Tendency of Language Shift in University Students
Keywords:
Code-Switching, English Language, Language Shift, Mother Tongue, Tendency of Language ShiftAbstract
Language shift is a sociolinguistic phenomenon in which speakers gradually transition from their mother tongue to a more dominant or prestigious language. While extensive research exists on language shift, studies specifically examining university students' tendencies in this regard remain limited. This study aims to explore the inclination toward language shift among university students, particularly those studying in the English department. Employing a quantitative research approach, supported by secondary data from previous studies, the research collects data from 30 university students. Findings reveal that at the initial stages, students engage in code-switching between their mother tongue and English. However, as their proficiency in English increases, they gradually shift from code-switching to complete language shift, predominantly using English in academic and social interactions. Several factors contribute to this transition, including the perceived prestige of English, its role in academic and professional success, and its widespread use in higher education. The study highlights that university students exhibit a strong tendency to replace their native language with English in both formal and informal settings.
The research underscores the implications of this shift, such as potential language erosion and the diminishing use of native languages in academic and professional spheres. Understanding this trend is crucial for educators and policymakers to develop strategies that balance linguistic diversity with the practical advantages of English proficiency. Future research should consider a larger sample size and explore the long-term linguistic and cultural impacts of language shift among students.
References
Auer, P. (1998). Code-Switching in Conversation: Language, Interaction, and Identity. Routledge.
Bullock, B. E., & Toribio, A. J. (2009). The Cambridge Handbook of Linguistic Code-Switching. Cambridge University Press.
Crystal, D. (2000). Language Death. Cambridge University Press.
Fishman, J. A. (1991). Reversing Language Shift: Theoretical and Empirical Foundations of Assistance to Threatened Languages. Multilingual Matters.
Graddol, D. (2006). English Next. British Council.
Gumperz, J. J. (1982). Discourse Strategies. Cambridge University Press.
Hornberger, N. H. (1998). Language policy, language education, language rights: Indigenous, immigrant, and international perspectives. Language in Society, 27(4), 439-458.
Kachru, B. B. (1983). The Indianization of English: The English Language in India. Oxford University Press.
Myers-Scotton, C. (1993). Social Motivations for Code-Switching: Evidence from Africa. Clarendon Press.
Phillipson, R. (1992). Linguistic Imperialism. Oxford University Press.
Poplack, S. (1980). Sometimes I’ll start a sentence in Spanish y termino en español: Toward a typology of code-switching. Linguistics, 18(7-8), 581-618.
Rahman, T. (2002). Language, Ideology and Power: Language Learning Among the Muslims of Pakistan and North India. Oxford University Press.
Rehman, Z., Sharif, B., & Tafseer, S. (2024). Language Shift: Attitude of Students Toward the English Language. International Research Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(01), 100-107.
Weinreich, U. (1953). Languages in Contact. The Hague: Mouton.
