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.

---

Other Word Forms

• code-switch verb (used without object)

Etymology

Origin of code-switching

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

“For some people in this community this is like a kind of code-switching,” said an executive at one social justice nonprofit, who declined to be named.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

How did Black American music go from emancipatory code-switching within the Black community to an out-of-reach luxury that breaches the secrets of the community?

From Los Angeles Times

And the attitude, body language and code-switching of the young male characters mirrored his own and that of his friends.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon