CODE-SWITCHING AND IDENTITY: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY OF BILINGUAL ENGLISH SPEAKERS

Abstract

This study explores the phenomenon of code-switching among bilingual English speakers and its complex relationship with identity formation and expression. Drawing on sociolinguistic theories and qualitative analysis, the research investigates how individuals strategically switch between languages in various social contexts to negotiate power dynamics, signal group membership, and construct multifaceted personal identities. Data collected through interviews, speech samples, and participant observation reveal that code-switching is not merely a linguistic behavior but a sociocultural practice deeply embedded in the speakers' lived experiences. The findings highlight that bilingual individuals use code-switching as a resource to manage cultural affiliations, resist stereotypes, and assert agency in multilingual environments. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between language and identity in globalized, multicultural societies.