1. Code-switching: This is a conscious and deliberate act of switching between languages within a single conversation. It's a common practice among bilingual and multilingual individuals, and it can serve several purposes:
* To express emotions: Sometimes, certain emotions are easier to express in one language than another.
* To clarify meaning: When a word or concept doesn't have a direct equivalent in English, a speaker might use their native language to explain it.
* To establish social connection: Code-switching can be a way to connect with others who speak the same native language.
* To fill gaps in vocabulary: If a speaker is struggling to find the right word in English, they may use their native language as a bridge.
2. Language transfer: This is the unconscious influence of one language on another. It can happen in various ways, such as:
* Borrowing words: A speaker might use a word from their native language in an English sentence because they don't know the English equivalent.
* Using grammatical structures: The grammar of a native language can influence the way a speaker uses English grammar.
* Pronunciation: The sounds and intonation of a native language can influence how someone pronounces English words.
3. Language attrition: This refers to the gradual loss of proficiency in a language due to lack of use. Non-native English speakers who are exposed to English more frequently might start losing their fluency in their native language, resulting in a mixing of both languages.
4. Language acquisition: While learning English, non-native speakers might use their native language to support their understanding and production of English. This is a natural part of the language acquisition process.
It's crucial to remember that language mixing, code-switching, and language transfer are normal phenomena in multilingual communities. They are not necessarily signs of a lack of English proficiency or errors in speaking.
Instead, they reflect the complex process of language acquisition and the dynamic interplay of different languages in a speaker's life.