LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF UZBEK-ENGLISH CODE-SWITCHING AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This paper examines the linguistic mechanisms and sociocultural motivations underlying Uzbek–English code-switching among university students in Uzbekistan. With the growing impact of globalization and the expanding role of English as a language of science, technology, and higher education, bilingual practices have become increasingly visible in academic and informal communication. Using qualitative analysis of naturally occurring speech, online discourse, and semi-structured interviews, this study identifies lexical, grammatical, and pragmatic patterns of code-switching. The findings suggest that English insertions often serve academic or prestige-related functions, while Uzbek provides emotional grounding and socio-cultural identity. The research highlights how bilingual language use reflects broader transformations in education, identity, and digital communication in contemporary Uzbekistan.