Types and Functions of Code-Switching in the Film Everything Everywhere All at Once

Abstract

This case study analyzes the types and functions of code-switching (CS) used in a film entitled Everything Everywhere All at Once (EEAAO). Based on Poplack’s (1980) and Holmes’ (2012) researches, the researchers take a qualitative research method and a two-fold approach: counting the frequency of the different code switches with the analysis of whether there is a dominant type and interpreting the functions of CS examples. The result shows that all three types of CS, including inter-sentential, intra-sentential and extra-sentential switching, are used in EEAAO with no type that could be defined as a dominant type. As for functions, there are five of seven functions that appear in the CS data of EEAAO: solidarity, topic, switching for affective functions, lexical borrowing and metaphorical switching. The result indicates that CS in the film not only can be used as a node for emotional transformation and a thread for sorting out the plot but also as a means of language accommodation, embodying the integration of different cultures and enabling speakers to communicate more efficiently.