An Analysis of Code-Switching on Facebook

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze patterns and functions of code-switching on Facebook
found in Thai Facebook users. The analysis was based on two classification frameworks
applied by Poplack (1980), Appel and Muysken (2006). Poplack’s classification framework
comprised tag-switching, intersentential, and intrasentential. Meanwhile, Appel and Muysken’s
classification framework consisted of referential function, directive function, expressive
function, phatic function, metalinguistic function and poetic function. Based on Poplack’s
classification framework, the findings showed that the highest occurrence of linguistic pattern
of code-switching was intrasentential switching (86.43%), followed by tag Switching (9.83%)
and intersential switching (3.74%) respectively. Meanwhile, based on Appel and Muysken
(2006) classification framework, referential function (61.64%), follow by expressive (19.43%) and
directive functions (13.20%). However, phatic function was found for the least, approximately
5.73% but matalinguistics and poetic function were not found in this study. These reveal will
be beneficial for teachers and students to improving and understanding, encourage their
awareness and ascertain their competence. They will improvement of English skills achieving
higher levels of their study.