Third Culture Kids in Denmark

Exploring code-switching patterns according to interlocutors and topic emotionality

Dados Bibliográficos

ID11183296
AutoresLydia Rodríguez-Bernal (0000-0003-3622-4471, University of Southern Denmark, autor correspondente), Teresa Cadierno (0000-0002-8305-1027, University of Southern Denmark), Anna Doquin De Saint Preux (0000-0002-6196-7608, Universidad Complutense de Madrid), Jørgen T Lauridsen (0000-0001-9889-6236, University of Southern Denmark)
Ano2025
Volume46
Fascículo7
Páginas2082-2099
Data de publicação2025-08-09
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0143-4632 • E-ISSN: 1747-7557
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/01434632.2023.2277862
OpenAlexW4388499553
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas60

This mixed-methods study is among the first to explore code-switching (CS) patterns within the broader context of translanguaging in a unique multilingual population, namely Third Culture Kids (TCKs), who are extensively socialised in English through schooling and the expatriate community. Data were collected from 188 TCKs enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Programme at the same international school in Denmark. Participants spoke 60 different languages, with 42 first languages (L1s). English represented the largest language group, with 30% first language (L1) users, and 70% acquired later in life (LX). Results showed that TCKs diverged from previous studies regarding the frequency and direction of CS, reporting a decrease in use as the topic became emotionally charged, with a reverse direction in the switch from L1 to LX (English). Additionally, bivariate analysis and multiple regression models were conducted to explore the role of sociobiographical, language profile, and family language policy (FLP) factors in CS frequency according to interlocutors (family and friends, schoolmates, and strangers) and topic emotionality (non-emotional, emotional). This study not only enhances our understanding of TCKs’ underexplored linguistic abilities, but also contributes to both micro- (TCK’s household) and macro-level (expatriate community and international school) CS studies recognising TCKs as unique multilingual individuals

Code-switching · Context (archaeology · Developmental psychology · Emotionality · Expatriate · Geography · Gratitude · Linguistics · Pedagogy · Political science · Population · Sociolinguistics · Sociology · Translanguaging · Demography · Language Development and Disorders · Multilingual Education and Policy · Psychology · Second Language Learning and Teaching · Social Psychology