Hip hop identity in a township reality. - Poppunt

Code-switched speech itself by the way, can be seen as a language as such.
Situations occur where speakers are unilingual, but they do use a mixed code. If for
instance Lingala-French is the only thing a person can speak, then that codeswitched
form has the function of a language for that person. Of course, codeswitching
is not a historical language (in contradistinction to other languages in the
textbook sense of the word). First of all it is not transmitted from one generation to
another. Code-switched speech is also not stable in time, it is reproduced in every
new sociocultural situation.
Code-switching is a ‘language’ that can be found all over the world in the behaviour
of multilingual speakers. The functions of code-switching (which will be discussed
below) are similar as well, even for the most diverse combinations of languages. To
analyse all those code-switching varieties, clear concepts and terminologies are
indispensable. There is a strong need for this clarity. Vague and obscure definitions
and terms seem to be the rule rather than the exception. A simple example: one
makes frequent usage of the term ‘language’, but never explicitly states what a
language is. Everybody can define this concept for himself of course, and every
individual can fill in for his own what he categorises under the terms language,
dialect, sociolect and so on. This does not necessarily coincide with the definitions
linguists developed, but there is need for a generally accepted and applicable
definition. Categories need to be developed that can be used in every multilingual
context.
After clarifying and improving the statements of the first opinion, we can move up
to a more accurate and current definition of code-switching. Since Ben Rampton
provides us with a well structured theoretical and practical framework in reference
to code-switching in his book ‘Crossing. Language and ethnicity among adolescents’
(1998), we will cite the description he uses here:
“Code-switching is an ingroup phenomenon restricted to those who share the
same expectations and rules of interpretation for the use of two languages.
Code-switching is thus usually seen as a device used to affirm participants’
claims to membership and the solidarity of the group in contrast to
outsiders.” (Woolard cited in Rampton, 1998a: 270)
The research and analyses of the phenomenon of code-switching is mostly done
with regard to youngsters (who are members of a minority group) and their peer
group. This is also the case with our research. Biographical information about the
participants is described in another part of the thesis, but we can already say that