| This dissertation investigates three main aspects of language contact phenomena: morphosyntactic constraints on codeswitching, motivations for code choice, and the issue of bilingual identity formation. First, I approach Korean-Chinese intrasentential codeswitching from a morphosyntactic perspective to test one of the most influential frameworks in the field---the Matrix Language Framework Model (Meyers-Scotton, 1993). Naturally occurring Korean-Chinese data were analyzed to test the universal applicability of the MLF model. The findings of this chapter show that the morpheme-based MLF model is inadequate for these Korean-Chinese codeswitching data, primarily due to the inadequacy of the system in identifying which language is the matrix and which is the embedded language, a finding that is not so surprising in the face of the very limited morphology of Chinese.;Second, I examine Korean-Chinese bilingual code choice, focusing on the role of honorifics---obligatory linguistic forms that encode the social status of and relationships between participants. By examining language internal factors, this chapter argues that the status of one of the codes as an honorific language---one in which honorific characteristics are embedded in language structure---also contributes to code choice. The data reveals that when a person of inferior status addresses a superior, Korean is preferred, while interaction between equals shows no such pattern. It also shows that in the interaction between non-equals, the more intimate the relationship is, the more Chinese is used; conversely, a less solidary relationship triggers a preference for Korean. This result suggests that a structural property (i.e., honorific forms) makes for what might be considered an unusual language choice, namely the use of the "non-home" language (in this case, Chinese) to signal more solidary relationships. It also encourages researchers in the field to examine linguistic properties embedded in contact languages for a better understanding of bilingual language practice.;Third, I explore the issue of the ethnic identity of Korean-Chinese bilinguals in this community to provide both further background and a richer interpretive framework for the more detailed bilingual practices already outlined in previous chapters. Drawing together the socio-political and historical facts of the community with ethnographic reflections on both personal and group identity and the relationship of identity to language practices themselves, I propose a three-stage model to account for ethnic identity formation: unexamined Korean-Chinese identity, ethnic identity searching, and achieved Korean-Chinese identity. I present this complex and multilayered Korean-Chinese identity by examining multiple historical, social, and ideological factors as well as subjective feelings, beliefs and practices, and argue for an established Korean-Chinese identity by showing two sets of inseparable ingredients embedded in this dual identity, which give rise to this unique group: their Koreanness resulted from their efforts to preserve ethnic purity as well as linguistic and cultural practice, and their Chineseness is embedded in their national pride and ideological training. I also show that their positive attitudes toward bilingualism have made a significant contribution to this highly integrated bicultural identity. |
