Discussion Post: Code Switching

[mahasin]

Lets talk code switching. I think on some level, we all do it.

Do you realize when you do it or is it just a seamless transition that you notice after the fact.

Do you think code switching is important? Would you rather you not have to do it?

Which "code" do you think is more 'your' voice or is it had to tell where one starts and the other ends?

Comments

[batty_gal]

It's just something that I do without even noticing until after the fact for the most part. I wish I didn't have to do it, because I'm the same person with the same intelligence level regardless. It's just that some people don't see it that way.

I think my voice is fluid and a cross between the two.

[nepthys_12]

This.

[swoon_song]

I used to not notice, but now I do, especially when I am exceptionally dramatic about it. (Like talking about something emotionally with my black coworkers and then putting on my best customer service voice right after.)

I think it's important for me in some contexts, but I wish that I felt that I have a voice and demeanor that commands respect so I'd feel like I don't have to do it so much. All of my black coworkers do it in a less dramatic manner, sometimes it doesn't seem like they do at all, but I'm more white girl and younger and more silly-seeming, so it feels weird if I talk to the white customers like that. When I have black customers, I sound a lot less put on and I tend to be more casual with them too (while still providing great customer service, if not better, lol).

I'm in the middle skewing towards white girl, especially since I moved to and out of the country. When I was younger I used to sound more like my "white girl" voice all the time, but now I'm definitely in the middle.

[likelesliecaron]

I usually do it consciously (except for when I'm with family; then it comes out naturally). In a way, it makes me feel like I don't have a stable identity sometimes, haha.