Code switching refers to the ability to express information through the use of two languages. This element has been prevalent in most areas of life where different individuals tend to use different languages to express their views. The increased use of code switching has been associated with the various cultural interaction, education, intermarriage and colonization just to mention a few. Nevertheless, there are no set rules and regulations as to when code switching should be applied or not. Individuals shift from one code to another either intentionally or unintentionally.  Apart from language, one can also switch from one dialect to another or from one style to another for different reasons. Code switching has been part of my life and has had both positive and negative influence on my lifestyle.

My passion to code switching is enormous and difficult to explain. Every time I engage in discussion, I always find myself changing from one language to another as well from one dialect to another. This has been a major characteristic of my conversations, and I just find myself in such situations. For instance, I often find myself code switching when I need to drive home an important point. This is more prevalent when we are discussing important class work topics with my classmates. Some of the topical issues we address are crucial for our studies, and I just feel code switching serves the purpose of convincing fellow students. My desire to persuade and ensure that my audience captures my intended point has been taken a notch higher through code switching.  In such instances, I just find myself switching codes where I use short form and slang to ensure that the audience gets the desired information and understand the concepts thoroughly. Code switching on this note helps grab the attention of the audience thus making it easy to deliver persuasive information.

Code switching has also been a critical part of my life as I want to express my feelings. I have always found myself switching codes every time I have feelings and attitudes. For instance, I change codes to express happiness, sorrow, anger, sadness, and any other feelings. When I am angry, for example, I just change codes to express my dissatisfaction. Anger can result to use of abusive language and hence changing codes to fulfill such objectives become inevitable. To express my anger to my classmates, I can switch code to use the ‘’F’’ word. On this note, I also find myself changing codes to express affection to someone or somebody. This is more often in cases of searching soul partners to love and cherish. Most of these instances I switch my dialect and language to express my feelings to my lover. Feelings of love and affection are easily passed through the use of short forms and language change.

Another way through which code-switching has influenced my daily life is in identifying different social status.  I find myself code switching more often when I change from one social class to another. For instance, code switching is rare when I am with the elderly and my parents. However, in the presence of my peers, the language changes and code switching becomes the order of the day. The belief that my peers will digest my concepts makes me feel free in changing language and codes. Use of slangs and short forms is prevalent when interacting with my age mates.  Nevertheless, on a negative note, code switching carries a hidden prestige that is explicit by attitudes. I am always tempted to switch codes every time I am socializing with a lower social class. To express my concerns about the low class in the society, I find myself switching languages to enable the less learned people understand an important concept. Different education levels have always been a platform of code switching in my life.

Code switching has also been instrumental in defining my identity. I am always tempted to change language each and every time I meet with people from my ethnic group. This has been instrumental in building a strong bond with my tribesmen since language helps in enhancing ties. Switching codes can be instrumental in expressing solidarity with people from the same ethnic group. In most cases, I am forced to associate with the popular language at any point in time. This plays an important role in developing a rapport with the concerned group. For instance, I just find myself switching to American English every time I am dealing with fellow white Americans. Nevertheless, on a sad note, language switching for ethnic solidarity has lead to increased purported racism and segregation. Use of American English dialect in the presence of Hispanics and Black Americans has had a negative influence on my overall relationship with peers both in and out of school. Though, my language switch is not intentional and does not mean to irritate anybody, people with different ethnic and racial affiliation always feel segregated.  My attempt to define my identity is hampered by the segregation and racial allegations from people of a different ethnic group.

Code switching has also influenced my life in explaining concepts and topics that are only available in that language. For instance, during my English discussion, I can switch language to explain a concept in The French language. My passion for The French language is immeasurable and in most cases I just find myself changing the language to illustrate topics that are easy to explain with such language. Code switching has also helped in dealing with taboo words and themes thus maintaining the required cultural standards.

To sum it up, code switching is an important part of my life, and it is there to stay. My ability to speak in different languages and codes has been instrumental in my everyday lives. It has enabled me express feelings, affection and persuade the audience on important aspects. The concept of code-switching has also enhanced social ties that have greatly influenced my social status. Despite the positive impact brought about by the effect of code switching, there are also negative impacts such as difference social status and segregation allegations. It is, therefore, imperative that I understand the appropriate time to effect code switching. Code switching should only be for positive influence and should not violate the rights and freedoms of others. Code-switching has been there over the years and will be for more generations to come. Whether it is used to relate thought, fit in or even stand out, code-switching is most likely done by all races, cultural background and ethnicity. We just don’t realize we are doing it.

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