code-switching

[ kohd-swich-ing ]

noun

Linguistics. the alternating or mixed use of two or more languages, especially within the same discourse: 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. : See also translanguaging (def. 1).
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.

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.

Origin of code-switching

¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Also called code-shift·ing [kohd-shif-ting] /ˈkoʊdˌʃɪf tɪŋ/ .

Other words from code-switching

code-switch, verb (used without object)

Words Nearby code-switching

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use code-switching in a sentence

For me and him, code-switching has always been just part of our lives.
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