Investigation
Part 1
Ask your Pasifika (and other bilingual) students for a set of key words in their language(s), in connection with a particular context (for example, kinship relations) or a particular activity. Compare and contrast the meanings of these words with the meanings of their equivalents in English. What differences emerge? Are there any words that do not have direct equivalents in English?
Part 2
Make a conscious effort to observe and note down code switching in the interaction of two Pasifika students in the course of a particular activity, either in or out of class. You may find it easier to record the conversation of these students (with their prior permission) and analyse/review it later.
After you have had a chance to review the activity, ask the students to help you work out what they said when the code switching occurred and the possible reasons for their use of code switching at these points.
