Exploring Cultural Layers: Code-Mixing in Bepsi Sidhwa’s “Ice-Candy-Man”

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Abstract

This study delves into the nature and significance of underlying causes of code mixing in Bepsi Sidhwa’s novel “Ice-Candy-Man”. It reveals a notable prevalence of code mixing in English novel, rather than diminishing native dialects, the author highlights importance of non-native variety of Englishes i.e., Pakistani English. It acknowledges instances where English language may inadequately serve communication needs of the local population. It also involves in mixing of translations into other native languages, serving to supplement vocabulary gaps for conveying ideological concepts not easily expressed in English. Importantly, such borrowings are not intended to denigrate code-mixed English but rather to highlight its role in enriching expression. The objectives of this study are to identify and categorize various types of code-mixing utilized in Sidhwa’s “Ice-Candy-Man” and ascertain frequency and context of each category of code-mixing words employed within the narrative to represent cultural and social values. It focuses on the conceptual frameworks established by Kachru (1983) and Modiano’s model of English (1999). Speech Act Theory Austin (1963) has been used as fundamental theoretical framework. A total number of codemixing words is 461, that is 3,8 % of the total amount of words in the novel. They were identified by thematic affiliation, scope of use, and by structural and grammatical characteristics. Each group was assessed in terms of frequency. Mixing words are identified in different categories, including anthroponymes and toponymes; possessive and addressive words, religious and routine words, clothing and food names, verbs and phrases, expressive interjections and invectives, they are used in performative, locutionary, assertive and expressive acts. It concludes that the incorporation of local words serves to emphasize the value of native languages and prompts considerations about the status of English as a lingua franca.

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About the authors

Habibullah Pathan

Sohar University

Email: Hpathan@su.edu.om
SPIN-code: 0000-0003-3425-3594; Scopus Author ID: 57221613434; Researcher ID: AAV-76022020
PhD in Philology, Research Professor, Faculty of Language Studies Al Jameah Street, Sohar, Al-Batinah, Oman, 3111

Urooj F. Alvi

University of Education

Email: Urooj.alvi@ue.edu.pk
SPIN-code: 0000-0002-8545-0136
PhD in Philology, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Division of Arts and Social Sciences Rati Gun Rd, Lower Mall, Data Gunj Buksh Town, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, 54000

Oksana I. Aleksandrova

RUDN University

Email: alexandrova-oi@rudn.ru
SPIN-code: 0000-0002-7246-4109; Scopus Author ID: 57200073938; Researcher ID: Q-73392016
PhD in Philology, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the General and Russian Linguistics Department, Faculty of Philology 6, MiklukhoMaklaya str., Moscow, Russian Federation, 117198

Nighat Sultana

Lahore Leads University

Email: nighatsultana41@gmail.com
SPIN-code: 0009-0009-2876-7282
Lecturer, Department of English 5, University Phase, Kamahan, Lidher Rd, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, 54000

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Copyright (c) 2024 Pathan H., Alvi U.F., Aleksandrova O.I., Sultana N.

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