Code Switching and Mixing

Code switching and code mixing are terms used in linguistics, sociolinguistics, anthropology, and Speech–Language pathology to describe the phenomenon that takes place when an individual uses more than one language or dialect while communicating. Code switching and mixing can take place in a variety of places during the communication event, and the ability requires a skilled level of command of both codes. Code switching and mixing happens for different reasons and may be used by children and adults alike. Speech–language pathologists need to be aware of these facts along with the social and political implications of code switching and mixing so they can provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

The code is the language or dialect and switching and mixing refers to the fact that more than one code is being used. This switching and mixing [Page 385]can take place within a sentence or clause, at the word or phrase level, or after a sentence or clause starting with the following sentence or clause. The complex ability to code switch and mix is both creative and rule governed. Once an individual is proficient in more than one code, code switching and mixing becomes a communicative resource.

Code switching and mixing may take place strategically or subconsciously. It can happen during the earlier years of acquisition because the speaker does not know how to communicate something in one code versus the other. However, once individuals are proficient in both codes, they can switch and mix by choice to accomplish different communicative purposes such as expressing their identity as belonging to a certain ethnic or speech community, to be funny, or to express a certain emotion. Code switching and mixing depends on individuals’ past experiences and their current situations, such as who they are talking with, where they are talking, and what they are taking about.

The ability to code switch and mix also has certain political and social implications. Certain codes are either specifically stated to be preferred, such as using English, compared with Spanish, in the mainstream American public classroom, or implicitly stated to be preferred, such as using Sesotho compared with English while gossiping with peers at work in parts of South Africa. Therefore, the choice to use one code over the other in certain contexts may provide the individual greater communicative success.