DOI: 10.55246/turkophone.1510270 ISSN: 2148-6808

Beyond Bilingualism: A Discourse Analysis of Uzbek-Russian Code-Switching in Contemporary Uzbekistan

Mizuki Sakurama Nakamura
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This study examines code-switching practices among Uzbek-Russian bilinguals in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It employs discourse analysis to investigate the patterns, functions, and sociocultural implications of language alternation. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from Gumperz (1982), Myers-Scotton (1993), and Auer (1984), the research provides insights into the complex linguistic landscape of post-Soviet Central Asia. The study reveals that intra-sentential switching is the most prevalent form of code-switching, accounting for 58% of all instances. Contextual factors such as topic, setting, and participants' age significantly influence code-switching behavior. Russian is frequently employed for technical and professional terminology, reflecting its historical dominance in certain domains. The analysis demonstrates that code-switching serves various functions, including lexical gap filling, emphasis, quotation, and expression of group identity. Notably, code-switching plays a crucial role in identity construction, allowing speakers to navigate complex national, ethnic, and professional identities in post-Soviet Uzbekistan. The research extends existing theoretical models by proposing a "triglossic" framework that recognizes standard Uzbek, standard Russian, and mixed Uzbek-Russian as distinct varieties with different social functions. Additionally, the study introduces the concept of "post-Soviet linguistic hybridization" to describe the unique forms of language mixing observed. These findings contribute to our understanding of bilingualism in post-Soviet contexts and highlight the need for nuanced, context-sensitive approaches to language policy and education in multilingual societies. The study concludes that code-switching among Uzbek-Russian bilinguals is not merely a linguistic phenomenon but a complex social practice that reflects and constructs the unique post-Soviet identity of Uzbekistan.

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