CODE-SWITCHING AMONG UZBEK ENGLISH LEARNERS: REASONS AND FUNCTIONS

Saminjon Khakimov University of Business and Science Non-Governmental Educational Institution Philology and Language Teaching (English) K.XF 23-04 Phone number: +998 333696936 +998 943623669 Email: saminjon.khakimov@gmail.com ORCID: 0009-0006-1444-7331

Annotation: This article examines the phenomenon of code-switching among Uzbek learners of English and analyzes the major reasons and communicative functions behind it. Based on classroom observations and learner interviews, the study reveals that code-switching is not simply a sign of linguistic weakness but a strategic tool used for clarification, social bonding, topic shift, and emotional expression. The research emphasizes that code-switching plays an important pedagogical role in foreign-language learning environments, especially in multilingual societies like Uzbekistan.

Keywords: code-switching, bilingualism, Uzbek learners, English learning, sociolinguistics, communication strategies, multilingual education

In multilingual communities, switching between two or more languages during communication is a common linguistic practice. This phenomenon, known as code-switching, has been widely studied in sociolinguistics. For Uzbek learners of English, code-switching frequently appears in classrooms, social media communication, and informal conversations. Although it is often perceived as a barrier to language fluency, many researchers argue that it serves important communicative, psychological, and pedagogical functions. This article explores why Uzbek English learners code-switch and what functions it performs in their communication.

Code-switching typically occurs when speakers alternate between languages depending on context, topic, or interlocutor. Scholars classify it into several types:

 Inter-sentential switching — language shift between sentences.
 Intra-sentential switching — switching within one sentence.
 Tag-switching — insertion of discourse markers such as “ha”, “you know”, “aslida”.

Previous studies (Gumperz, Myers-Scotton, Poplack) show that code-switching is often systematic and purposeful, rather than random.

The study uses:
1. Classroom observation at secondary and vocational institutions in Fergana region.
2. Semi-structured interviews with 20 English learners aged 15–20.
3. Analysis of chat-based communication (with participants’ consent).
Qualitative analysis was applied to identify repeated patterns and motivations behind switching.

1. Reasons for Code-Switching
a. Lexical Gaps
Learners often lack vocabulary for certain concepts and naturally insert Uzbek words. Example: “Teacher, I don’t know this tushunchani in English.”
b. Ease of Expression
Some ideas feel more natural in L1 due to cultural closeness.
c. Learning Strategy
Learners intentionally mix languages to confirm understanding: “Past Simple o‘tgan zamon bo‘ladi, to‘g‘rimi?”
d. Classroom Norms
Teachers themselves switch languages to save time during explanation, influencing learners’ behavior.
e. Emotional Expression
Feelings such as surprise, humor, or frustration are often expressed in Uzbek even during English conversation.

f. Social Bonding
Switching helps maintain group identity and solidarity, especially among classmates and friends.
a. Clarification Function
Students switch to Uzbek to clarify grammar, meaning, or instructions.
b. Emphasis and Focus
Certain Uzbek words are used to highlight important information.
c. Identity Marking
Using Uzbek markers like “ha”, “xo‘p”, “baribir” creates a shared linguistic identity.
d. Topic Shift
Learners switch languages when changing from academic talk to everyday conversation.

e. Pedagogical Function
Code-switching helps teachers scaffold learning and reduce confusion during complex topics.
f. Affective Function
Use of mother tongue reduces anxiety and increases speaker confidence.

The findings indicate that code-switching among Uzbek English learners is a strategic communicative practice, not a sign of poor proficiency. Learners rely on both languages to negotiate meaning, express identity, and maintain social relations. In Uzbek classrooms, where English is learned as a foreign language, total exclusion of L1 may create unnecessary psychological pressure. Instead, structured and purposeful use of the mother tongue can support language acquisition.

Code-switching among Uzbek English learners serves multiple linguistic and social functions. Rather than discouraging it completely, educators should understand its pedagogical value and guide students toward more intentional and balanced usage. Future research may explore differences in code-switching patterns across age groups or proficiency levels.

REFERENCES
1. Gumperz, J. (1982). Discourse Strategies. Cambridge University Press.
2. Myers-Scotton, C. (1993). Social Motivations for Codeswitching. Oxford University Press.
3. Poplack, S. (1980). “Sometimes I’ll Start a Sentence in Spanish Y TERMINO EN ESPAÑOL.” Linguistics, 18(7–8), 581–618.
4. Auer, P. (1998). Code-Switching in Conversation. Routledge.
5. Matras, Y. (2009). Language Contact. Cambridge University Press.
6. Iskandarova, S. (2020). “Code-Switching Practices in Uzbek EFL Classrooms.” Uzbek Journal of Education Studies, 4(2), 45–51.

Saminjon Khakimov was born in Margilan, Fergana Region, Uzbekistan. He is a student of Philology and Language Teaching (English) at Namangan University of Business and Science. He works as a Head English Teacher and IELTS Instructor at a private educational center.

Post Accident

Bloodstained hair peels back

glass shards at this velocity.

Wind of a

stranger’s comic bubbles

float towards me

as the boxcar finally stops.

I am jet lagged, metal in my mouth,

vertigo knocks on

the noggin and

blue, purple, and pink bruises

make a home for themself

on my charred skin.

Glass paper cuts on hands

sting me as I’m trapped in.

I am still in awe of the number

of patrons that stopped in

for a well being check

as they tow the remnants

under the overpass

and fish me out of the

driver’s seat

as I bob up for air

again.

Audacious Winter

Winter has just come back

Knocks the doors again

The walls have fallen 

And the doors are opened

No doorsteps or locks

Just a piece of cloth

Covers my humanity.

You’re so audacious guest

Enters without permission

Violates all the rules

And even the soft young leaves 

Turned to be brown and old.

Your clouds took the light of the day

And added the grey view in the surrounding.

To exacerbate my sadness and depression

They also took the heat of the sun

To make my children burn from the coldness inside a helpless tent.

Your water ran like a huge snake 

Sneaking to our shaky tent 

submerged my blankets and covers my heels

Where humanity fell under my feet.

SEVEN-SPOTTED BEAUTY

My crazy heart fell in love with your beauty,
As if an artist had painted a carpet on your face,
God gave light and dawn to your eyes,
Whoever sees you will be sad in his heart,
Seven-spotted, oh beauty in front of me.
*
The red eyes never look at my eyes,
And my heart doesn’t listen to my words,
They won’t let me come to myself for a bit,
Whoever sees you will be sad in his heart,
Seven-spotted, oh beauty in front of me.
*
We parted, and I hit my knee,
Like a madman, I followed your footsteps,
You pulled me to your grace with your walk,
Whoever sees you will be sad in his heart,
Seven-spotted, oh beauty in front of me.
*
You are a lily in the bosom of the mountains,
With one glance you turn away from the straight path,
By saying no you dig my grave,
Whoever sees you will be saddened,
Seven-spotted, oh beautiful one before me.
*
God gave you a share of your beauty,
The sun rose and became a moon for our night,
Your gaze is like a flower,
Whoever sees you will be saddened,
Seven-spotted, oh beautiful one before me.
*
A painting was painted on your neck,
Izzetogh, don’t you join the dance,
I see the nations come to your wedding,
Whoever sees you will be saddened,
Seven-spotted, oh beautiful one before me.

ADALAT EROĞLU-Azerbaiján-Gafarov Adalat Izzet oglu (EROĞLU) was born on April 16, 1966 in the village of Hovuslu, Jabrayil region. He studied at the secondary school of his native village in 1973-83. On September 1, 1983, he entered the Technical Vocational School No. 44 of Sumgayit city and was called up for military service from Sumgayit city in 1984. After completing military service on May 10, 1986, he started working as a laborer at the Tresin Construction Department No. 1 in Sumgayit city.

In September 1992 he entered the 1st year of the Law Faculty of Baku State University named after M.A. Rasulzadeh and graduated from the same University in 1997. On September 02, 1994, he started working as a clerk in the Sumgayit City People’s Court. In 1998, he worked as a Court Session Secretary (Assistant Judge). On December 01, 2000, he was released from that position at his own request. From December 10, 2000 to November 14, 2007, he worked at the Independent Law Consultancy.

Since November 14, 2007, he is the Founder of the “IZZET” LLC Law Consultancy and Training Center. Since December 02, 2007, he has been working as the Director of “IZZET” LLC.

He is married and has three children. In 2014-2019-2025, he was registered as a Candidate for Deputy in the Municipal Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan and in 2015-2020-2024, in the Milli Majlis Elections of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

He is the Laureate of the “Golden Pen” and “Great Leader” Media Awards. He has been awarded many Honorary Diplomas and Honorary Orders. He is a member of the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union (AYB) and the Azerbaijan Journalists’ Union (AJB).

He is a member of the Editorial Board of the “YURD” literary-artistic, scientific-journalistic Journal. He is the author of the poetry books “We have a wound called homeland inside us”, “The pain of the word homeland, “Turan whereabouts”, “We have a wound called homeland inside us” (reprint), “Awakening Spirits…”, “The word of justice is there”. He is the Project Manager and Developer of the Almanac Part I of “IN THE LIGHT OF JUSTICE”.

“My Homeland”, “The World is a False World”, “Towards the Top”, “The World of Lovers”, “Longing for Karabakh”, “May My Mother’s Name Live in the World”, “On the Paths of Life”, “The World Filled and Empty”, “Where is the Whereabouts of Zeal”, “Green Light”, “My Eyes Are on the Road, My Heart Is in the Sound”, “The Road to Victory”, “We Are Coming to Karabakh!!!”, “For Whom Is the World Left-880”, “My Beloved, Tell Your Dream to the Sea”, “The End of Longing”, “Life Calls Us”, “Let’s Go to Agdam”, “Sweat Flowers”, “The Word wreath”, “Lachin calls us”, “Mysterious World”, “Lonely Flower Quickly Fades”, “A Flower from Every Meadow”, “Where Does This World Go”, “The World of Dreams”, “Roads to the Summit”, “My Trace Remains in the Mountains”, “The Flower That Does Not Fade”, “My Mother and Father’s World” and others in the Poetry Anthology, in the “Dove Hands” Poetry Collection on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of our great poet M. Mushfig, in the “I WILL NOT HOLD THE WORLD” Part I and II on the occasion of the 650th anniversary of Imadeddin Nasimi, in the “Light of Justice”, “People on the Peak”, in the Almanacs, in the “Turkish World Poetry Selection 5-6” and in the “Poets Selection-12” Anthology in Sivas, “Mount Lelvar”, “Mount Shah”, “TURAN”, “Qarabagh is Azerbaijan!”, “Iron fist, Steel wrist”, “Greetings to the Turan people!”, “Victory”, “Khojaly is the greatest, bloodiest TRAGICITY of the 20th century”, “BLOODED JANUARY 20”, “Fountain of Inspiration”, “In the Light of Candle”, etc.

Dozens of his poems have been published in literary, artistic, scientific and journalistic journals.
Several of his poems and articles have been published in the literary-artistic, scientific-journalistic magazines “Yurd” and “Telli Sanem”, “Justice way”, “Faith in Tomorrow”, “Azerbaijan Youth”, “Kolkhozchu”, “Socialist Sumgayit”, “Justice way”, “Ideal Market”, “Gundem Xeber”, “Faith in Tomorrow”, “XXI ASR Fair Work, Right Word”, “365 Gün”, “Hekeri”, “ATA”tv, etc. newspapers.

On many internet portals; “Sabaha-inamla.az”, “Sumqayıtfakt.az”, “Qərib.az”, “Manevr.az” “Pressaz.az” “Xəbərləcom.az”, “Adalatyolu.az”, “Gundemxəber.az”, “Presspark.az”, “Vetenim-azerbaycandir.az”, “365 GÜN.INFO”, “kanal32.az”, djb.az (Dunya Journalists’ Union), “kapsamhaber.com“, “kiriminsesigazetesi.com“, “44gün.org“, “Ondertv.org”, “yenimedia.net” “vetensesi.az” and other news sites have published dozens of my poems and short articles.
He is a member of the creative team of parts I and III of the anthologies “Creative People and Intellectuals of the XX-XXI Century” and “Khan Chinar’s Births”.

Several of his poems have been translated into Russian, English, Spanish and Uzbek. His poems have been published in Turkey, Argentina, Tabriz, Germany, Russia and other countries.
Songs have been composed for several of his poems.
He regularly performs at many state events with his patriotic poems.

Winter

The cold days have arrived,

A sharp wind began to blow,

Whistling through the streets,

Bringing news that winter is here.

​In the winter season, from the sky,

The snow falls in swirling flakes.

That is why I love the winter

Very, very much.

​The earth puts on a white carpet,

The trees fall into a deep sleep.

It looks so beautiful and bright,

As if sprinkled with silver dust.

Yusufjonova O‘g‘ilxon

Adriano Aragozzini: The Most Extraordinary Artist Manager in the World

Rome. It’s the last day of 2025, and Adriano Aragozzini, the most extraordinary impresario in the world, has dedicated his latest book to me, a bestseller not only in Italy, entitled: “Tonight who sings is me “(Questa sera canto io), 462 pages that you devour in a few hours. 

Adriano has an irresistible personality, and his book reflects it, taking us on a journey around the world with Tina Turner, Domenico Modugno, Sammy Davis Jr., Patty Pravo, Ray Charles, Gino Paoli, Sarah Vaughan, Luigi Tenco, Gloria Gaynor, and the Sanremo Festival, which Aragozzini made popular worldwide. 

In this adventurous panorama, film stars such as Gina Lollobrigida and my mentor Federico Fellini and Andy Warhol, who competed with Fellini for my image, stand out. 

Aragozzini recounts with unusual sincerity the “splendors, miseries, passions, betrayals, secrets, and transgressions,” as written on the book cover, of celebrities who are part of the fabric of our history from the 1960s to today. 

An important chapter of the book tells of a truly unique experience, also because the protagonist of the episode, which spans years, is a singular character: the singer Patty Pravo, brilliant and iconic in all her manifestations and often in conflict with Aragozzini’s plans to increase her fame. 

Aragozzini introduces Patty Pravo to Federico Fellini, who offers her a role in his film “Casanova”: Casanova duels with a man, and with his sword, tearing his antagonist’s shirt. This action reveals a breast, the true sex of this person. 

At that time, in 1975, Fellini was the most famous and well paid director in the world, and Patty Pravo the most special and famous singer in Italy. 

A considerable chance for Patty Pravo to probably establish herself worldwide. 

Do you think the artist said “yes”? Of course you do! 

It was, instead, a firm “no” from Patty Pravo and a consequent disappointment for Aragozzini. 

The reasons? 

Patty Pravo has a rather masculine voice and an androgynous physique.  

Perhaps, then, Fellini’s idea didn’t seem very original to Patty Pravo.

Aragozzini introduced Patty Pravo to Andy Warhol, who didn’t offer the artist a role in his film, as Fellini had done, but instead proposed that the diva be the protagonist of his film. 

Do you think the artist said “yes”? Of course you think the diva said “yes” to Andy Warhol! 

Andy Warhol talked and talked, and Patty Pravo remained quite silent. 

Aragozzini was embarrassed. 

Then Warhol, rather annoyed, left Patty Pravo’s apartment in Rome , and after the legendary Warhol’s departure, she performed magical rituals to ward off Warhol’s energy, which she perceived as negative. 

Another great disappointment for Aragozzini, but one can’t judge: if you perceive negative vibrations from a person, it might not be a good idea to have a project in common with that person, since obstacles and conflicts could be anticipated. 

However, Aragozzini did help Patty Pravo sell millions of records and increased her fame, which is a priority for an impresario. 

And Aragozzini did this by launching songs that have made history and are themselves part of history and culture. 

Aragozzini, an impresario who was skilled at creating significant synergies between Italian and international music stars, who made the Sanremo Festival, the Italian song festival, known throughout the world, and who, if he likes an artist, launches them internationally.

There’s great news regarding Aragozzini: a few days ago, he added a new and unique award to the thousands he has already received: the “Courage for Freedom Award” for his tenacity and courage in promoting artists who symbolize freedom and supporting musical institutions to the entire world. 

The award is based on the principles of the hero of two worlds, Garibaldi, who fought for the freedom of many peoples and countries, including Italy and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. 

Garibaldi was a hero, also a writer and poet. 

The award originated in LA, during an exchange of ideas between me and the hero’s descendant, Francesco Garibaldi Hibbert and on that occasion, the multi-award-winning film “Anita” was also conceived, based on a sublime poem by Giuseppe Garibaldi about the premature death of his companion, the heroine Anita.

Francesco Garibaldi and Adriano Aragozzini, an honorary citizen of NYC thanks to me, have become great friends, and Aragozzini rightfully joins the award’s honorary committee, along with other distinguished recipients, including Michael Poryes, author of Hannah Montana, Moe Rock, founder of the Los Angeles Tribune, Elena Panarella, a renowned journalist for the widely read newspaper “Il Messaggero,” Ibrahim Shehata, president of the Egyptian “The Times International “ ,  Enrico Bernard, writer and screenwriter, and Victoria Wilder, daughter of the absolute Hollywood cinematic legend Billy Wilder, about whom I will share sensational news exclusively for Synchronized Chaos.

The cinematic version of the “Courage for Freedom Award,” is named “Courage for Freedom Film Award ” and was assigned to Angela Alioto for “Kamilah the Miracle Filly,” to Emily Letran and Jenny Thai for “Book of Death,” awarded by Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV, and the Dalai Lama, and to “Chrysalis,” on the life of Daniel Winn, which we will see starting in April 2026, masterfully directed by Jordan Robert Schulz.

Freedom

A word 

Who has all the meaning of…

This is happiness 

This is harmony 

This is respect 

But what we do

Humans are killing humans 

Humans are manipulating humans

Freedom,

A game between two birds without wings

Freedom,

A hope inside two hungry stomachs …

Freedom,

Elefteria

A sun waiting to rise…..

In our days 

In our century 

We are in need of second educational system 

Re write new words 

Or learn the meaning of the old one 

EVA Petropoulou Lianou