Patterns and Motivations of Code Switching among Male and Female in Different Ranks and Age Groups in Nairobi Kenya

Abstract

This paper discusses Patterns and motivations of Code Switching among male and female speakers of different ranks and age groups in Nairobi. The main objective is to examine the influence of Variables such as Gender, Rank and Age group in Code Switching and Code selection. The researcher tape- recorded spontaneous speech from the respondents, then the tape recorded data was transcribed on paper and the extracts from the transcribed text were analyzed based on the tenets of Speech Accommodation Theory and Markedness Model.  The study has revealed that speakers Switch Codes in an attempt to exhibit their level of confidence, domination and also when they desired a need for social integration and approval. The various groups; Male and Female, High and low Rank are consequently found to use these Codes in different ways. It was therefore realized that each of the Codes has a specific function and social symbolism to each individual group in different contexts.