Exploring Cultural Layers: Code-Mixing in Bepsi Sidhwa’s “Ice-Candy-Man”

Abstract

This study delves into the nature and significance of underlying causes of code mixing in Bepsi Sidhwa’s novel “Ice-Candy-Man”. It reveals a notable prevalence of code mixing in English novel, rather than diminishing native dialects, the author highlights importance of non-native variety of Englishes i.e., Pakistani English. It acknowledges instances where English language may inadequately serve communication needs of the local population. It also involves in mixing of translations into other native languages, serving to supplement vocabulary gaps for conveying ideological concepts not easily expressed in English. Importantly, such borrowings are not intended to denigrate code-mixed English but rather to highlight its role in enriching expression. The objectives of this study are to identify and categorize various types of code-mixing utilized in Sidhwa’s “Ice-Candy-Man” and ascertain frequency and context of each category of code-mixing words employed within the narrative to represent cultural and social values. It focuses on the conceptual frameworks established by Kachru (1983) and Modiano’s model of English (1999). Speech Act Theory Austin (1963) has been used as fundamental theoretical framework. A total number of codemixing words is 461, that is 3,8 % of the total amount of words in the novel. They were identified by thematic affiliation, scope of use, and by structural and grammatical characteristics. Each group was assessed in terms of frequency. Mixing words are identified in different categories, including anthroponymes and toponymes; possessive and addressive words, religious and routine words, clothing and food names, verbs and phrases, expressive interjections and invectives, they are used in performative, locutionary, assertive and expressive acts. It concludes that the incorporation of local words serves to emphasize the value of native languages and prompts considerations about the status of English as a lingua franca.

Keywords

• native dialects
• speech act theory
• lingua franca