English Code-switching in German Rap. A Semantics-based Analysis of Contemporary Mainstream Lyrics

Seminar paper from the year 2021 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 1,0, University of Hamburg (Institute of English and American Studies), language: English, abstract: Code-switching, a longstanding linguistic phenomenon, has traditionally been studied in spontaneous speech. However, a growing interest in recent years has shifted towards analyzing song lyrics, particularly in the context of globalization and the prevalence of English as a global language. This paper delves into the current state of English code-switching in German rap songs, exploring how and why German rappers incorporate English into their lyrics.

Through an empirical analysis of mainstream rap songs, the study examines the semantics of English code-switches, aiming to uncover the semantic fields they occupy and understand their functional aspects. The paper provides a brief definition of code-switching, reviews existing research on its role in music, with a focus on rap, and discusses the evolving landscape of German rap. The research methodology and data presentation are detailed, followed by a summary of results and a discussion of notable findings. The paper concludes with a brief summary and suggestions for future research.