Code-switching Presentation

Code Switchingpresentation

by Emma Downey and Sophia Dodson

What is code switching?

Let's learn!

The basic definition of code-switching is: the alternation or "switching" between languages or dialects in conversation or situations

Let's watch a quick video to help explain:

Gabriel Iglesias is an American comedian and actor who often uses his Mexican heritage as a subject in his stand-up specials. He switches between Spanish and English and will change his accent as well.

Roger that, Captain.

Code-switching doesn't have to only pertain to language though, there are other forms of it. Let's do an activity to show this.

Hey y'all, what's up?

Draw what clothing you could wear for the scenario and beside it write a sentence or so of how you may speak.

There can be many different ways to code switch. How do we use it? Why does it matter?

If you ever have to teach an ELL student or a bilingual student, it's important to be aware of code-switching and know that it is not a negative portrayal of their abilities. It actually shows knowledge of both languages and the creativity to move back and forth. You can even use code-switching as an educator to help these students feel more welcome and to aid their communication.

You probably code-switch in your life more often than you think, and no, you don't even have to speak another language.Some examples of this would be using a customer service voice, changing your accent to hide or embellish it, acting in different ways to fit in, or putting on a more professional persona.

In the classroom:

As educators we should be teaching students when and how to utilize what we call proper standard English instead of trying to correct how they talk normally. Constantly correcting a students way of speaking can be harmful and make them feel like they need to change to be accepted in the classroom.

Here is an example of code-switching in the classroom and how the stigma around certain dialects can be harmful if not understood.

Code-mixing

Code-switching

1. Uses 2 or more codes in a single sentence or speech.
2. They can both be seen as a mistake or slip of the tongue/laziness.
3. Less structural or grammatical than code-switching.

1. The transfer from one code to another.
2. The purposeful/subconcious use of different codes.
3. Can be the moving back-and-forth between languages or dialects.

VS

Here are some other famous characters or people you may know who code-switch

DeVon from Big Mouth switches between AAVE and a more "proper" accent or dialect.

Everything Everywhere All At Once characters switch between English, Cantonese, and Mandarin

Modern Family has a lot of it, between Gloria switching between English and Spanish and Mitch and Cam trying to act more manly, and even more examples throughout.

Tom Holland is a British actor, but for many of his roles he switches his accent to an American one to better fit the role.

Let's see what we've learned...

Here are some true/false questions to test our skills and knowledge about code-switching.

QUESTION #2

Final Question

The End

Thank you!