What Is the Meaning of Code-Switching?

Code-switching means switching between languages.

Code-switching is the practice of switching between languages or linguistic dialects. Sociologists, linguists and educators study code-switching to analyze cultural interactions and educational techniques.

Types

Code-switching can occur for an entire conversation, within a conversation or within a speaking turn. It applies to the fluidity of primary and secondary languages among bilingual and multilingual people, as well as the movement between variations of a single language.

History

In 1977, a group of African-American parents sued the Ann Arbor, Mich. school district for failing to teach their children "Standard English" using the children's natural African-American English. This case, along with a 1996 lawsuit in California, led to the legal recognition of African American Language (AAL) and African American Vernacular English (AAVE).

Significance

Code-switching can reveal the power dynamics of social situations as well as the feelings and identities of speakers. Linguists and sociologists often study this phenomenon to analyze the interplay of cultures and the social status of immigrants.

Considerations

In education, awareness of code-switching among bilingual students is crucial for effective teaching. According to Heather Coffey, it is important to recognize the equal legitimacy of students' languages at home and in school.

References

• Monica Heller; "The Politics of Codeswitching and Language Choice" in "Codeswitching"; 1992
• Melissa Moyer; "Bilingual Conversation Strategies in Gibraltar" in "Code-Switching in Conversation"; 1998
• Learn NC: Code-Switching; Heather Coffey