Examining the Role of Code-Switching in Shaping Linguistic and Social Identity among Bilingual Youth in Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomena of code-switching in Pakistani cities. It also exposes how language is shaped by both individual and societal identities through discussions and interactions. Code-switching, or shifting between two or more languages, is a prevalent communication strategy in Pakistan, a linguistically varied nation. Languages from different cultures coexist in multicultural centers. In these settings, regional or mother languages are utilized to express emotions and preserve cultural links, whereas English is frequently used for official communication. NVivo software is used to do thematic analysis of recorded interviews and discussions as part of a qualitative research design. Mix research method is used to figures out the trends and for underlined code-switching forces. Information is collected from a wide range of participants in the chosen urban areas. The results expresses that code-switching is a linguistic strategy.  In particular, young people use switch codes to express their emotional depth, sense of group connection, and contemporary identity.  In postcolonial Pakistan, it is also essential for negotiating social spaces and forming cultural hybridity. In order to promote multilingual competency and inclusive language policies, educators and legislators are urged to accept code-switching as a valid and effective linguistic activity in social and academic settings.

Keywords: Code-switching, Societal identities, Multicultural, Linguistic strategy, Pakistan, Cultural hybridity