I’ve always known it to be broader than that. I did it in middle and high school. With my gaming/scifi/computer friends I was a D&D geek who knew every monty python line and all the talkbacks to Rocky Horror Picture Show. (Cheese shop or “the man you are about to see has no neck”, anybody?). With the band/orchestra/stage people, I was an artsyfartsy. With the alt/goth industrial crew, I was all-in on the music.
Code switching is about adapting to the environment. In my case, I did it because I was into all those things.
When used in reference to urban kids, it’s unfortunately the way to be taken more seriously by people who have power over you so you aren’t too threatening.
First impressions count, and they are good or bad based on the cultural experience of the one forming the impression.
I’ve always known it to be broader than that. I did it in middle and high school. With my gaming/scifi/computer friends I was a D&D geek who knew every monty python line and all the talkbacks to Rocky Horror Picture Show. (Cheese shop or “the man you are about to see has no neck”, anybody?). With the band/orchestra/stage people, I was an artsyfartsy. With the alt/goth industrial crew, I was all-in on the music.
Code switching is about adapting to the environment. In my case, I did it because I was into all those things.
When used in reference to urban kids, it’s unfortunately the way to be taken more seriously by people who have power over you so you aren’t too threatening.
First impressions count, and they are good or bad based on the cultural experience of the one forming the impression.