teaching practice, with necessary refinements, in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) environment.