code switching specifically refers to the practice of switching between dialects and languages according to perceived power dynamics

A 2021 study notes that code switching requires a person to mentalize, or think about thinking. They then have to mentalize about other people, trying to anticipate how they will view them. This adds to the amount of thinking they need to do in daily life, or their “cognitive load.”Having a high cognitive load and consistently having to scan for potential threats can be exhausting and stressful. The authors also note that code switching may result in fewer opportunities for people to express themselves authentically.A 2023 study of restaurant workers also found that higher levels of code switching had associations with shame, depression, and intentions to leave the hospitality industry.However, shaming people when they do code switch can also be harmful. A 2019 study of diverse students in the United States notes that “acting white” is a common accusation among young people and often refers to how a person is speaking.The “acting white accusation” (AWA) is a form of cultural invalidation or a way of policing those who do not conform to the norms of a specific identity. A 2022 study of 401 adults notes that the AWA had associations with anxiety and depression. The effects were more severe when the accusation came from other members of a person’s racial or ethnic group.

mproper or non-standard by listeners because of linguistic racism, a form of discrimination targeting the cultural and linguistic practices of Black people and other people of color (Baker-Bell, 2020; Dovchin, 2020).

we posit that sustained appraisals of stereotype threat add cognitive load and reinforce self-protective code switching

To reduce the need for code switching, organizations must invest in a diverse workforce and make inclusive actions and behaviors a systemic expectation. By providing training on cross-cultural competence and ensuring equity in processes, leaders can build more inclusive work environments.

Another study of Hispanic and Latino professionals revealed that 40 percent regularly code switch

Research shows us that for racial minorities, avoiding stereotypes and downplaying membership in stigmatized racial groups increases their perception of professionalism and improves their ability to be seen as leaders.

2 Types of Code Switching Strategic code switching happens when employees read the room and tailor their behaviors to the expectations of the workplace. Protective code switching happens when an employee code switches to downplay their identity and thus avoid being stereotyped.

Written by Ella F. WashingtonPublished on Jun. 03, 2024

Did you know that when you do a Google search you might get different results than the person sitting next to you? Google search results are heavily influenced by algorithms, keywords, advertisements, and even social biases.

Brainstorm your various search terms

Starting with one of your sources, use notecards or sticky notes to write out ONE idea or major claim from your summary.

as long as you have an Internet connection.

flexible mindset as a writer to experiment with certain techniques, rhetorical appeals, and ways of writing that you have carefully observed and annotated when you previously read.

our goal is to make the conversation interesting enough that readers will want to get involved in it

Freire created “culture circles” which based the learning and practice of reading and writing on the issues that his students faced every day of their lives.

Freire’s focus in education was primarily with adult learners in Brazil, where masses of poor and under-represented workers were denied voting and other political rights because they were never taught to read and write

Meaningful research involves using the reading and writing strategies we’ve outlined earlier to investigate your own topics that can help you address issues that you and others like you experience, or even think about everyday.

Openness

Critical Information Literacy

Curiosity, Engagement: