THE LANGUAGE OF INCLUSION: CODE-SWITCHING IN POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS
Keywords:
Keywords: code-switching, political discourse, linguistic inclusivity, identity representation, rhetorical strategy, sociolinguistics.Abstract
Annotation. This article examines the role of code-switching in political
campaigns through a linguistic and sociolinguistic lens. Politicians who aim to connect
with multilingual and multicultural audiences often alternate between languages
during their speeches. This research identifies the rhetorical and symbolic functions of
such switches and emphasizes how they contribute to the creation of inclusive political
discourse. The methodology consists of a qualitative discourse analysis of speeches
that were delivered by multilingual politicians. The findings indicate that code-
switching functions as a tool for audience alignment, identity representation, and
emotional emphasis. The study concludes that when code-switching is used
authentically, it strengthens political engagement and fosters inclusivity among
linguistically diverse voters.
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