Code-Switching and Code-Mixing between Bangla and English: Undergraduate Private University Students

Abstract

This report focuses on code-switching and code-mixing by undergraduate students of private universities in informal setting in Bangladesh. It examines the types of code-switching and code-mixing between Bangla and English that are taking place among these students of undergraduate level. It also examines the reasons behind different types of code-switching and code-mixing among them. The attitude of the students towards code-switching and code-mixing has also been considered. The study reveals an ambivalent attitude of the participants in their using of code-switching and code-mixing between Bangla and English. On the one hand they are actively doing code-switching and code-mixing due to the ideology shaped by globalizing forces and on the other hand they are showing negative attitude towards its use due to the ideology shaped by the identity of being a Bangladeshi. Overall, the study sheds light on how code-switching and code-mixing between Bangla and English has become part of everyday life of undergraduate private university students and how different ideologies can cause ambivalent attitude regarding the use of code-switching and code-mixing.