Uzbek-russian-English Code-Switching in Contemporary Urban Uzbekistan
Keywords:
Multilingualism; Code-switching; Uzbek language; Russian language; English as a global language; Sociolinguistic identity; Language contact; Globalization; Post-Soviet studies; Language policy in UzbekistanAbstract
This study examines the structural patterns and sociolinguistic functions of
Uzbek–Russian–English code-switching within the contemporary multilingual landscape of
Uzbekistan. Grounded in qualitative sociolinguistic methodologies, the research analyzes
naturally occurring conversational data and participant reflections to elucidate the
mechanisms and motivations underpinning language alternation. Findings reveal a
predominance of intra-sentential switching, with discernible functional differentiation
between language pairs: Uzbek–Russian switching prevails in informal and technical
discourse, while Uzbek–English switching emerges prominently in academic and digital
domains. Code-switching practices are shown to be deeply intertwined with identity
construction, signaling ethnic affiliation, educational attainment, and global orientation.
Moreover, the study highlights generational divergences in switching behavior, reflecting
broader socio-political and economic transformations. By situating code-switching at the
nexus of globalization, national language policy, and post-Soviet identity negotiation, this
research contributes to a nuanced understanding of multilingualism in transitional societies.
The findings underscore the necessity for language policies that accommodate the complex
realities of linguistic practice in an increasingly globalized Uzbekistan.
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