Rationality in code- switching: A study of Turkish German bilinguals in Germany
Arikoglu, Sibel
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127518
Description
Title
Rationality in code- switching: A study of Turkish German bilinguals in Germany
Author(s)
Arikoglu, Sibel
Issue Date
2024-12-12
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Bhatt, Rakesh
Sadler, Randall
Department of Study
Linguistics
Discipline
Teaching of English Sec Lang
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.A.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
Code-switching (cs)
Turkish (t)
German (g)
Bilingualism
Rationality
Language
eng
Abstract
Code-switching (CS) plays a crucial role in bilingual communities, reflecting the complex interplay between language choice and social interaction. This thesis investigates the code-switching patterns of five Turkish German bilinguals in Germany, with a specific focus on the rational decision-making processes that guide their linguistic choices. While there are various theories and perspectives on CS, this study centers exclusively on Rational Choice Theory, which posits that bilinguals make calculated, goal-oriented language choices based on their evaluation of available options. By applying Myers-Scotton and Bolonyai’s (2001) Rational Choice Model, this study reveals how bilinguals strategically navigate between Turkish and German to optimize communicative and social outcomes. Through the analysis of naturally occurring conversations, the findings demonstrate that code-switching is not merely socially driven but a deliberate, strategic act that enables bilinguals to convey precise meanings, express affect, and align or dis-align themselves with others. These results offer new insights into the rational underpinnings of bilingual communication, contributing to the broader discourse on language choice in bilingualism by illustrating how speakers actively shape social interactions and reflect nuanced stances through language choice.
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