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Code Switching, Language Mixing and Fused Lects: Language Alternation Phenomena in Multilingual Mauritius

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Code Switching, Language Mixing and Fused Lects: Language Alternation Phenomena in Multilingual Mauritius CODE SWITCHING, LANGUAGE MIXING AND FUSED LECTS: LANGUAGE ALTERNATION PHENOMENA IN MULTILINGUAL MAURITIUS by TEJSHREE AUCKLE submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF LITERATURE AND PHILOSOPHY in the DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA SUPERVISOR: PROF. L. A. BARNES JUNE 2015 DECLARATION Student Number: 4622-097-6 I declare that Code Switching, Language Mixing and Fused Lects: Language Alternation Phenomena in Multilingual Mauritius is my own work and that all the sources that I have used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged by means of complete references. __________________ 04 June 2015 ii To my parents iii ABSTRACT Focusing on a series of multiparty recordings carried out between the months of October and March 2012 and drawing on a theoretical framework based on work of linguists such as Auer (1999), Backus (2005), Bakker (2000), Maschler (2000) and Matras (2000a and 2000b), this thesis traces the evolution of a continuum of language alternation phenomena, ranging from simple code-switching to more complex forms of 'language alloying' (Alvarez- Càccamo 1998) such as mixed codes and fused lects in multilingual Mauritius. Following Auer (2001), the different conversational loci of code-switching are identified. Particular emphasis has been placed upon, amongst others, the conversational locus of playfulness where, for instance, participants' spontaneous lapses into song and dance sequences as they inspire themselves from Bollywood pop songs and creatively embed segments in Hindustani within a predominantly Kreol matrix are noted. Furthermore, in line with Auer (1999), Backus (2005) and Muysken (2000), emerging forms of language mixing such as changes in the way possessive marking is carried in Kreol and instances of semantic shift in Bhojpuri/ Hindustani words like nasha and daan have been highlighted and their pragmatic significance explained with specific reference to the Mauritian context. Finally, in the fused lect stage, specific attention has been provided to one key feature namely phonological blending which has resulted in the coinage of the discourse marker ashe and its eventual use in the process of discourse marker switching. In the light of the above findings, this thesis firstly critiques the strengths and weaknesses of the notion of the code switching (CS) continuum (Auer 1999) itself by revealing the difficulties encountered, at the empirical level, in assigning the correct label to the different types of language alternation phenomena evidenced in this thesis. In the second instance, it considers the impact of such shifts along the language alternation continuum upon language policy and planning in contemporary Mauritius and advocates for a move away from colonial language policies such as the 1957 Education Act in favour of updated ones that are responsive to the language practices of speakers. Keywords: Mauritius, Multilingualism, Code-switching, Mixed Codes, Fusion. iv ACNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis would not have been possible without the much appreciated help and unfailing support of a number of people. First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents who have always nurtured my dreams and ambitions and believed in me every step of the way even when I opted, as a stubborn 13 year old to 'speed up' my way through secondary school, eventually sitting for my A-levels and competing for the national scholarships at 15-16 years of age. Your pride and joy in my achievements have always encouraged me to work harder. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks, appreciation and gratitude to my supervisor Prof. L.A. Barnes for having invested so much time, effort and energy in guiding me on my academic journey. Over these past few years, your help, encouragement and good humour have been of great moral and academic support. I am going to miss our regular Skype discussion sessions and the innumerable questions that you so patiently answered each and every time. The anecdotes and advice provided will be cherished. In addition, I would like to thank all my informants who despite their initial discomfort at being recorded, submitted to the lengthy data collection process with good grace. Linguistics is a little- known and oft-ignored area of specialisation in Mauritius and requests for recordings are, often, viewed as being suspicious. So, your generosity in accepting to be recorded and steadfast commitment to this project during the ensuing transcription and analysis phases are highly valued. To all those who provided me with assistance with the transcription, editing, formatting and proofreading process, I can only express my gratitude. Special thanks go to Luxhmee, Varushka, Oushaima, Zahira and especially Divyashali whose help has been invaluable. I am also indebted to my colleagues whose support has been a constant source of encouragement. Finally, I would like to thank my small group of school friends for their unstinting belief in me. Thank you for these fifteen years of love and friendship. v TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................ ii ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................... iv ACNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................... v TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... vi LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES.............................................................................................. ix LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................ xi CHAPTER 1 ................................................................................................................................... 1 The Language Situation in Mauritius ............................................................................................. 1 1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Aims and Research Questions .............................................................................................. 7 1.3 Multilingualism in Mauritius: From the 18th century onwards ............................................ 7 1.4 Mauritius in figures ............................................................................................................. 10 1.5 A Period of change: 2000–2013 ......................................................................................... 18 1.6 The Further Ethnicisation of language: The Creole Issue .................................................. 33 1.7 Multilingualism and Language Choice in Mauritius .......................................................... 38 1.8 Overview of the Thesis ....................................................................................................... 46 CHAPTER 2 ................................................................................................................................. 47 Literature Review.......................................................................................................................... 47 2.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 47 2.1 Traditional perspectives on code-switching ........................................................................ 47 2.2 Towards a redefinition of code-switching .......................................................................... 68 2.3 Mixed Codes ....................................................................................................................... 77 2.4 Fusion .................................................................................................................................. 87 2.5 CS continuum: A critique ................................................................................................... 95 2.6 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 109 CHAPTER 3 ............................................................................................................................... 111 Methodology ............................................................................................................................... 111 3.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 111 vi 3.1 Research Design: Methodology in the field of CS ........................................................... 111 3.2 The Sample ....................................................................................................................... 116 3.3 Data collection and analytical framework ........................................................................ 135 3.4 Implementation Phase: The Pilot Study ............................................................................ 148 3.3.1 Importance of snowballing in the selection process .................................................. 149
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