Influence of the Basque language competence of Basque speakers on the use of Basque-Spanish code-switching

Abstract

In this paper we have examined the relationship between the use of «Basque-Spanish» code-switching by Basque speakers and their proficiency in Basque, based on the results of 305 participants collected by means of a questionnaire. The quantitative analysis has made it possible, on the one hand, to show that the use of code-switching is very widespread among the Basque-speaking population, both among those who are less proficient in Basque and among those who are more proficient in this language. And on the other hand, the results reveal that, in general, the use of code-switching is affected by a number of variables related to language proficiency (total proficiency, register use, use of Basque), despite the complexity of the relationships. These results are discussed in light of studies on Basque sociolinguistics, and further research is also proposed for a better understanding of the uses and attitudes of code-switching in the Basque-speaking population.