Exploring Harith iskander's stand-up comedy acts: An analysis of code-switching types through the framework of Poplack's theory
List of Authors
  • Nik Hasanah Nik Akmar Yusfee , Norazean Sulaiman

Keyword
  • Code Switching, Stand-Up Comedy, Sociolinguistics

Abstract
  • Code-switching can take different forms, such as intra-sentential (within the same sentence), inter-sentential (between different sentences) or extra-sentential (across sentences) switches. Delivering the intended meaning requires adherence to grammatical and linguistic standards. In this instance, the issue or outcome of misinterpreting a joke will lead to a failed attempt at humour. Therefore, this study is conducted to categorise the many forms of code-switching that are employed in sentences using Poplack's theory (1980). This study employed a basic interpretive qualitative methodology in three performances by Harith Iskander. The findings demonstrate that Harith Iskander regularly used both intra- and inter-sentential code-switching when telling his jokes. However, extra-sentential code-switching or tag switching was rarely used in his performances. To conclude, three categories of code-switching proposed by Poplack were found in Harith Iskander’s performances. For the recommendation, future researchers may employ primary data for in-depth analysis opportunities and to authentically determine the accurate frequency of code switching used in stand-up comedy performances.

Reference
  • 1. Achieng, A. L., Pasaka, M. A, & Yakub, A. (2019). A Pragmatic Analysis Of Code Mixing-Switching In Stand-Up Comedy A Case of Selected Owago Onyiro’s Performances in Churchill Show. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies. 3(4), 32 – 38. Retrieved June 10, 2021 from https://www.academia.edu/43782130/A_Pragmatic_Analysis_Of_Code_Mixing _Switching_In_Stand_Up_Comedy_A_Case_of_Selected_Owago_Onyiros_Pe rformances_in_Churchill_Show 2. Aizan Sofia Amin, Azianura Hani Shaari, Ng L. S., Siti Zaidah Zainuddin, & Wan Nur Syaza Sahira Wan Rusli, (2018). Intra and inter-sentential code-switching phenomena in modern malay songs. 3L: The Southeast Asian Journal of English Language Studies. 24(3), 184 – 205. DOI: 10.17576/3L-2018-2403-14 3. Devi, R. P., (2014). Indonesian – English code switching by The Comics in stand–up comedy show on Metro TV. Humanis: Journal of Arts and Humanities, 7(3), p. 1-7. Retrieved from https://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/sastra/article/view/8784 4. Filani, I. & Onurisi, A. B. (2018). Pragmatics of code selection and alternation in Nigerian stand-up comedy. Journal of The Linguistic Association of Nigeria (JOLAN). 21(2), 89 - 99. Retrieved July 8, 2020 from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ibukun_Filani/publication/338113364_Pra 5. gmatics_of_Code_Selection_and_Alternation_in_Nigerian_Stand up_Comedy/links/5dffd55b92851c836493b4ec/Pragmatics-of-Code-Selection and-Alternation-in-Nigerian-Stand-up-Comedy.pdf 6. Hadei, M., Jie, K. S., & Kumar, V. C., (2016). Social Factors for Code-Switching-a Study of Malaysian-English Bilingual Speakers. International Journal of Language and Linguistics. 4 (3), 122 - 127. doi: 10.11648/j.ijll.20160403.15 7. Jalil, S. A. (2009). Grammatical perspectives on code-switching. ReVEL. 7(13). Retrieved June 28, 2020 from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e58a/faebca272ea1f95578e54940631b9c967a 45.pdf 8. Kawwami, A.M. (2015). Code switching used by the Comics in Stand Up Comedy Show on Metro TV. Etheses: Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. Retrieved June 10, 2021 from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Code-switching-used-by-the-Comics-in Stand-Up-Show-Kawwami/0db1d517acf9779e08389b3fccbed3d82dc383cb 9. Mabule. D. R. (2015). What is this? Is it code switching, code mixing or language alternating?. Journal of Educational and Social Research. 5(1). 339-350. Retrieved June 9, 2020 from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/7147/494dca4b49b1731926ebf59ecbe6d4e1f1 13.pdf 10. Poplack, S. (2004). Code-switching. In Ammon, U., Dittmar, N., Mattheier, K. J. & Trudgill, P. (eds.), Sociolinguistics/Soziolinguistik: An international handbook of the science of language (2nd ed.). Berlin: Walter de Gruyter. 589-596 11. Wijana, I.D. (2016). Stand-up comedy: Language play and its functions (systemic functional linguistic approach). Journal of Language and Literature, 16(2), 99 - 105. doi:https://doi.org/10.24071/joll.v16i2.357