Code-Switching, “The practice of moving back and forth between two languages, two dialects or registers of the same language.”
You would think individuals Code Switch to adapt to a situation or a conversation that is unfamiliar to them. Code-Switching doesn’t just involve speech, it can involve every aspect of yourself. From your clothing down to the things that interest you.
Growing up in New York City, this definition of “Code Switching” wasn’t what it seemed to be. Being a young African kid in the U.S. was tough, especially under the tutelage of my parents who are immigrants from West Africa.
I never knew what Code-Switching was until I entered High School yet looking back, I can personally say that I have been a victim and have been code-switching all my life. Even till’ this day (Yup Deonte Wilder I feel you, till this day!) I still do it. It haunts me, it affects me and at times leaves me puzzled.
When I started my schooling, I was ridiculed for being African. My accent was mocked, my dark skin was made fun of and I got labeled and asked ignorant questions such as, “You’re an African booty scratcher”, “Does your family live in trees or walk around barefoot and naked” and lastly, “Do you hunt lions for fun” Those were a few of the many silly questions I had to deal with.
It broke me down and it made me begin to question, “Is my African culture inferior and not respected enough?” To a certain extreme, I even considered bleaching my skin a bit to fit in (silly me.)
As a kid early on, all I wanted was acceptance. Over time, I began to assimilate into the community around me. I started using more “slang” within my vernacular such as, “Yoo was good” “I’m chilling” and “Man this food is popping” to name a few.
Also, I began wearing clothing worn by popular Rappers and Athletes that we, as young kids of color, extolled; All while attempting to balance out staying true to my Ghanaian roots. Suddenly, I felt good. Which was what I wanted, until I arrived at High School.
Entering high school, as my knowledge of the world around me expanded, I began to notice something depressing but wasn’t a shock to me. This was the time when I found out from, my ninth grade-writing teacher, Ms. Castillo about, “Code Switching” which was, based on the definition she provided, essentially my experience up to High School put in perspective.
Its something I will sadly have to encounter for probably the rest of my life as an African male. I now needed to learn how to speak more, “sophisticated” and to become more, “articulate.”
To me, it meant that I needed to lose my, “Urban Ways” and adopt a “Corporate America” style of speaking.
I was turned off by it because of the way I was raised in my community. Yet, as a child of a single parent, my mom had this belief that, “Anything that will make you successful, safe and allow for you to have a better life, you must do it!”
I was raised on survival. All she cared about was her son being great, not having a felony on his record, for him to make it home alive and to not have any run-ins with the NYPD.
Part of me was telling myself that she was right and why she came to the country in the first place. Yet, on the other hand, part of me was telling me, “Why do I have to sacrifice something that I have grown to enjoy and be comfortable with to be subservient to some other colloquial language. Who is to say that that language is that much better than mines?”
Unfortunately, to get where I wanted to be, I had to, “Code Switch” and adopt this style of speaking, which many of the teachers said was the norm within our society.
Once I adopted it, I noticed almost instantly, most of my teachers were inclined towards speaking and encouraging me. They believed that I wanted more out of life because I was, “Code Switching” into a more “articulate” individual. Due to this, I was able to network an obtain opportunities that have benefited me greatly, including being able to attend and hold my own in college.
I just wanted to live well, be great and accepted. Yet at the same time, it was depressing because I felt some sort of, “Survivors Guilt”
“Like why wasn’t my fellow peers getting the same treatment?” I mean they too have the capabilities of succeeding if someone both motivated and believed them yet, all because I indirectly learned to “Code Switch” and accepted being uncomfortable, I was rewarded.
If anything, its, in a weird way, probably one of the best attributes I have. It has allowed me to be very versatile. As someone who wants to see and spark change, It allows me to easily connect with various people. Being in a position where I can provide my opinions to break down misconceptions or bridge the gap so we can have discussions to help others understand the differences that are out there and the elements behind those differences is huge.
It’s one thing to say ok this person is different, but understanding what makes them different is key in better preparing yourself to understand, help and work alongside that individual.
However sadly, I still have my moments where I question my identity and why I have to code-switch. Even now as a working professional in an industry where writing, communication, the ability to connect with both journalists and our audiences is both the foundation and what makes $ in our profession.
As much as I would like to ponder on who am I know that I must do what will bring me success and I along with others will, unfortunately, live the rest of our life’s wondering, Are we Switching To The Code or Is The Code-Switching Us?