In:Prediction in Second Language Processing and Learning
Edited by Edith Kaan and Theres Grüter
[Bilingual Processing and Acquisition 12] 2021
► pp. 139–166
Chapter 7Code-switching
A processing burden, or a valuable resource for prediction?
Published online: 22 September 2021
https://doi.org/10.1075/bpa.12.07tom
https://doi.org/10.1075/bpa.12.07tom
Abstract
Monolinguals use various linguistic phenomena to guide prediction while comprehending. For bilinguals, the richer linguistic landscape provides additional resources. Code-switches (CS) are a particularly salient event, which could play a role in bilingual prediction. Despite the ubiquity and diverse functions of code-switching, experimental research has focused on CS processing costs, largely in comprehension (Litcofsky & Van Hell, 2017). Despite apparent integration costs, code-switching can facilitate subsequent language processing, due to natural code-switching patterns. We illustrate this approach with two eye-tracking studies suggesting that code-switches are used as a cue that a less frequent or negative word follows. These studies underscore the need to integrate socio-pragmatic and corpus-modeling observations with experimentation to reach a comprehensive understanding of CS processing (Myers-Scotton, 2006).
Article outline
- Introduction
- Illustrative Study 1: Can code-switching signal less expected upcoming lexical information?
- Illustrative Study 2: Can code-switching ease the processing of taboo or negative information?
- General discussion
- Potential mechanisms underlying the CS effect
- Factors modulating how CS affects prediction
- Conclusions
Acknowledgments References
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