Back to topics

Switching languages within a conversation

A conversation can move between languages or language varieties without stopping to announce the change. Code-switching names that alternation, while explaining a particular switch requires more than noticing that it happened.

2–3 min

Questions you could explore

  • What kinds of changes count as code-switching?
  • What context would help explain a particular speaker’s switch?

Start reading

  • Merriam-WebsterCode-switching

    Provides the linguistic definition of code-switching; it is a starting definition, not a case study of speakers’ motives.

Ready to try your ideas aloud?

Your topic carries over. Record up to 2½ minutes, depending on your plan.

Language

How much can six braille dots say?

A braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

3–5 min

How much can six braille dots say?

Language3–5 minA braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

Language

ASL has its own grammar

American Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

3–5 min

ASL has its own grammar

Language3–5 minAmerican Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

Why is a newly spotted word not automatically a dictionary entry?

Language3–5 minA new expression can attract attention before there is enough evidence to include it in a dictionary. Cambridge's New Words posts and Merriam-Webster's account of editorial selection show different stages of observing language in use.

Switching languages within a conversation | Speech Topic | speaking.app