AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF CODE-MIXING AND CODE-SWITCHING IN SELECT BODO NOVELS

Abstract

Abstract The thesis entitled “An Analytical Study of Code-Mixing and Code-Switching in Select Bodo Novels” investigates the sociolinguistic motivations and linguistic factors underlying the occurrence of code-mixing and code-switching in selected Bodo novels. This study situates itself within the field of sociolinguistics, where code-mixing and code-switching are recognized as common linguistic phenomena in bilingual and multilingual societies. These practices enhance communication by making it more effective, engaging, and meaningful, while also allowing speakers and writers to express their thoughts more precisely. In today’s context of globalization and rapid scientific advancement, bilingualism and multilingualism are increasingly widespread, especially among younger generations. Consequently, the use of code-mixing and code-switching has become more prevalent in both spoken and written communication. Code-mixing occurs when words or phrases from one language are inserted into another during communication, whereas code- switching refers to the alternation between two or more languages, varieties, or styles within a single utterance or discourse. This research analyses how code-mixing and code-switching function in select Bodo novels, where novelists frequently incorporate linguistic elements from Assamese, Bangla, Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Persian, and other languages. The study reveals that code-mixing primarily occurs at phonological and morphological levels, while code- switching manifests at sentence level in three forms, these are inter-sentential, intra- sentential, and tag switching. By examining these linguistic strategies, the research seeks to uncover not only the ways in which Bodo novelists used code-mixing and code-switching, but also the sociolinguistic and literary motivations behind their use. Ultimately, this study highlights how these practices enrich narrative style, reflect multilingual realities, and contribute to a deeper understanding of identity and cultural expression in Bodo literature. Organization of the chapters The first chapter provides a brief introduction to the concepts of code-mixing and code-switching, supported by definitions proposed by various linguists and scholars. Inaddition, it discusses related notions such as monolingualism, bilingualism, multilingualism, and the concept of code. The chapter also outlines the lives and literary contributions of novelists including Chittaranjan Mashahary, Manoranjan Lahary, Sumeeron Jwhwlao Bodosa, and Ashok Basumatary. Furthermore, it presents the aims and objectives of the study, a review of relevant literature, the research hypothesis, data collection procedures, methodology, chapterization of the thesis and other essential components of the research framework. The second chapter is “code-mixing in select Bodo novels.” The chapter discusses on the Concept and types of Code-Mixing, including definitions provided by various scholars and linguists. It explores Code-Mixing involving different languages with reference to examples from select novels. These examples include the insertion of nouns, verbs, adjectives, noun phrases, and verb phrases from other languages such as Assamese, Bangla, Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Persian so on, into the Bodo native language. The discussion in the chapter also covers the use of kinship terms, words form other languages combined with Bodo suffixes, case markers, and Bodo plural markers, and conclusion. The third chapter examines “code-switching in select Bodo novels.” It explores the concept and types of code-switching, supported by definitions from various scholars and linguists. The analysis highlights three major types of code-switching illustrated through dialogues of characters and novelists in selected texts. These forms are inter- sentential code-switching, intra-sentential code-switching, and tag-switching, involving shifts from other languages, particularly, from English and Hindi into Bodo novels. The fourth chapter focuses on the “artistic styles of code-mixing and code-switching in select Bodo novels.” This analysis underscores the employment of various figures of speech as significant literary techniques used by the novelists to enrich their narrative style. The chapter examines how elements such as simile, metaphor, personification, repetition, hybrid words, slang, reduplication, and other stylistic devices are interwoven into the texts to create aesthetic and expressive effects. Furthermore, the study explores how these devices, when combined with code-mixing and code-switching, serve not only as tools of creativity but also as markers of cultural identity, bilingual competence, and social realities. In addition, the chapter discusses the underlying reasons for thefrequent use of code-mixing and code-switching in the selected novels, highlighting how they contribute to authenticity, reflect multilingual contexts, and convey the lived experiences of the Bodo community. The fifth chapter presents the conclusion of the thesis. It provides a comprehensive review of the study, summarizing the key findings and insights drawn from the analysis. This chapter not only highlights the major outcomes of the research but also acknowledges the limitations encountered during the study. Moreover, it identifies potential avenues and scope for further research in this field.