A Case Study of code-switchingin Social Content: A Diary Research

Abstract

The paper examines the phenomenon of code-switching within a Kurdish-Iraqi family, focusing on daily routine conversations in which Kurdish and Turkish languages are dominant, while Persian, English, and Arabic are used occasionally to serve multiple meanings. It is a case study that aims to reflect the complexity and intensity of language use in the daily life of multilingual families. The main objective is to explore the reasons behind code-switching in natural home interactions and to understand the functions these switches serve. Data were collected through audio recordings of family conversations over a six-month period, involving family members in various everyday situations. The findings reveal that code-switching plays roles in expressing emotion, marking identity, creating humor, and enhancing understanding. This study contributes to code-switching research by providing insight into informal, multilingual communication in a familial setting, particularly within the Middle Eastern context.