Episode 05: Understanding Code Switching Within Race Relations

So, let’s talk about Code Switching. What exactly is it?

Code Switching is when a person (usually a person in an underrepresented group) adjusts the way that they talk depending on cultural context. It usually applies to speaking but it can also apply to other behaviors such as changes in their appearance or expressions, known as behavioral code switching. These changes to their speech or appearance are done in order to fit in to the more dominant culture, and in this podcast, I’m speaking of white culture. And this discussion is regarding what some Black people do around White people. And I say some because not all Black people are code switching when they speak in a more proper manner. There are Black people who were raised around mostly white if not all white people. They were educated by white teachers and their lived experiences included a dominant presence of white people and their culture.

So, why do some Black people feel the pressure to Code Switch?

Want to learn more? Head to our blog HERE. Or, tap into our latest chat, Episode 05: Pass the Grey PouPon…Pass The Courvoisier: Understanding Code Switching Within Race Relations