The Role of Code-Switching in French-Arabic Bilingual Communities in Algeria: A Sociolinguistic Study

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomenon of code-switching in French-Arabic bilingual communities in Algeria. Code-switching, the alternation between two languages within a conversation or even a single sentence, reflects social, cultural, and psychological factors that influence language use. The research aims to analyze the contexts, functions, and motivations behind code-switching among Algerian bilingual speakers, examining how it serves as a marker of identity, social belonging, and pragmatic efficiency. Data are collected through recorded conversations, social media interactions, and semi-structured interviews. The study also explores the implications of code-switching for language teaching and policy in Algeria, highlighting the dynamic interaction between French and Arabic in shaping contemporary linguistic practices. Findings are expected to demonstrate the sociolinguistic significance of code-switching as a tool for negotiation of meaning and expression of individual and collective identities in bilingual settings.