Despite a vast literature on oral codeswitching—the use of more than one language within a single conversation—codeswitching as a written literary practice has remained largely underinvestigated. In redressing this imbalance, Callahan examines Spanish-English codeswitching in literary texts from a grammatical and a discourse function perspective. The analysis of a corpus of 30 novels and shorts stories suggests that there is a “fundamental similarity” between written and spoken codeswitching and that written codeswitching “does not require a separate model of syntactic constraints” (p. 69). Callahan also argues that written codeswitching is far from an artificial literary device; not only does it fulfill the same authentic discourse functions reported for oral codeswitching but its use constitutes authors' strategic “rejection of monolingual English as well as of monolingual Spanish” (p. 145) in a redefined sociolinguistic market.

The introductory chapter gives an overview of the various definitions of codeswitching found in the literature, a brief exposition of Myers-Scotton's (1993/1997) matrix language frame (MLF) model that Callahan adopts for her study, and a review of previous scholarship on the sociopragmatic functions of codeswitching. Chapter 2 introduces the corpus of the study. It consists of 30 literary texts, short stories, and novels, mostly written by Chicano and Puerto Rican authors who live in the United States. Each text is summarized in terms of its thematic content and overall pattern of codeswitching.

Chapter 3 presents the grammatical and discourse analysis of the data, in which codeswitches are tabulated according to syntactic category, MLF constituent type, and discourse function. Corroborating much research on oral codeswitching, Callahan reports that single nouns, noun phrases, and independent clauses are the most commonly switched categories in her written corpus. She also finds that the majority of codeswitches can be accounted for by the MLF model; the few counterexamples are attributed “to the idiosyncrasies of one text” (p. 64). Therefore, Callahan argues, no separate model for written codeswitching is necessary. The discourse function analysis reveals that the authors use codeswitching mainly for referential purposes—that is, as a vehicle for “transmitting information that advances the narrative” (p. 79).

In the next chapter, Callahan turns to reviewing classical and contemporary world literatures that exhibit codeswitching and she concludes that codeswitching occurs much more frequently in poetry than in prose. Chapter 5 surveys previous research to address the issue of whether written codeswitching, by virtue of its medium, produces any particular effects at the textual level and on the reader. It is noted, for example, that typographic differentiation between languages can enhance the contrast value of the switch. Callahan also points out that the translation of codeswitches has differential effects on monolingual and bilingual readers: Whereas translation facilitates comprehension for monolinguals, it mitigates the emotional impact of sensitive topics for bilinguals.

In chapter 6, Callahan returns to her corpus and examines how metalinguistic comments found in the texts reflect on issues such as the acquisition of English, loss of Spanish, and attitudes toward each language. Comments typically deal with linguistic competence and language choice. Remarks about bilingual characters' ability to use their languages often reveal oppressive language ideologies that view proficiency in Spanish as a speech impediment and stigmatize speakers for codeswitching or limited proficiency in English. References on language choice highlight intergenerational tensions and the experience of native language loss. Comments on foreigner talk provide insights into social perceptions and linguistic stereotypes associated with nonnative speakers of Spanish or English.

Callahan closes the book with a discussion of the social importance of writers' use of Spanish-English codeswitching in their work. She concludes that the production of literature with codeswitching constitutes both a challenge to dominant ideologies of monolingual literary practices and a claim to the legitimacy of bilingual practices in the marketplace.

This book is notable for its comprehensive approach to the study of written codeswitching. Drawing on literary texts, it provides new ammunition for efforts to dispel repressive myths that codeswitching is a symptom of cognitive deficiency, linguistic deprivation, or sloth and is, therefore, an inadequate vehicle of articulateness. For ESL teachers, bilingual educators, and researchers in SLA, the book provides useful information about the syntactic features and discourse functions of so-called Spanglish and an opportunity to reflect on the role of written codeswitching in developing bilingual literacy skills and additive bilingualism. Finally, as a shortcoming, the book's odd organization must be mentioned. Placing the data analysis (chapter 3) before both literature reviews (chapters 4 and 5) and then finishing the analysis in chapter 6 seems unmotivated and makes for a difficult read to follow.