Over the years, scholars have gained much insight into language choice and code-switching patterns; however, the research in this area on children and second language (L2) learners has been limited with few exceptions (Fuller, 2009; Potowski, 2004, 2009; Reyes, 2001, 2004; Zentella, 1997). In particular, little research has compared simultaneous (2L1) bilingual children, those who acquired both languages before age three, and sequential (L2) bilingual children, those who learned an additional language after age three. In order to draw these beneficial comparisons, the current dissertation investigates the language choice and code-switching patterns of 2L1 and L2 bilingual children from kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade classrooms of a Spanish immersion program. The data include over 150 hours of participant observation as well as interviews with students, parents, and teachers and a core dataset of 12 hours of fully transcribed spontaneous classroom audio-recordings. The analysis of language choice patterns yields a Dynamic Model of Social Structures which offers a unique venue from which to consider how various social structures impact language choice as well as how individuals enact social identities through linguistic behaviors. The study of the communicative functions reveals that L2 and 2L1 bilingual children alike use Spanish and English for a wide variety of communicative functions. Finally, a study on the grammatical patterns and strategic discourse functions of code-switching reveals that grammatical switch-points of 2L1 and L2 bilingual code-switching are very similar and that L2 bilinguals code-switch for a variety of strategic purposes, not only to compensate for a gap in knowledge. In conclusion, this dissertation provides substantial contributions to several fields. For the field of linguistics, the study reveals that 2L1 and L2 bilingual children exhibit similar grammatical switch points. For sociolinguistics, the Dynamic Model of Social Structures contributes a conceptual tool for the analysis of language choice, which integrates individual language behaviors and social identities. Additionally, a sociolinguistic analysis reveals how 2L1 and L2 bilingual children code-switch for a variety of discursive functions. For the field of education, the results argue for the reconceptualization of code-switching as a resource, demonstrating that code-switching and diverse language choices are used for strategic purposes which often support language learning. In sum, this study sheds light on language choice and code-switching patterns among 2L1 and L2 bilingual children, contributing to the scarce research on this population and allowing a beneficial comparison between the two groups.

The resolution of the language question--whether to maintain the mother tongue, shift to the mainstream language, or try to maintain two or more languages in the family--creates a lot of psychological complications and linguistic reflections. The present study explores how external variables and internal controversies affect the choice of language by an individual family member as well as the family as a whole unit, and how this choice, in its turn, impacts the relationships within the family.This study draws on the several theoretical domains of immigration, psychology, and language acquisition. Relying on these theoretical frameworks, the major findings are synthesized, and a paradigm of language choice at the family level is formulated.A mixed-method research design allows a broad outlook on the Russian-speaking immigrants, comparison of immigrants from the former Soviet Union with immigrants of other nationalities, and restricted and concentrated analysis at the family level. The Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) data set helps to address the quantitative part of this dissertation, while the qualitative part is based on in-depth case studies of four immigrant families.Building on the fundamental position that development happens as the result of the resolution of controversies, I suggest that there are four levels of controversy located in the language-choice model: societal, family, personal, and eventual outcomes of these three levels.Four "language choice" profiles, designated as "Amotivational," "Instrumental," "Intrinsic," and "Intrinsic Plus," have emerged out of the theoretical and research findings.The findings show that the crucial characteristics of the families who chose to maintain the mother tongue and foster bi-literacy in their children are the following: (1) a stress on knowing the country of origin and its culture; (2) a declared desire within the family that the children be different from the parents' perception of American children; (3) an emphasis by the parents on the children's "Russianness" and on the formation of that ethnic identity; and (4) an emphasis on a consistently realized, strong language policy at home.

No description available.

<p>Language choice is a required course in years 6-9 of compulsory school. Those who do not wish to study a Modern language of French, Spanish or German may choose language choice English or language choice Swedish instead. These two courses are meant to provide students with additional support and advanced work in those subjects. Although grades are given in Modern Languages, language choice English and Swedish do not merit a grade. Neither language choice English nor language choice Swedish has a set curriculum or syllabus. The regulations regarding these courses are dubious as well which results in varied interpretations among schools. Other research discussed in this thesis indicates that student motivation is low and truancy high. The intention of this thesis is to shed light upon an area left very much in the dark. Who are these students choosing language choice English and language choice Swedish? What have they based their choice upon? How are these courses organized, prioritized and taught? How do the students and teachers experience these courses? Data has been collected at three schools in the form of in depth teacher interviews and student questionnaires in order to answer these questions. In addition, school statistics have been examined and similar research utilized in the analysis of the collected data.</p><p> </p>

Language choice is a required course in years 6-9 of compulsory school. Those who do not wish to study a Modern language of French, Spanish or German may choose language choice English or language choice Swedish instead. These two courses are meant to provide students with additional support and advanced work in those subjects. Although grades are given in Modern Languages, language choice English and Swedish do not merit a grade. Neither language choice English nor language choice Swedish has a set curriculum or syllabus. The regulations regarding these courses are dubious as well which results in varied interpretations among schools. Other research discussed in this thesis indicates that student motivation is low and truancy high. The intention of this thesis is to shed light upon an area left very much in the dark. Who are these students choosing language choice English and language choice Swedish? What have they based their choice upon? How are these courses organized, prioritized and taught? How do the students and teachers experience these courses? Data has been collected at three schools in the form of in depth teacher interviews and student questionnaires in order to answer these questions. In addition, school statistics have been examined and similar research utilized in the analysis of the collected data.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The decision by teachers to use a specific language for teaching in a bilingual context is influenced by a number of factors. These may include learners’ linguistic background, parental preferences on the use of language for teaching and learning, policy stipulations on language use, as well as learners’ cognitive level and their ability to comprehend lessons given in a specific language. Although policy stipulations and parental preference may emphasise the use of one particular language for teaching and learning, research shows that the classroom context and the dilemma teachers face in terms of language comprehension often play a role in the use of more than one language. Teachers often switch codes in a bilingual classroom for different reasons: clarifying subject matter, concept elaboration, encouraging leaners to participate, supporting exploratory talk, ensuring comprehension as well as switching codes as a classroom management strategy. This thesis investigates the frequency and the function of teachers’ code switching (CS) in a bilingual classroom context. The study was conducted in Limpopo Province, South Africa, in the Vhembe District Municipality. Two bilingual primary schools under Sibasa Circuit were chosen for study. A series of lessons were observed in the two schools and teachers’ interactions with learners in the classroom were recorded and then analysed qualitatively, guided by Myers- Scotton’s (1993) Markedness Model which is used to provide an account for different types of CS. This model is used to account for the motivations for every code choice in any discourse. The results of the study show that CS is a common feature in the two schools. The policy stipulations and parents’ preference do not limit teachers’ use of CS in such bilingual primary school classrooms. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ’n Onderwyser se besluit om ’n spesifieke taal vir onderrig in ’n tweetalige konteks te gebruik word deur ’n reeks faktore beïnvloed. Dit sluit die leerders se taalagtergrond, ouers se taalvoorkeur vir onderrig en leer, amptelike skoolbeleid in verband met taalgebruik, sowel as die leerders se kognitiewe vlak en hul vermoë om klasse te verstaan wat in ’n spesifieke taal aangebied word, in. Hoewel skoolbeleid en ouers se taalvoorkeur die gebruik van een spesifieke taal vir onderrig en leer beklemtoon, toon navorsing dat die konteks van die klaskamer en die dilemma wat onderwysers in die gesig staar in terme van taalbegrip, ’n rol speel in die gebruik van meer as een taal. Onderwysers gebruik dikwels twee tale in ’n tweetalige klaskamer, om verskeie redes: verduideliking van lesmateriaal, uitbreiding van konsepte, aanmoediging van die leerders om deel te neem, ondersteuning van ondersoekende gesprekke, versekering van begrip sowel as kodewisseling as ’n strategie vir die bestuur van die klaskamer. Hierdie tesis ondersoek die frekwensie en die funksie van onderwysers se kodewisseling in die konteks van ’n tweetalige klaskamer. Die studie is in die Vhembe Distriksmunisipaliteit van die Limpopo Provinsie, Suid- Afrika, uitgevoer. Twee tweetalige laerskole wat deel uitmaak van die Sibasa-streek is gekies vir die studie. ’n Reeks klasse is waargeneem in die twee skole en die onderwysers se interaksies met die leerders in die klaskamer is opgeneem en daarna kwalitatief ontleed , gegrond op Myers- Scotton (1993) se Gemarkeerdheidsmodel (“Markedness Model”) wat gebruik word om ’n verklaring te gee vir die verskillende tipes kodewisseling. Hierdie model is gebruik om ’n verantwoording te bied van die redes vir elke kodekeuse in enige diskoers. Die resultate van die studie toon dat kodewisseling ’n algemene verskynsel in die twee skole is. Die skoolbeleid en ouers se taalvoorkeur beperk nie die onderwysers se gebruik van kodewisseling in sulke tweetalige laerskoolklaskamers nie. Onderwysers gebruik om verskeie redes kodewisseling, insluitend uitbreiding, verduideliking, beklemtoning, en teregwysing as ’n dissiplinêre strategie.

Today’s globalised world calls for a multilingual workplace, with employees who can communicate effectively and efficiently with colleagues and clients around the world. Communication, both in the sense of actual language use and of language management, is an important but often forgotten part of productivity and performance in multinational corporations. This exploratory study aims to investigate how language is used and managed in two Swedish companies with English as at least one of the official languages. By using in-depth ethnographical interviews and a short analysis of the companies’ language policies from the view of centricity, present study is focused on the employees’ perceptions of the day-to-day language use and the company’s language management. It can be concluded that English is the main language used for written communication while both Swedish and English are used in spoken interactions. Language is negotiated through a set of variables and is thus determined by the people involved in the interaction, the function of the interaction and the medium of communication. Although some strains and difficulties did emerge in the interviews, both informants are positive towards the use of English. It is hoped that this small study will contribute to a better understanding of language use and language management in multinational companies in Sweden.

The thesis deals with the use of spoken Swedish on six English-medium university courses in Sweden. The courses are taken by both Swedish and foreign students, with English as the common language of instruction. The aim of the study is to describe and understand the oral use of Swedish, by students in particular, in the type of linguistic environment that arises when English is the medium of instruction. Language use is studied from three angles: the use of spoken Swedish, the functions of Swedish in interaction, and participants’ attitudes to Swedish and English and to the choice of one language or the other. The analysis is based on observations and recordings of naturally occurring talk on courses in the subject areas business studies, engineering and computer science, and on interviews with students and teaching staff. Close analysis of the Swedish spoken is combined with ethnographic knowledge of the broader social context of the courses, and in both theory and method the thesis combines the research fields of sociolinguistics and ethnography. The study shows that Swedish is spoken on all the courses observed. It is used primarily outside whole-group teaching, in interactions not involving foreign students. The language occurs both in talk relating to the course subject and in private conversations. Thus, English-medium education does not by definition mean that English is the only language employed; Swedish, too, has a more or less prominent place. In the thesis, attitudes and patterns of language choice are attributed to the national, rather than international, character of the courses, and to the fact that most of the students and lecturers have experience of and routines from Swedish-medium education. The old routines are carried over into the nominally English-medium courses, giving Swedish a special position and local prestige in these environments. / Avhandlingen handlar om hur svenska används i den muntliga interaktionen i sex engelskspråkiga universitetskurser i Sverige. Kurserna följs av både svenska och utländska studenter och engelska är det gemensamma språket i undervisningen. Undersökningen utgår från studenternas språkbruk och syftet är att beskriva och förstå särskilt studenters muntliga användande av svenska i den typ av språkmiljö som uppstår då engelska är undervisningsspråk. Språkbruket undersöks från tre infallsvinklar: den talade svenskans användning, svenskans funktioner i interaktionen samt deltagarnas attityder till dels svenska och engelska, dels valet av språk. Analysen utgår från observationer och inspelningar av naturligt förekommande samtal i undervisning inom ämnesområdena företagsekonomi, teknik och datavetenskap samt från intervjuer med studenter och lärare. Näranalyser av den talade svenskan kombineras med etnografisk kunskap om kursernas bredare sociala sammanhang, och i teori och metod kombineras forskningsfälten sociolingvistik och etnografi. Resultatet visar att svenska förekommer i alla undersökta kurser. Svenska används främst utanför helklassundervisningen i samtal där utländska studenter inte deltar. Språket talas både i samtal som rör studieämnet och i privata samtal. Att kurserna är nominellt engelskspråkiga betyder alltså inte att engelska är det enda språk som används i samband med undervisningen, också svenskan har en mer eller mindre framträdande plats. I avhandlingen förklaras attityder och språkvalsmönster med att kurserna till sin karaktär är nationella – i motsats till internationella – och att majoriteten studenter och lärare har erfarenhet och rutiner från svenskspråkiga utbildningar. De gamla rutinerna förs över till de nominellt engelska kurserna och ger svenskan en särställning och lokal prestige i miljöerna.

This thesis presents an investigation of undergraduate student learning with respect to physics lectures attended in English and Swedish. The work studies three connected areas: student learning patterns, bilingual scientific literacy and disciplinary discourse. Twenty-two physics students at two Swedish universities attended lectures in both English and Swedish as part of their regular undergraduate programme. These lectures were video-taped and used to contextualize in-depth, semi-structured interviews with students. When taught in English the students asked and answered fewer questions and reported be-ing less able to simultaneously follow the lecture and take notes. Students adapted to being taught in English by; asking questions after the lecture, no longer taking notes in class, read-ing sections of work before class or—in the worst case—by using the lecture for mechanical note taking. Analysis of student oral descriptions of the lecture content in both languages identified a small number of students who found it almost impossible to speak about disciplinary concepts in English. These students were first-years who had not been taught in English before. How-ever, the findings suggest that, above a certain threshold level of disciplinary language com-petence, it does not appear to matter which language students are taught in. Finally, the thesis makes a theoretical contribution to educational research. The initial lan-guage perspective is broadened to include a wide range of semiotic resources that are used in the teaching of undergraduate physics. Student learning is then characterized in terms of becoming fluent in a disciplinary discourse. It is posited that in order to achieve an appropri-ate, holistic experience of any given disciplinary concept, students will need to become fluent in a critical constellation of disciplinary semiotic resources.

This empirical study deals with the issues of language choice and code alternation as a common practice in the organization of the complex check in activity with multiple participants in hospitality properties in Sweden. In particular, it discusses several interactional tasks that code alternation may accomplish in that setting and represents a crossroad of general linguistics, bilingualism studies and conversation analysis. In the light of arising interest of specialists of different areas of linguistics in bilingualism in formal settings, it deals with institutional bilingualism in Sweden, an EU country with a comparatively high level of bilingualism among residents. In the era of the new economy with its globalization and human mobility, bilingualism has become an emergent practice in many tourism settings, the hospitality sector of tourism among them. In hospitality as a tourism setting with a potentially high concentration of foreign tourists, it is inevitable that certain groups of hotel guests include members who expose different language abilities and preferences. As a result, in the interaction with one single group of guests two or even more languages can be used at the same time, as oriented to the needs and preferences of each and every guest. This investigation aims at discussing some possible accomplishments of language choice and code alternation in a standardized hotel check in activity where a single group of guests has to be addressed in two languages, Swedish and English, and where the language choices are crucial for participation and the accomplishment of the check in activity in general.