Code-Switching between Nepali and English in Nepali Cinemas

Abstract

Code-switching is one of the important components of socio-linguistics. It deals with the study of language in society. Code-switching can be seen on different perspectives. Sometimes speakers intentionally mix the codes and sometimes they unconsciously do so which helps to express their thoughts clearly. A bilingual speaker chooses the appropriate language unconsciously with no extra time or effort. The film which had the setting of urban contexts switches the code frequently. The films like Bhannai Sakina, Dhukdhuki, Darpanchaya, Karodpatihave the ample examples of code- switching. In such films people are either from upper class or they are the higher class business people and there is the influence of American education system in the family members the films likeBhai, Apsara,Aago,Shankar, Badalpari,do not have much example of code-switching. These films had the rural setting and there is the real depiction of the rural contexts. A ago is about the Maoist revolution where many of the characters are uneducated and they are unaware of code-switching. So the rich and higher class people are the perfect example of code-switcher in the Nepali films than the lower and working class people.