Code-Switching
What is Code-Switching?
Code-switching is the practice of seamlessly shifting between two languages in a single conversation. It is common practice within bilingual communities across the globe, such as those along the Mexico–United States border.
Here are some examples of Spanish/English bilingual code-switching:
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Contrary to using Spanglish expressions such as pero like or ¿Puedes believe it?, practicing the fine art of code-switching typically requires that the speaker uses both languages with fluency.
Why Do Bilinguals Code-Switch?
Many language purists argue that code-switching is a symptom of a lazy (or weak) speaker. That couldn't be further from the truth! Even though code-switching does sometimes occur when the speaker doesn't know a word, there are many legitimate reasons to intentionally switch between languages in a single conversation, such as:
- To emphasize a point
- To discuss a particular topic that requires the use of specific language
- When an idea is better expressed in one language than another
- To quote someone
- To express solidarity
- For clarification
- To exclude someone from the conversation or to say something in secret
- To address a different audience
- To not distort idiomatic speech or colloquialisms
Code-switching also happens unintentionally. Bilingual speakers often slip into a different language without intending to do it or even realizing it! Regardless of how many languages you can speak, your mother tongue is the language of your heart. So, when bilingual individuals find themselves in an emotionally heightened situation, code-switching often occurs accidentally.
Code-switching is different than using loanwords. Click here to learn about loanwords in Spanish.
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