Code-Switching as a Mixed Variety?

Noting that borrowing, interference, code alterations, etc, that represent the influence of language A on language B are evaluated differently from linguist to linguist, explored is whether alternating between two languages should be classified linguistically as code-switching or speaking a "mixed variety" of a language. Bilingual speech as a language choice is considered, looking at the social rules for language choice, bilingual situations, & different forms of bilingual speech. It is argued that in normal code-switching, the base language can be easily identified, the varieties spoken are easily distinguishable, a common conceptual system may link the two lexicons, & code-switching serves a functional purpose. However, it is argued that chiac in Acadia (Nova Scotia), a vernacular used by young people, & italoschwyz, a type of code-switching used in Zurich, Switzerland, do not follow these rules. Whether chiac & italoschwyz should be seen as examples of code-switching or as linguistic varieties is said to depend on the chosen method of study. 3 Figures, 46 References. D. Weibel