RHYTHM IN SINGAPORE ENGLISH, MANDARIN, AND ENGLISH-MANDARIN CODE-SWITCHING

Abstract

Code-switching has been extensively studied since the 1970s (Myers-Scotton 2017: 217). While code-switching is generally characterised as a complete alternation between languages, phonological studies suggest that languages may influence one another during code-switching. This study aims to contribute to the literature on code-switching by investigating phonological patterns of code-switching in Singapore and how they vary according to social variables such as gender and social class. Specifically, rhythmic patterns of English-Mandarin code-switches in read speech were investigated using the Pairwise Variability Index. Rhythm for five types of passages was analysed: standard Singapore English, Mandarin, Singlish, standard English-Mandarin, and Singlish-Mandarin. Rhythm for code-switched speech was then compared against non-code-switched speech and controlled for various fixed effects. Findings showed considerable inter-speaker variation. Secondary school type had significant effects on speech rhythm. Speakers from differently ranked schools varied in how much they code-switched between SSE and CSE, whether they converged or diverged for code-switches, and to what extent they differentiated between English (SSE/CSE), Mandarin, and code-switches. This finding highlights the significance of fine-grained class differences in how English is spoken in Singapore.