Generational, Educational, and Gender Influences on Code-Switching in Kuwait's Armenian Community

Abstract

This study investigates code-switching practices, perceived ease, and attitudes within the Armenian community of Kuwait, focusing on how these dimensions vary by age, gender, and educational background. Drawing on data from 225 participants, the research employs the Bilingual Code-Switching Profile (BCSP) as the principal instrument, complemented by linear and logistic regression analyses. The results show that younger participants tend to switch languages more frequently and with greater ease, particularly in informal and self-directed contexts. On the other hand, older participants emphasise the naturalness of switching and exhibit greater ease in understanding multilingual written texts. Gender differences were also observed: female respondents were more concerned with how naturally their switching was perceived, while male respondents were more likely to identify with communities that code-switch. Education was associated with increased switching in formal settings and greater ease in comprehending bilingual written materials. These findings point to the social conditioning of code-switching behaviour and highlight the influence of demographic variables on shaping bilingual practices in diaspora contexts. The study contributes to the broader understanding of multilingualism in under-researched minority communities and offers insights into how linguistic repertoires are managed across generational, social, and institutional settings.