Code Switching

Have you ever heard people seamlessly switch from one language to another mid-way through a conversation? Perhaps it was a random word here and there or even whole sentences. Or have you ever seen a TV advert in another country and noticed random English words and phrases popping up here and there? Well, there’s a term for that: code-switching!

With plenty of examples along the way, we're going to take a look at what code-switching is, why people do it, and some of the various types of code-switching that have been identified. Then, we will discuss the differences between code-switching and code-mixing.

Code-switching definition

Code-switching is the process of alternating between one linguistic code and another. The term was coined by the American linguist Einar Haugen.

A linguistic code could be a language (e.g. French), a dialect (e.g. Geordie), an accent (e.g. Received Pronunciation), or a register (e.g. formal or informal).

Code-switching is most commonly used in bilingual or multilingual communities and involves using the vocabulary, grammar, and accents from a number of languages and dialects. When code-switching, individuals decide which language features to use based on their social setting.

Fig. 1 - Bilingual and multilingual people are often able to code-switch between languages during a single exchange.

Although code-switching can be done on purpose, it often happens subconsciously, and many people aren’t even aware they’re doing it!

Reasons for code-switching in language

According to sociolinguist Janet Holmes (2000), there are several reasons why people code-switch.¹

To create a sense of belonging

One of the most common reasons people code-switch is to create a sense of identity and belonging among individuals and social groups. Adopting our speech to sound more like the people around us can make us feel like a part of the community and more comfortable in the social or cultural environment. Matching our speech can also make others feel more welcome.

For successful communication

Another key reason people code-switch is to allow for successful communication and to ensure others understand them.

To fill lexical gaps

People may switch to another language when there is no word for what they want to say in the language they are speaking. Most languages cannot be directly translated, and there are often words that exist in one language with no translation in another language.

Sometimes ideas and concepts are better expressed in one language over another because of the amount of vocabulary available. In this case, individuals may choose to code-switch and use another language to express their ideas better.

To exclude others

When two people are having a conversation and are perhaps saying things they shouldn’t, they may code-switch and talk in another shared language to hide what they are saying.

Some people think this is quite rude and, in an increasingly globalised world, chances are that someone else close by can also speak the language - so what’s being said might not be that secret!

To change register

Although we usually discuss code-switching in terms of bilingualism and multilingualism, we can also use it to describe an individual's change in language style and register within a language.

Think about how you talk to your friends compared to how you would speak to a headteacher or a boss, for example. You would likely code-switch from an informal register to a more formal register.

Because it’s natural

As we previously mentioned, code-switching usually happens subconsciously, and many people will inadvertently switch between languages, dialects, accents, and registers without realising they’re doing so.

Cursing is a good example of this - the saying goes that when you stub your toe, you’ll find out exactly how many languages you know!

Different types of code-switching

There are three main types of code-switching: Inter-sentential, Intra-sentential, and Extra-sentential (also known as 'Tag switching'). Let’s look at each one in more detail.

Inter-sentential code-switching

Inter-sentential code-switching happens either at the beginning or end of a sentence and is most common with fluent bilingual speakers.

Intra-sentential code-switching

Intra-sentential code-switching happens in the middle of a sentence. The code-switch happens fluently (meaning there are no hesitations or interruptions) and the speaker is often unaware they have done it.

Extra-sentential (tag) code-switching

Extra-sentential code-switching refers to inserting a word or tag phrase from one language into another. Tag phrases are usually tag questions (you’re British, aren’t you?) or conjunctions (because, so, but).

Fig. 2 - There are many different reasons for code-switching, as well as many different ways in which code-switching can happen.

Examples of code-switching

Examples of code-switching include the following:

• Switching between languages in a multilingual conversation. For example, switching between English and Spanish with a Spanish-speaking friend.
• Switching between a regional dialect and a standard dialect when speaking in different settings. For example, from AAVE to Standard American English.
• Switching between registers in a conversation. For example, a teacher switching from a formal register to a casual one when talking to their family members outside of school.

Here are some more detailed examples of code-switching.

Roger Hewitt’s White Talk Black Talk (1986)

Written and directed by Boots Riley, Sorry to Bother You is a film that tells the story of an African-American man who changes his voice to sound 'more white’ at work (he works in a call centre so no one can see him!). He does so to overcome the bias that African American Vernacular English (AAVE) faces in professional environments.

When he code-switches from AAVE to Standard American English, he finds that he is able to sell a lot more.

The film sends a powerful message about the reality of code-switching and how some people feel the need to code-switch to be taken seriously (often because of their race).

Difference between code-switching and code-mixing

You may be wondering if code-mixing is the same as code-switching. Well, the answer is yes and no.

Many linguists, theorists, and educators use the terms interchangeably and don’t recognise any differences between the two. However, some linguists say there is a slight difference between the two terms, stating that code-switching is done with a purpose by more fluent bilingual or multilingual speakers. In contrast, code-mixing happens out of necessity by less fluent speakers.

For example, Someone who can speak English fluently may choose to code-switch to fill a lexical gap, whereas a less-fluent English speaker has no choice but to code-mix, as they don’t yet know the English vocabulary to say what they want to say.