Code switching in Hispanic-American narratives

Abstract

Abstract. The texts-prose, drama, as well as poetry-of Hispanic-American authors contain a lot of code switching, that, is the inclusion of Spanish terms in the English text. This has been the case since the first major works of Hispanic-American authors appeared, e. g. Anaya’s Bless me, Última! By the insertion of Spanish terms the authors create an authentic atmosphere, uphold their sense of belonging to their original cultural background and heritage. For the readers with English as their mother tongue do not find it disturbing, they are no impeded in their understanding the text. The translators of such texts usually retain the Spanish words in the target language (Hungarian), and may provide footnoted or explanations as they wish so that the message is not lost for their readers.