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Style Shifting and Codeswitching
Language does not exist in a vacuum. It exists within a social framework which largely defines its function. The social conditions in which a language is spoken strongly affect the way in which it is spoken. This is the basic premise of sociolinguistics.
According to William Labov (1966), the study of language cannot take place without a thorough consideration of the social aspects in which that language existsor rather, information about the speaker. Specifically, this refers to such factors as age, gender, educational level, and ethnic background. The effects these factors have upon the language are often described by such terms as 'style shifting' and 'codeswitching'. What, exactly, are these concepts?
Style shifting and codeswitching are, by definition, separate but similar phenomena. They are based on the same underlying principle, which has been described by one linguist as a need to utilise a more expressive range of words (Gal, 1979, p. 95). The primary difference seems to be that each term refers to the same basic concept, but in different conditions. Style shifting is a phenomenon that is most often identified within monolingual discourse, whereas codeswitching is primarily discussed in terms of bilingual discourse. However, the terms are frequently used interchangeably by many linguists. As a result, the distinctions between the two tend to become even more obscure. This paper will closely analyze these concepts in order to identify what makes them similar, as well as what sets them apart. In addition, it will offer explanations about why the two terms have come to be considered so close in meaning that they are frequently used to refer to the same concept.
Style Shifting
Most individuals, when engaged in monolingual discourse, tend to practice style shifting. This basically means that speakers are able to 'shift' from one style to another style as circumstances dictate. Take, for example, an everyday work situation. In this setting, an individual who is speaking to a colleague of equal rank will use a style of discourse that is appropriate to the setting. The style will necessarily be influenced by additional considerations, such as level of familiarity with the coworker, length of acquaintance, presence of other individuals, etc.
If a third person were to become a part of this conversation, either as an active participant in discourse or a casual bystander, the individual who is speaking may engage in style shifting. The shift in style will largely be based on the social relationship of the speaker in relation to the newcomer. If all participants in discourse are on an equal social level, the shift may be imperceptible, or there may be no shift at all. In a similar vein, if the third person is someone who is considered of lower hierarchical standingfor example, an individual who works in an ancillary capacity to the speakerthere will likely be a an insignificant shift in style, if any at all.
However, if the third person is someone in a role of authorityfor example, a supervisorthe shift will be more pronounced. A shift may also occur if the newcomer is a stranger, as most individuals tend to be more guarded around individuals until the social relationship is made clear. Regarding the shift itself: syntax may become more formal, word choice more selective, subject matter more refined. Additionally, the shift in style will most likely occur whether or not the third individual is directly involved in the discourse or not. The awareness of the presence of a member of a someone who is on a higher hierarchical level is often enough to affect the style of the speaker, who now considers the audience to consist of the colleague and the supervisor/stranger. This stylistic variation among monolingual speakers is what linguists refer to as 'style shifting' (Aitchison, 1999, p. 127-8).
Codeswitching
Style shifting, when practiced by bilingual speakers, is known as 'codeswitching'. In fact, style shifting and codeswitching are very similar, as they are driven by the same sociolinguistic impulse. Bilingual speakers may have more options available to them, especially when their discourse is interrupted by the entrance of an individual who is not familiar with the second language. The overriding impulse, however, is driven by the same principle that is involved in style shifting: the need to adjust one's vocabulary and syntax to an appropriately comfortable level as dictated by the social hierarchy. As Gal writes, 'where monolinguals switch speech styles in discourse, bilinguals can codeswitch, that is, they switch to another language. A number of sociolinguistic studies indicate that bilinguals use code switching at the level of discourse in the same way that monolinguals style shift (Gal, 1979, p. 61).
According to Gal, codeswitching is driven by the same needs that cause style shifting. 'Codeswitching, like style shifting, is often motivated by the need for more expressive language' (Gal 1979, p. 95). When bilingual individuals are unable to find appropriate words to adequately express themselves in a newly acquired language, there is a strong tendency to revert to the native tongue. This is a natural impulse, particularly when the partner in discourse shares an understanding of the speaker's native language. Furthermore, the capacity to move easily from one language to another allows bilinguals to 'compartmentalize' their languages. In other words, they can separate familiar domains according to the language they associate with each, and at the same time establish bonds with other speakers.
Fishman (1972) has asserted that the ways in which bilingual individuals become proficient in each language is highly dependent upon a number of contextual variables, such as time, location, and functionwhat linguists refer to as 'domain'. Depending on the level of comfort experienced within a domain, the bilingual will develop a certain level of proficiency, and often this proficiency is specific to that domain. This may explain why an individual may exhibit different levels of language skill in different situations. According to some linguists, the bilingual typically "develops patterns of dominance or strength, usually in relation to the domains in which the languages are used" (Seliger and Vago 1991, p. 4).
Style Shifting and Codeswitching
As stated above, style shifting and codeswitching are often used interchangeably by some linguists. In fact, because they are so similar, they are often defined as being nearly the same. As Aitchison has written, 'in some cultures a changed social situation is marked by a change in the actual language spoken, a phenomenon known as code-switching. Sociolinguistically, this is not very different from stylistic variation within a single language' (1999, p. 127-8). In light of this, it seems that style shifting and codeswitching are, in fact, variations on a theme. 'Style shifting' may be viewed by those within the linguistic field as a term used to describe this phenomenon as it exists within monolingual discourse. In a similar vein, 'codeswitching' is used to describe this same concept, only it tends to be used more often when describing bilingual discourse.
Cobley explains this by using the terms 'elaborated code' and 'restricted code'. These concepts, initially coined by Bernstein, describe two main areas within the code concept (Cobley, 2001, p. 186). The environment in which the speakers find themselves is a major factor in determination of their orientation toward language. When the characteristics of this environment, or domain, become more or less stable, language use becomes regulated, or habitual, and is now identified by linguists as 'code' (Cobley, 2001, p. 186) Switching back and forth from one code to another is commonly seen in bilingual speakers, and is very similar to what is described as 'style shifting' among monolingual speakers.
Cobley also points out that 'where diglossia (or tri-glossia) exists, a "high" and a "low" form is often available, through switching between the two, to signal social meanings of status and formality' (2001, p. 183). This description strongly echoes the definition of style switching. The primary difference is that the condition of monolingualism is absent here. Other than that, the tendency to shift back and forth in discourse dependent upon environmental cues remains the same.
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Conclusion
As discussed above, language does not exist in a vacuum, but is heavily dependent upon a number of factors. It functions within a social framework, and its function depends on characteristics of the speaker as well as the environment of the speaker at any given time. Factors such as age, gender, educational level, and ethnic background are important, but they alone cannot account for the stylistic shifts that are often observed in a speaker. The environmental conditions, or domain, in which the speaker is placed also play a role. Style shifting and codeswitching are closely related phenomena that are based on the same underlying principle.
Style shifting is a phenomenon that is most often identified within monolingual discourse, whereas codeswitching is primarily discussed in terms of bilingual discourse. However, as discussed earlier, these terms are frequently used interchangeably by many linguists, blurring the distinctions between the two. Although the basic concept behind each of these terms is the same, there is a basic difference. This difference, however, has become less marked over time.
Reference List
Aitchison, Jean. 1999. Linguistics. London: Hodder Headline.
Dijk, Teun A. van, ed.. 1985. Handbook of Discourse Analysis Volume 4: Discourse Analysis in Society. London: Academic Press.
Cobley, Paul, ed. 2001. The Routledge Companion to Semiotics and Linguistics. London: Routledge.
Fishman, Joshua. 1972. Language in Sociocultural Change: Essays by Joshua A. Fishman. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
Gal, Susan. 1979. Language Shift: Social Determinants of Linguistic Change in Bilingual Austria. New York: Academic Press.
Labov, William. 1966. The Social Stratification of English in New York City, Washington D.C.: Center for Applied Linguistics.
Seliger, Herbert W., and Robert M. Vago. 1991. First Language Attrition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
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