A Case Study of Code-Switching among Thai Waiters in a Cambridge, UK Restaurant

Authors

• Nicola Prin

Publication Date

2021

Abstract

This study explores Thai bilingual speakers’ code-switching in a formal work setting. Although code-switching may appear to be random, there is an underlying choice which speakers decide upon when switching between languages: Language proficiency, the initial speaker’s language choice, the setting, and role relationships all contribute to these choices. This study investigates the factors contributing to code-switch decisions by participants within their specific work environment. The main findings show that adopting one language over the other depends on two main factors: first, the initial sequence of the interaction; second, the role relationship that the participants wish to maintain. This study has drawn upon the conversational approach and Auer’s sequential analysis to collect and interpret data from ethno-graphic observations, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews.

DOI

10.1163/26659077-02401004

First Page

106

Last Page

125

Recommended Citation

Prin, Nicola (2021) "A Case Study of Code-Switching among Thai Waiters in a Cambridge, UK Restaurant," Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 24: No. 1, Article 8.
DOI: 10.1163/26659077-02401004
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol24/iss1/8