Code-switching using aided AAC: toward an integrated theoretical framework

Abstract

Multilingual individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) often shift between language environments and speakers of different languages; thus, code-switching (or alternating between languages or dialects within or across contexts) becomes necessary for effective communication. Recently, AAC product developers have responded to this need by building multilingual AAC systems; however, research in multilingualism and AAC is lacking. In this paper, we discuss theoretical and practical implications for research related to code-switching using aided AAC. We use available literature investigating the sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, and usage-based aspects of code-switching in spoken or signed modalities as a starting point for considering code-switching using aided AAC. We present examples illustrating the varied expression of codeswitching across aided AAC modalities and discuss directions for future research.

Keywords:

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• code-switching
• multilingualism
• multimodal communication

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author note

The work presented herein was partially supported by an internal grant to Gloria Soto, sponsored by San Francisco State University. The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Notes

1 The iPad is a product of Apple Inc©., Cupertino CA, https://www.apple.com/

2 Blissymbols are a graphic communication system licensed by Blissymbolics Communication International, https://www.blissymbolics.org/index.php