A review of code switching: theories and concepts

The issue of code switching is still debating and hot topic in multilingual environment as well as in bilingual society. The main purpose of this study is to review and compare alternative explanations, identify peculiarities and common features of the following terms like code switching, code mixing, language interference, language transfer and language alternation. Then summarize their usage frequency in linguistic and sociolinguistic aspects. The research presented in this study also aims to critically analyze and evaluate previous researches on code switching made in national and international level from various perspectives. The findings will make an important contribution to the field of foreign and second language acquisition.