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Relationships & Communication

11th Grade Lesson Four: Relationships & Communication

Switching On and Off

Are you familiar with the term "code-switching"?

What does it mean?

Code-Switching

Code-Switching is changing your language, behavior, or appearance based on whom you're with or where you are.

*Note: Sometimes it's just used to refer to how someone speaks (language, accent, dialect, etc.), but that for today's purpose, we'll also be including behavior in our definition.

Do you ever code-switch at school? Do you adjust your language, behavior, or appearance to meet school norms?

Students may use academic language in class, dress differently, or act differently when they're at school.

How about when you're using a computer or your phone at school? Do you use them differently from how you use them when you're at home or somewhere else?

Here are some examples...

You don't use your phone as much, or you don't use your phone or device as much for social media, messaging, or entertainment.
You don't use informal language, slang, or emojis as much.
You explain your thinking and your ideas more in your posts and comments.
You are more focused in how you use it. You don't necessarily respond immediately to notifications or messages, or you bounce around to different sites based on whatever interests you.

School is not the only place where you might want to practice code-switching with your device. There are many situations online or on devices where we might want to adjust what we say and how we say it, so that we can communicate more effectively to our audience.

Activity

Code-Switching Online

Complete part 1 with a partner. (Make a copy of google doc to fill in sections)

Grade 11 - Connecting with Digital Audiences - Code-Switching Online Student Handout

Directions:

Complete Part 1 on the Code-Switching Online worksheet with a partner or by yourself.

Choose TWO resources listed below and take notes in the table on the Code-Switching Online worksheet on page 2.

Choose TWO resources to review:

- Watch: Are There Internet Dialects? (1:42–6:40)
- Watch: Make Your Emails Count: How to Write to Your Instructors
- Read: Your Guide to Using TikTok
- Read: Black Twitter 101: What Is It? Where Did It Originate? Where Is It Headed?

What examples do you see of code-switching online? What might the benefits be?

Here are some examples:

"Are There Internet Dialects?"

People use emoticons, nonstandard abbreviations, hashtags, etc., when they're communicating online.
On platforms like 4chan and Tumblr, people adjust their language and what they post about to fit the community norms.
These platforms might lead to new and more creative forms of communication because they are not just using standard words and letters.

"Make Your Emails Count: How to Write to Your Instructors"

Writing a professional email to a professor or to another student is not like texting or chatting with a friend.
Using clear, polite, and formal language can help get a positive and helpful response from the person you're emailing.

"Your Guide to Using TikTok "

TikTok includes many niche communities where people make certain types of posts (duets, songs, etc.) and use certain types of slang.
Users connect with others who have similar interests and have fun.

"Black Twitter 101: What Is It? Where Did It Originate? Where Is It Headed?"

Black Twitter includes people using specific hashtags and references to the African American cultural experience.
Gives an alternative voice to the African American community to balance out the mainstream media.
Helps people find out information about their communities and topics they're interested in.

What challenges or concerns can you identify related to this type of code-switching?