Doing (Bi)lingualism: Language alternation as performative construction of online identities

The purpose of this paper is to examine practices language alternation in email communication among native speakers Greek and argue that such are a facet the performative construction an ‘online’ communicative identity. In slowly-growing body literature on linguistic computer-mediated (CMC) or discourse (CMD) it emerging concomitant aspects performance relate particular sociolinguistic identities relevant medium, or, adopt less radical perspective, typical face-to-face written interaction mediated by social/communicative norms to, accruing types CMD. Language features prominently mechanisms used constructing novel linguistic/social-performative identities. context, research presented examines group six Greek, who also part relatively closely-knit social network. analysis reveals extensive code-switching between English, both inter- intra-sentential, with English covering around 20% total words used. qualitative shows expressions affect evaluative comments mostly while reserved for transmission factual/referential information. data further reveal style- register-shifting mixing favored strategy members group; includes shifting dialects sociolects use other languages, and, notably, constructed structures humorous overtones. This complex type play overarching feature group’s (socio)linguistic asynchronous electronic communication, which may single them out as localized community practice. highlight theoretical methodological necessity fine-grained accounts specific CMD, can be tackled not terms macro-contextual extralinguistic variables, but dynamic reflexes participant constellations negotiation generic within communities presents discusses quantitative study views attitudes expressed subjects code-switch systematically email, attempt gauge metalinguistic awareness involved. It emerges from users abstract away ‘phobic’ towards they treat manifestation balanced functional bilingualism, furthermore situation-specific ‘genre’-appropriate.