Date:  Thu, 16 Dec 1993 22:26:16 -0700

From:  Rudy Troike <RTROIKE[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]ARIZVMS.BITNET>

Subject: Re: modren metathesis



Dennis,

    Thanks for your quote from Chomsky. I've just finished an interesting

seminar on [intrasentential] code-switching, a topic in which Don Lance pio-

neered. It is easier to detect and analyze switching between completely

different codes, but the subject does have potential relevance for re-examining

language-internal switching, whether between different styles, regional

varieties, or social varieties. Unfortunately the basis for constraints on

switching is still not fully understood, and the evolution of Chomsky's model

makes it a moving target for explanations. Nevertheless, code-switching is

an exciting area to look at, since it offers one of the clearest windows into

real-time language processing in the brain.

    Just as a side-note: some of those in the field unfortunately use

"code-mixing" to refer to intrasentential code-switching, perpetuating the old

stereotype that it is "mixed-up" language reflecting incompetence in both

languages. I welcome volunteers in trying to resist that unfortunate usage.

        --Rudy Troike