Communication is fascinating. I probably wouldn't be a speech language pathologist if I didn't think this was true but I feel that it bears repeating. Today I want to talk about code-switching . In layman's terms, code-switching is what we do when we use terminology, slang, or certain elements of language with one group of people and then switch when we encounter and communicate with a different group. We engage in this phenomenon on a daily basis and some people are more proficient at it than others. Sometimes this happens when two languages merge. Those of you who have spent much time in Florida, Arizona, Calfornia, or Texas know the joys of Spanglish. Once in college, Roger was called from the waiting room of the student health center and the nurse said, "Royer! Please come to room one-oh-seis (six)." That's Spanglish. Code switching happens when both parties are communicating in English as well. If you've ev...
My periodic musings on life.