Code-switching in Samoan: T-style and K-style

This study shows that there are two important linguistic styles in modern Samoan which are marked primarily through the alternation of phonological features. These two styles have been termed the t-style and the k-style. Most past descriptions of Samoan have failed to account for linguistic variation in Samoan, and in particular, for the k-style of modern Samoan. This study first looks in detail at the linguistic features of the two styles and provides diachronic and synchronic descriptions of their development and usage. Second, it examines the situational parameters involved in the occurrence of both the t and k-styles, and through an analysis of code choice and code-switching, provides insights into the co-occurrence and alternation patterns of the situational features that relate to the use of these two styles. Code selection and code-switching are theorized to take place when there is a need to conform to social norms of language use based on shared sociolinguistic conventions. The decision to select or switch to a code is a function of several factors, including the speaker's competence in a particular code, his/her perceptions of the environment, and his/her perceived role as a participant in a speech event. This study also shows that code-switching may take place as a means to create context by altering social and linguistic variables. Finally, the significance of these language styles and the importance of code selection and code-switching in Samoan point out the need to develop a more inclusive description of modern Samoan, paying particular attention to authentic language in its wide variety of linguist forms.