What does code switching refer to in language use?

Code switching refers to modifying language based on the audience. This phenomenon occurs when a speaker alternates between different languages or dialects depending on the social context or the specific audience they are addressing. For example, an individual might use more formal language and a specific dialect of English when speaking to colleagues in a professional setting, but switch to a more informal and colloquial style when conversing with friends. This ability to adjust language not only involves vocabulary but also incorporates changes in tone, style, and even non-verbal communication cues to better connect with listeners.

While switching languages in different contexts highlights a different aspect of language use, and adapting language for writing versus speaking emphasizes the distinctions between modes of communication, code switching specifically focuses on the interaction with the audience and the social dynamics at play, making it a vital skill in diverse linguistic environments. Changing one's accent to match others relates more to phonetic adaptation than the broader communicative strategies involved in code switching.