An Analysis of Cantonese-English Code-switching
in Cantonese TV Series
Abstract: Based on the findings of the former linguistic theories and the latest materials collected from The Family Link and Wars of In-Laws by the author, this paper aims to give a brief introduction to code-switching (or CS), especially Cantonese-English CS, and attempts to analyze the functions of Cantonese-English CS in Cantonese-speaking regions according to the discourse from Cantonese TV series. It also predicts the future development of the Cantonese-English CS in the speech community. The present essay pays attention to the following research questions: (1) actual functions of Cantonese-English CS in application; (2) some problems existing in the application of Cantonese-English CS; (3) future development of Cantonese-English CS. During the discussion, a lot of examples are given to support what the author finds.
Key Words: code-switching Cantonese-English CS speech strategy
目录
摘要.................................................................................. 1
Chapter 1 Introduction ................................................................2
Chapter 2 Literature Review ...........................................................3
2.1 Previous Studies of CS ............................................................3
2.2 Previous Studies of Cantonese-English CS...........................................4
Chapter 3 Methodology................................................................. 4
3.1 The Sources of the Collected Data in this Paper ...................................4
Chapter 4 Result and Discussion .......................................................5
4.1 Review of the Previous Studies on CS Functions ....................................5
4.2 Actual Functions of Cantonese-English CS.......................................... 6
4.2.1 For Convenience..................................................................6
4.2.2 For Economic Profitability ......................................................7
4.2.3 Avoiding Embarrassment...........................................................7
4.2.4 Making Emphasis .................................................................8
4.2.5 Giving Explanation ..............................................................8
4.2.6 Suggesting Social Status.........................................................9
4.2.7 Providing a Sense of Humor and Sarcasm .........................................11
4.2.8 As Quotations ..................................................................12
4.3 Possible Future Development of Cantonese-English CS...............................13
4.3.1 Future Development and Problems of Cantonese-English CS........................ 13
4.3.2 Scientific Attitudes towards Cantonese-English CS.............................. 14
Chapter 5 Conclusion .................................................................15
5.1 Summary of the Study .............................................................15
5.2 Limitation of the Study...........................................................15
Bibliography .........................................................................16
