NPR's blog defines code-switching as when "many of us subtly, reflexively change the way we express ourselves all the time...between different cultural and linguistic spaces and different parts of our own identities..." To me, NPR is saying that code-switching is when people change the way they talk based on who they are talking to. From a young age, I have been trained to talk to certain people in different ways; as I'm sure most people have to some extent. You address adults with respect and use their title of Mr./Ms./Mrs/Dr... basic etiquette.
As we have discussed in American Studies class, the characters in TBWLOW often code-switch from using high dictation and proper grammar to swearing and using colloquial language. Besides just code-switching in language, I saw many examples in TBWLOW when the characters take on completely different personas based on the scenario. For example, when Oscar is with his friends Al and Miggs he acts very different than he does around his mother: "...for the first time ever in their relationship Oscar lost his temper and without a word swung on Miggs and connected so hard that homeboy's mouth spouted blood" (46). The aggressive attitude of Oscar is completely contrary to Oscar being a "loser" and a "nerd" as his sister calls him.
Similar to code-switching in TBWLOW, I have seen how many people at New Trier code-switch between personas. A persona for teachers; a persona for close friends; a persona for classmates... As Jackie O'Brien put it so well in her piece, "The Performance," in the New Trier LOGOS magazine: "With your friends you're supposed to be able to be the 'real' you. The 'original' you...You change yourself..." Jackie's piece really spoke to me. I feel like code-switching is something that we all do, even subconsciously at times. Code-switching is a means to survive and "adapt."
What are some examples of code-switching in your life? Do you think we are losing our "true self" with all the different code-switches?
I for one will freely admit to code-switching, for I think it is a crucial asset to have when trying to be successful. If you approach a situation differently than how everyone else around you is behaving, you're going to have a bad time. What I mean by this is that people judge you within seconds of first meeting you. And if you want to make a good impression, you have to be able to effectively communicate with them. And if you don't do so, you will actually end up making the person feel uncomfortable, and want to leave. Code switching is very popular, especially in real world situations. If you stand out, or act in a way that someone wouldn't appreciate, like I said, you're going to have a bad time. Cool post Josh!
ReplyDeleteThanks Oldfield!! I agree!! Most people naturally code-switch depending on the situation or things could get pretty awkward.
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