CODE-SWITCHING Definition & Meaning

code-switching

[ kohd-swich-ing ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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. translanguaging ( def 1 ).
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.
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.

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

code-switch verb (used without object)

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of code-switching¹

First recorded in 1955–60

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“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.

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It is very funny, it's very violent, but it is also about casual racism, it's about code-switching, it's about people having conversations about things that they don't always say in front of white people.

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

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Of course, John is there to complete the mission to assassinate them, but he revels in a space where there is no need for code-switching.

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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?

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code-sharing codetermination

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