CHAPTER 1 1.0 Introduction - DSpace@UM - University of Malaya

The analysis of the data shows that there are many reasons for such mixed discourse
in a Malaysian courtroom setting. The switches are for situational factors, like who is
speaking to whom, metaphorical and pragmatic reasons. Other reasons include to
issue a directive, to quote someone, to emphasise a point made, to achieve the legal
communicative tasks at hand and to coerce the witness into providing the answers
required.
2.8 Studies of Code-switching In the Asian Context
Farid (1987) carried out a study in a rural environment in a small village in Kedah,
which is close to Thailand. People in this village speak a variety of Thai dialects apart
from their mother tongue Malay. The study shows that many factors affect code-
switching in the border states (Thailand and Kedah): social factors, age, sex,
education, position in the family and situation. The findings indicate that male
population in the 20-39 age group code-switch more often because they are more
mobile and often travel to towns in southern Thailand to trade. It is not suprising that
code-switching takes place even in rural setting.
Gumperz (1958), made a similiar study in Northern India on Hindi language and its
range of dialects. He noticed there are three levels – village dialects, regional dialects
and standard Hindi. Gumperz says most men who travel a lot speak both the village
and the regional dialects. The village dialect is used at home and other local people;
they use regional dialect to communicate with the outside community.
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