粤英语码转换的特征及功能分析

Linguistic Features and Functions of Cantonese-English Code-switching

语码转换是语言接触的结果。本文以Myers-Scotton的MLF模型和Jef Verschueren的顺应理论为理论基础,分析了香港连续剧《同事三分亲》前16集的对话中所出现的粤英语码转换现象,以揭示其语言特征和功能。研究表明:英语是粤英语码转换中的嵌入语,语码转换主要是以ML+EL的形式出现,英语单词是最常见的嵌入成分,名词比其它词类更为常用。另外,粤英语语码转换主要有三个功能,分别是对语言现实的顺应、对社会规约的顺应和对心理动机等的顺应。

Code-switching is the result of language contact.Based on Myers-Scotton’s MLF model and Jef Verschueren’s Adaptation Theory,this paper analyzes the code-switching occurring in the conversations from first 16 episodes of the popular Hong Kong TV series the Best Selling Secrets so as to reveal the linguistic features of Cantonese-English code-switching in Hongkongness’ daily verbal communication.Our research shows that English serves as the Embedded Language;ML+EL constituents account for the majority;English lexeme is the most frequently embedded constituent and English nouns are more prevalent than other lexical categories.Moreover,there are three main functions of Cantonese-English code-switching,including Cantonese-English code-switching as adaptation to the linguistic reality,to social conventions and to physiological motivations.