CC BY
9Impact Factor: SJIF 2019 - 5.11
2020 - 5.497
2021 - 5.81
ФИЛОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ НАУКИ
452
CODE-SWITCHING PHENOMENON IN TOLSTOY'S NOVELS
TUTOVA E.V. SMIRNOVA Y.B.
Abstract
This paper explores the use of code-switching in the novels of Leo Tolstoy. Specifically, we analyze the instances of code-switching in "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina," and we discuss how these instances reflect the social and cultural context of the time period in which the novels are set. Our analysis reveals that code-switching is a common occurrence in Tolstoy's novels, and it serves to provide a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the linguistic practices of the time period. The use of code-switching in Tolstoy's novels reflects the cultural divide between the upper class and the rest of society, as well as the increasing influence of Western European culture on Russian society. Overall, this paper contributes to our understanding of the role of code-switching in literature and its significance in reflecting the social and cultural context of a given time period.
Introduction:
Code-switching is a linguistic phenomenon that occurs when speakers alternate between two or more languages or language varieties in the same conversation. Code-switching is a common occurrence in multilingual societies, and it reflects the complex and dynamic nature of language use. In this paper, we will explore the use of code-switching in the novels of Leo Tolstoy, one of the most famous Russian writers of all time. Specifically, we will analyze the instances of code-switching in Tolstoy's novels, and we will discuss how these instances reflect the social and cultural context of the time period in which the novels are set.
The problem of code switching is one of the most relevant topics in modern linguistics. The first studies appeared in the 1970s. Weinreich wrote that within the framework of an ideal linguistic paradigm, a person who speaks two or more languages should not switch to another language in the communicative process. Frolova N., relying on the theory of U. Weinreich, argues that in cases when an individual linguistic personality or a group of people "who usually use language A, faces the task of mastering a second language B, there are a number of possibilities" [Frolova, 1999]. First, language A can be completely replaced by language B; in this case we are talking about a language shift. Secondly, languages A and B can be used alternately, depending on the requirements of the communication conditions; then we are talking about switching from language A to language B and back. Thirdly, there may be a merging of languages A and B into a single language system [Weinreich, 1963]. Sh. Poplak, who studied the syntactic aspects of code switching, as well as J. Blom and J. Gamperts, who studied the sociolinguistic aspects of code switching, developed the theoretical foundations of this branch of linguistics in the mid-1970s. Based on the work of scientists, we can give the following definition of the phenomenon of "code switching": the transition of a speaker in the process of speech communication from one language to another within certain communication conditions is called code switching. Since the 1970s, the phenomenon of code switching has been studied from three different positions: sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic and linguistic.
Literature Review:
Previous research has shown that code-switching is a common occurrence in multilingual societies, and it serves a variety of functions. For example, code-switching can be used to establish social identity, to express emotions, to signal solidarity with a particular group, or to convey a particular message. (Gumperz, 1982; Myers-Scotton, 1993). In the context of literature, code-switching can be used to reflect the linguistic diversity of a society, to highlight social and cultural differences, or to create a sense of authenticity.
Methodology:
Impact Factor: SJIF 2019 - 5.11
2020 - 5.497
2021 - 5.81
ФИЛОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ НАУКИ
453
In this paper, we conducted a qualitative analysis of the instances of code-switching in Tolstoy's novels. We selected two of Tolstoy's most famous novels, "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina," and we analyzed the instances of code-switching in these novels. Specifically, we examined the languages that were used, the contexts in which they were used, and the functions that they served.
Results:
Our analysis of "War and Peace" revealed that the aristocracy in the novel frequently code-switched between Russian and French. French was the language of the international aristocracy at the time, and its use in the novel reflects the cultural divide between the upper class and the rest of society. The use of French also serves to create a sense of authenticity, as it accurately reflects the linguistic practices of the time period.
In "Anna Karenina," we found instances where characters code-switched between Russian and German or English. These instances are less frequent than the code-switching in "War and Peace," but they serve similar functions. The use of German and English in "Anna Karenina" reflects the increasing influence of Western European culture on Russian society at the time. The use of code-switching in Tolstoy's novels serves to provide a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the social and cultural context of the time period in which the stories are set. The use of French in "War and Peace" highlights the cultural divide between the upper class and the rest of society, while the use of German and English in "Anna Karenina" reflects the increasing influence of Western European culture on Russian society. The code-switching in these novels also creates a sense of authenticity, as it accurately reflects the linguistic practices of the time period.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, code-switching is a linguistic phenomenon that occurs in multilingual societies, and it serves a variety of functions. In the context of literature, code-switching can be used to reflect the linguistic diversity of a society, to highlight social and cultural differences, or to create a sense of authenticity. Our analysis of Tolstoy's novels reveals that code-switching is a common occurrence in his works, and it reflects the social and cultural context of the time period in which the novels are set. The use of code-switching in Tolstoy's novels serves to provide a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the linguistic practices of the time period.
