Hybrid Approaches to Code-Switching

This book proposes a hybrid, theory-driven framework for transcribing and analysing code-switching between Afaan Oromoo and English within the Matrix Language Frame (MLF) and 4-M models. Based on 90 minutes of spontaneous community conversations in Dambi Dollo, Ethiopia, the study integrates CHAT (structured tiers, morpheme-level tagging), ELAN (time-aligned annotation), and the Leipzig Glossing Rules (morpheme-by-morpheme glossing) into a spreadsheet-based system tailored to under-resourced languages. The framework captures morpheme origin, grammatical function, and clause boundaries, enabling identification of matrix and embedded languages and supporting both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Findings indicate that Afaan Oromoo serves as the matrix language, with English providing lexical items and Amharic playing a minor role. Although labour-intensive and limited in discourse-level detail, the system enhances morphosyntactic transparency, addresses gaps in existing tools, and offers a replicable, adaptable model for bilingual research with applications across multilingual contexts.

Autorentext

I am a lecturer and researcher in TEFL and applied linguistics with over a decade of teaching and leadership in Ethiopian higher education. I have served as dean, supervised MA students, and contributed to curriculum reform. My expertise in multilingualism, pedagogy, and research equips me to contribute globally.