ABSTRACT

Since the reform and opening-up policy, China has further developed the exchange with foreign countries. In addition, Internet has made a tremendous impact on our lives. Especially, there has been a great change in the newspaper that is the representative of traditional print media. Various kinds of newspapers face the challenge of reform and innovation in concept, content, communication, linguistic performance and so on. With respect to linguistic performance, the first action of reform and innovation is code-switching that has been used more and more frequently. Code-switching in different sections and kinds of newspapers reflects the aims and motivations of the communication between authors and readers.

Code-switching has drawn much attention of many linguists who formulate various rules in different directions since the 1960s. This paper analyzes the distribution and functions of code-switching in Chinese newspapers from the point of pragmatics and the studies of former researchers. Also, the reason and significance of code-switching will be classified. According to acceptance of readers and categories of news, the analysis of distribution of code-switching focuses on different kinds of newspapers and various sections. Because of the differences of the development between the north and south in China and the values of people in various areas, the features of code-switching become complex and diversified. Moreover, the distribution and functions of code-switching highlight the key points of Adaptation Theory. The adaptations contain linguistic reality, mental world, structural objects and linguistic styles. Proper application of code-switching can enhance the performance of Chinese newspapers that combine characteristics and internationalization in order to attract diverse readers’ inner world and promote their development in the long term.

Key words: code-switching; Chinese newspaper; distribution; pragmatic function

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-1

1.1 Need for the Present Study-1

1.2 Objective of the Present Study-1

1.3 Significance of the Study-2

1.4 Overview of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two  LITERATURE REVIEW-3

2.1 Definition of Code and Code-switching-3

2.2 Other Terms Related to Code-switching-4

2.3 Related Studies of Code-switching Overseas-5

2.4 Related Studies of Code-switching in China-7

Chapter Three  RESEARCH DESIGN-9

3.1 Research Questions-9

3.2 Research Material-9

3.3 Data Collection and Analysis-10

Chapter Four  RESULTS AND DISCUSSION-13

4.1 The Use of Code-switching in Chinese Newspapers of Different Regions-13

4.2 The Use of Code-switching in Chinese Newspapers of Different Sections-16

4.3 The Functions of Code-switching in Chinese Newspapers-17

Chapter Five  CONCLUSION-20

5.1 Major Findings-20

5.2 Implications-21

5.3 Limitations of This Study-22

5.4 Suggestions for Further Studies-22

References-24