Code - mixing

               Code- mixing

                     

By Morbale Y. V

Shriman V. S. Gangan Arts, com. & Late T. P.

Kelkar science Jr. College, Ratnagiri.

•Code-mixing is the mixing of two or

more languages or language varieties

in speech.

•Code-mixing is a result of bilingualism

and multilingualism.

• Naturally, while communicating feelings or messages exactly and effectively the speaker makes use of code-mixing. It is,therefore, not the weakness of the speaker who makes use of code-mixing; on the other hand it is

the strong point of the speaker who uses such a code- mixed word, which conveys his meaning in a more effective way.

• Code-mixing is not only a common

occurrence but also communicational

requirement. We can communicate in any

language. But for exact and effective

communication, code-mixing is necessary

for example, the code-mixed words in the

novels under consideration such as Bhartiya

Nari, Swadeshi, Kalyug, Karma,etc.are

deliberately used by the novelists because

these words communicate effectively and

exactly.

        Reasons of Code-Mixing

 1. Restricted vocabulary

• Code-mixing takes place when the speaker has restricted vocabulary. When the speaker uses a particular language, he/she finds himself/herself in such a position that he/she does not have an appropriate word to express in that language.Therefore, he/she uses code-mixing because of his restricted vocabulary.

• “So proud of his izzat! He just goes about getting salaams from everybody.”(Untouchable, p.04)

2. Stressful situation

• When the speaker is upset, tired or in a

stressful situation, uses code mixed variety. In Raja Rao’s Kanthapura Ramayya is afraid while crossing the jungle. The fear of cobra creates stressful situation for him. Ramayya cried out.

• "Ayyo..Ayyo”and ran away. (Kanthapura, p.74)

3. Habitual expression 

• Many people often mix some words or

expressions from another language out of habit. It happens so naturally and easily because of the habit of using such kind of expressions.l

• In Mulk Raj Anand’s Untouchable, Bakha, 

a sweeper boy, desires to live like British people.The word sahib has become a very habitual expression for him. Therefore, he says:

• “I will look like sahib”. (Untouchable, p-03)

4. To Convey Special Attitude /

Emotions 

• We use code-mixed variety to convey some

special attitude or emotions. On many

 occasions, we have a special role to perform. To convey happiness, sorrow, love, anger,regret, we become emotional and have a particular emotion which results into code

mixed variety.

• “Tomorrow, twenty seconds after the sixteenth

hour, Mercury enters the seventh House and

Ekadashi day begins.” (Kanthapura, p.35)

5. Mood of the speaker 

• The speaker is sometimes tired, angry, lazy,

happy, etc. We can understand the mood of a

speaker through his/her use of language. This change in the mood causes code-mixing. The bilingual speaker knows both the languages,but his/her mood decides his/her choice of language.

• “What has happened to change my kismet all of a sudden?”(Untouchable, p.99)

6. Identity marker

• Code -mixing may be used as a device to mark an identity. It may be used to reveal or conceal region, class, religion, profession etc. We give identity marker to a person to show the traits of his personality. The identity marker is a kind of identity of a person.

• “‘Hallo!’ he cried at top of his voice: ’Here is my Devata come!’” (Waiting for the Mahatma,

p.130)

Examples of code mixing

•I like halwa.

•Fal- fruit.

•Tabla player.

•School chale hum.

•Ek tha Tiger.

•I believe in karma.

• Cheroot,annas,jutka, pyol, pies