Planning Change in Code-Switching: Theoretical and Practical Inferences from the Catalan Case

Abstract

The linguistic normalization processes presently being developed in the Iberian Peninsula are important sociolinguistic experiences of a great scientific interest, both from the applied and theoretical focus angles. The conducti ve badies of all processes demand clear and accurate theoretical foundations in order to follow a course of action. The discipline of sociolinguistics as such - that is, as a scientific discipline-, demands constant analysis and reflectien concerning the different situations existing, so as to mak.e headway in the deep and encompassing knowledge regarding this area of reality. Theory and practice prove in this case, as in many others, that they are very closely related to one another, to the point of mutual dependance. The present sociolinguistic situation in Catalonia offers many theoretical and practical potential contributions. Within this interesting range we selected the problem of planned modification of inter-personal linguistic behaviours of the ethnic-linguistic autochthonous group regarding their usual l relationship with the numerous individuals of non-Catalan origin who live at present in Catalonia. This is an issue of great importance today in our country, and, very possibly, not sufficiently studied at an international level