Linguistic Alternants and Code Selection in Baba Malay

Abstract

An explanation of variable language use in natural conversations among the Baba community in Singapore is provided. The sociolinguistic setting of the Baba Malay is summarized, followed by a study in which the everyday talk of the babas & nyonyas (males & females) is taped over a period of three months. The code-switching that occurred between Malay, Hokkien, & English is analyzed. Examples illustrate that code choice reflects a speaker's attempt to negotiate a collective social identity & accommodate fellow speakers & hearers. The sequential uses of the three languages specifically serve the purposes of reiteration - repetition, clarification, emphasis, & modification of a message or utterance. A. Sturrock.