The Art of Code-Switching and its Impact on Authenticity
Lekshmy Sankar, PhD
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As someone who regularly finds themselves code-switching in various situations, I have often questioned the impact this practice has on my authenticity. Friends tell me that my accent seems to be a mix of different regional influences and that curiosity has led me to explore the concept of code-switching and its implications on our sense of true selves.
First, let's break down the concept of code-switching. Sociolinguist Einar Haugen coined the term in 1954, referring to language alternation or the mixing of two or more languages or dialects. It's an age-old practice deeply familiar to many people of color. Code-switching has been known and observed since the early 20th century, and it remains a prominent feature of our communication today.
The history of code-switching reflects a broader context of multilingual and multicultural societies, where people find themselves interacting with diverse groups that speak different languages or dialects. For many people of color, code-switching has served as a vital tool in adapting to different social environments, helping them navigate through a world that often judges them based on the way they speak.
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Now, let's address the question of authenticity. Research has shown that being authentic at work is vital for both personal and professional success. Authenticity fosters trust between colleagues, promotes positive work cultures, and enhances overall productivity and job satisfaction. But does code-switching lead to a reduction in authenticity?
On the one hand, code-switching enables people to adapt and blend into different linguistic and cultural landscapes, thus reducing potential barriers to communication. This adaptation may be seen as a valuable skill that allows individuals to relate to others and navigate diverse environments. However, the need to constantly switch between different speech patterns and cultural modes can lead to a feeling of inauthenticity, as individuals may feel that they are sacrificing their true selves in the process.
The relationship between code-switching and authenticity is a complex one. While code-switching can be an effective tool for bridging cultural and linguistic gaps, it can also challenge our sense of authenticity. As individuals and professionals, it can be hard to strike a balance between adapting to different environments and retaining our authenticity. Embracing our unique voices and experiences while keeping an open mind to diverse perspectives will hopefully foster genuine connections and thrive in an ever-evolving world. At least I hope so. What do you think?
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1 年I was originally against the idea of code switching as it relates to people altering their appearance, speech, cultural identity, etc. in order to conform to a dominant, unwritten standard. After doing research I now believe strategic code switching in the corporate workplace is necessary in some cases, especially for the Black community. I stand by my belief that either way, it leads to burnout, has grave psychological consequences and hinders performance. The dilemma is….how do we even begin to change that? I think step one is to have diverse senior leaders in place to encourage authenticity by creating safe spaces and removing workplace barriers that hinder it. It starts with you. I live to see the day when young Black men no longer get on my calendar to ask “do you think I should change my natural hairstyle in order to get the job?” Until that day…..
Lekshmy Sankar - thank you for this article and an opportunity to pause and reflect. As a bilingual speaker, I don't even think about how I fluidly move from one language to another based on my audience. My transition has always felt so natural. I love speaking my first language in Malayalam. Although moving from India to the U.S. at the age of two, certainly did not mean I was a sophisticated orator in my primary language. The immersion in English always felt like it was my first language. Being bilingual, allowed me to pick up other languages more easily and when I was able to use those languages daily, I resonated with native speakers. My vote is I feel very authentic when I can connect to the people in that culture by using their language. I've often noticed eyes getting wider and a broad smile coming across someone's face when speaking the language that is native to them. That feeling of connection to people and culture is priceless.