code-switching

American  

[kohd-swich-ing] / ˈkoʊdˌswɪtʃ ɪŋ /

noun

1. Linguistics. the alternating or mixed use of two or more languages, especially within the same discourse: Bilingual students were discouraged from code-switching during class.

   My grandma’s code-switching when we cook together always makes me feel connected to my family's roots.

   Bilingual students were discouraged from code-switching during class.

2. Sociolinguistics. the use of one dialect, register, accent, or language variety over another, depending on social or cultural context, to project a specific identity.

   Politicians use code-switching on the campaign trail to connect with their audience.

3. the modifying of one's behavior, appearance, etc., to adapt to different sociocultural norms.

   For many female Muslim students, code-switching from their home environment to that of school requires forgoing the hijab.

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Other Word Forms

• code-switch verb (used without object)

Etymology

Origin of code-switching

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Both are experts at code-switching and calibrating their moves, their words and even their bodies in any given context.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2024

Hostin, who has a Black father and Puerto Rican mother, writes with a nod to code-switching.

From Salon • May 3, 2023

“It made me automatically start to think something is wrong,” Laestadius said of her mother’s code-switching.

From New York Times • Jan. 30, 2023

And cross your fingers that code-switching fits into their concept of “the times.”

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2022

Miles sounds like it’s not code-switching for him.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas