The effects of topic and interlocutor on code-switching patterns in the Kufr Qassem deaf community

Code-switching is a psycholinguistic and a social phenomenon, which can be predicted by a number of factors including interlocutor and topic. A total of 655 code-switches were found in the data. Aims and Objectives: This study investigated language preference and code-switching produced by unimodal sign-bilinguals of two sign languages, Kufr Qassem Sign Language (KQSL), a local sign language used in central Israel, and Israeli Sign Language (ISL), the national sign language of Israel. More specifically, we tested how interlocutor and topic affect language preference and code-switching patterns. Design/Methodology/Approach: Ten KQSL-ISL bilinguals participated in semi-spontaneous conversations, in three language conditions: (1) with another bilingual, (2) with a KQSL-dominant signer, and (3) with a monolingual ISL signer. They were given local and global topics to discuss. Data and Analysis: A total of 655 code-switches were found in the data. Findings/Conclusion: Interlocutor and topic were found to be significant predictors of the frequency of language preference. Furthermore, an interaction was found between interlocutor and topic, showing that code-switches occurred most frequently when there was a mismatch between the interlocutor and the topic (e.g., KQSL-dominant signer and global topic, or ISL monolingual and local topic). Originality and Significance/Implications: The findings suggest that inhibition of one language might be more difficult in mismatched situations, leading to a higher frequency of code-switching.