Arabic-English Code-switching in Discussing Religion: Evidence from the American University in Cairo

The central problem this study addresses is the empirical disconnect between traditional linguistic ideology and the real-life practices of bilingual individuals when discussing religion in the Arab world. Current sociolinguistic literature lacks studies based on naturalistic conversational data that can definitively illustrate how highly educated Arab bilinguals reconcile the sacred role of Arabic with their personal dominance of English. This study investigates how Egyptian bilinguals use Arabic, English, and Arabic-English code-switching to discuss religion. The research is based on data from informal interviews with students from the American University in Cairo. The analysis uses quantitative methods to classify instances of CS according to Muysken’s typology (alternations, insertions, and discourse marker switching), with insertions further examined using the Matrix Language Frame model. The results indicate that (1) code choice regarding Islam is not topic-specific but depends on other extralinguistic and contextual factors. Religiosity appeared to be the least critical factor when not reinforced by a strong ideological attitude concerning Arabic; (2) Islam- and culture-related terms and phrases constitute the most distinct category of Arabic insertions. However, (3) Allāh and God-expressions are among the least switched categories. Instead of using Allāh, participants resorted to rabbina (our Lord) or God; (4) terms that appear equivalent exhibit meaning specialization in the bilingual repertoire. Dīn predominantly referred to Islam or Islamic tradition, while religion referred to religion in general, including Islam. Similarly, rabbina denoted only the Islamic God, while God referred to the Islamic God, God as a concept, or the object of faith; (5) English religion-related insertions were mostly limited to concepts with no exact Arabic equivalents and negative connotations in Arab culture, like atheism and agnosticism. The study highlights how code-switching in religious discourse is managed by complex pragmatic factors and an awareness of socio-cultural differences associated with the linguistic codes involved, leading to the functional and semantic specification of religious lexicon.