Comparison of Code Mixing and Code Switching in Bilingual and Multilingual Adults

Introduction: In multilingual societies like India, bilingual and multilingual speakers frequently alternate between languages during daily communication. These linguistic practices, known as code mixing and code switching, are natural features of speech, yet comparative evidence between bilingual and multilingual adults is limited. Need: India is a multilingual nation where bilingual and multilingual speakers frequently use code mixing and code switching during daily communication. However, limited comparative evidence is available between bilingual and multilingual adults. Aim: To compare the patterns and extent of code mixing and code switching in Hindi–Bhojpuri bilingual adults and Hindi–Bhojpuri–English multilingual adults. Method: Forty adults aged 18–35 years were equally divided into bilingual and multilingual groups with equal gender representation. Speech samples were elicited using a narration task and analyzed using Myers-Scotton’s Matrix Language Frame (MLF) model. Linguistic constituents analyzed included ML+EL constituents, embedded language islands, borrowed forms, and revisions. Statistical analysis involved MANOVA, paired t-tests, and independent t-tests. Results: Code mixing and code switching were more frequent in bilingual participants than multilingual participants. Male speakers demonstrated higher occurrences than females. Hindi showed greater mixing and switching compared to Bhojpuri and English. Conclusion: Code mixing and code switching are systematic and natural features of bilingual and multilingual speech. Language dominance and gender significantly influence these patterns, with implications for linguistic research and clinical practice.