Relationship Between Oral English Proficiency and Attitudes Towards Code-Switching among Chinese English Learners

Abstract

Globalization contributes to a larger number of bilinguals and multilinguals in the world and among those individuals, code-switching (CS), as a common linguistic phenomenon, is frequently used in real speeches. However, for monolinguals, CS can be seen negatively which would interfere a smooth conversation between monolinguals and foreign language speakers. This article investigates the relationship between oral English proficiency and the attitudes towards CS among Chinese English learners, aiming to give instructions for multilingual speakers in using CS when communicate with monolinguals. Through questionnaire and the following data analysis, the research discovers that oral English proficiency is positively related with attitudes towards CS among Chinese participants. Consequently, conclusion can be drawn that people with higher foreign oral language proficiency would have more positive attitudes and higher acceptance towards CS. Based on this result, suggestions for bilingual and multilingual speakers can be made that multilingual speakers can use CS with people with higher foreign language proficiency in daily communication more casually and assuredly, because they are higher possibility that they will not have great aversion or negative emotions towards this language phenomenon. On the contrary, when communicating with monolingual speakers, multilingual speakers should try to use CS as less as possible, even if sometimes it is difficult to express it in local language.