What is code-switching?

Code-switching is when people use different ways of talking depending on who they're with or where they are.

Imagine you have two favorite toys: a soft teddy bear and a loud action figure. When you're at home, you talk softly like you’re whispering to your teddy bear. But when you're playing outside with your friends, you shout and laugh like you're fighting with your action figure. That’s code-switching, it's like changing toys (or ways of talking) based on the situation.

Sometimes people switch between languages or styles of speech just like how you might talk differently to your mom than to your friend. For example, if you're with your grandparents, you might use words that sound more old-fashioned or say things in a slower way, it's like using a special kind of language just for them.

But when you're with your friends, you might use slang and laugh a lot, it's like switching to a faster, funnier style of talking. This helps people feel comfortable in different places and with different people.