Rationality in code- switching: A study of Turkish German bilinguals in Germany

Code-switching (CS) plays a crucial role in bilingual communities, reflecting the complex interplay between language choice and social interaction. This thesis investigates the code-switching patterns of five Turkish German bilinguals in Germany, with a specific focus on the rational decision-making processes that guide their linguistic choices. While there are various theories and perspectives on CS, this study centers exclusively on Rational Choice Theory, which posits that bilinguals make calculated, goal-oriented language choices based on their evaluation of available options. By applying Myers-Scotton and Bolonyai’s (2001) Rational Choice Model, this study reveals how bilinguals strategically navigate between Turkish and German to optimize communicative and social outcomes. Through the analysis of naturally occurring conversations, the findings demonstrate that code-switching is not merely socially driven but a deliberate, strategic act that enables bilinguals to convey precise meanings, express affect, and align or dis-align themselves with others. These results offer new insights into the rational underpinnings of bilingual communication, contributing to the broader discourse on language choice in bilingualism by illustrating how speakers actively shape social interactions and reflect nuanced stances through language choice.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Teaching of English Sec Lang

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Arikoglu, Sibel

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bhatt, Rakesh
• Sadler, Randall

• Code-switching (cs)
• Turkish (t)
• German (g)
• Bilingualism
• Rationality

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Sibel Arikoglu

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127518

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F127518