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Some other facts on code-switching. (2)

Ways of getting help

With there being a problem in the world, some people will come together and extend a hand to those who may be lost or at their wits end. BWiSTEM or Black Women in STEM is just one of those groups willing to help out people who may need help overcoming to the the struggles that code-switching has lead them to. just last month, they held an event which allowed people to speak on their issues to people who study the phenomenon and are aware of its risks on a person. Now, events like those tend to cause money and be limited as well, but that doesn’t exclude or leave people seeking for help from getting it. On social media platforms and online, there are forums to which people could talk to one another and discuss how they cope or what they do to overcome it.

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Code-switching in The Hate U give. (3)

On the topic of code-switching, I’ll discuss how the topic connects to the real world, the text, and to myself.

Connection to world

in the book, The Hate U Give, there is a lot of mention towards activism,. and how using your voice is at times one of the strongest weapons you can have. Although what's being done to stop or prevent code-switching from happening in the real world? As of a year ago, there has been a film called, Sorry to bother you, which is a story of a person of colour who finds code-switching to be the only way he could succeed and wants that to change. When films portray stuff like this, it allows people to some times realize the world’s faults and want to try and fix them.

Connection to text

In the book, The Hate U Give. There are quite a lot of instances where Starr, the main character, finds herself having to code-switch just to fit in. Here are some instances of Starr expressing her thoughts on having to code-switch and how doing it helps her;

“It’s dope to be black, till it's hard to be black” page, 11

This quote came from a part in the book where Starr is comparing the kids at her white school and the people at the house party she was at. She mentioned how all the kids at her white school were into hang with her since she was different, but as soon as things get tough for her, they all leave.

“I just have to be normal Starr at normal Williamson and have a normal day. That means flipping the switch in my brain so I’m Williamson Starr...Williamson Starr is nonconfrontational. Basically, Williamson Starr doesn’t give anyone a reason to call her ghetto” page, 71 

This quote came from the first time we see her at school. she was walking towards the front entrance while explaining how she had to switch who she was from regular Starr to Williamson Starr, the Starr that everybody is used to and the Starr that lets her equal with everyone. This is a very clear sign of code-switching because it demonstrates the mentality that peiple who do it have, and of how easily it could become their norm.

“I should be used to my two worlds colliding, but I never know which Starr to be...I have to watch what I say and how I say it...Shits exhausting” page, 357

This quote came from the part during Sevens birthday party, where Seven had invited some of his friends from Williamson over to their new house and Starr had done the same. Since Starr was used to acting in two different ways, one with Kenya who she acted like normal Starr and one with Maya and Chris who she acted like Williamson Starr, Starr found it difficult to decide which one to be and was worried of the looks she might get from each group if she did. This shows thats fear and anxiety that comes with having to expose who the really are to one group and who they acted as to the other.

Connection to Self

After doing all the research for this blog, I’ve come to realize how much I can relate to the topic of code-switch, and how many other people, whether of colour or not, can also find a way to relate with it. If found myself code-switching in the past, and sometimes when I feel like it, I tend to do it in the present as well. Now I know that's not the same as what people of colour have been having to deal with for centuries but its an example of how anybody who wants something to happen and goes to the length of changing themselves completely, and of how it should not be this way. People should be able to act the way that feels right them, without others putting restrictions on how they can and can’t speak. Althoought I still have some questions in the topic like why haven't people grouped against it? and why haven't people tried explaining how their form of speaking works?

That's a wrap

To conclude my blog on code-switching, id like to take the time and remind you, the reader, that you shouldn't stop yourself from being who you are for anybody.

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Code-switching and the reasoning behind its use. (1)

Code-switching. What is it? It’s the alternation between behavior, speech, and linguistic codes. Usually to accommodate or adapt to a certain setting.

Who are typically involved?

Though most cultures tend to be involved one way or another, it’s typically marginalized people and people of color who are caught taking advantage of this phenomenon. People in these subgroups are normally the ones trying to fit in and be accepted by others, although they end up being frowned upon by others in that group, for not being “themselves” and acting like something they’re not. Remarks like those or even thoughts like them could cause the individual who code-switches to be stressed of revealing themselves or having it be revealed.

Where does it happen?

Code-switching can occur anywhere when given the right circumstances. Anyplace with more than two languages and more then two races is a likely place to encounter or hear of people who code-switch.

Inquiry question,

“Why do people find it a need to code-switch?”

There could be many reasons as to why someone code-switches, for personal or social issues. For some its seen as a way to fit in, a way to avoid getting looks or make them seem unapproachable. For others, it’s an essential tool in their daily routines, like at work, where talking to their boss like they would talk to a close friend may end them up with confused looks. In some cases, it may even be for their own safety, an example of where code-switching was used to prevent conflict would be in The Hate U Give. In a chapter of the book, Starr’s dad was forced to the ground by a pair of cops over a little argument, but instead of responding in outrage, he responded in a calm manner. That change of attitude is what could have stopped the conflict from escalating.

How does it happen?

Whereas this is a mostly controllable skill, most tend to get too used to doing it, that they end up doing it subconsciously without even realizing it. Thought it can happen accidentally, it could also be done deliberately with intent to fulfill.