The Unspoken Reality of Code-Switching

In this episode of Let’s Talk About It: The Communication Podcast, Dr. Stancil explores the complex and often unspoken reality of code-switching—the way we adjust our speech, tone, or language to fit different social and professional settings. Through a powerful student story, she unpacks why people feel the need to code-switch, the impact it has on identity and communication, and how we can navigate it in a way that feels both authentic and strategic. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on adaptation, belonging, and the fine line between survival and self-expression.

Transcript

Today, we’re diving into a topic that we often overlook, yet it shapes so many of our daily interactions—whether we realize it or not: code-switching.

Let me paint a picture for you.

Imagine one of my students—a young man who’s incredibly bright, charismatic, and deeply connected to his culture. Every class, he’s the first to raise his hand, always eager to share his insights and perspectives. You can see the passion in his eyes and hear it in his voice when he talks about topics close to his heart.

One afternoon, after a lively class discussion, he lingered a bit longer as everyone else packed up to leave. He looked at me, a bit hesitant at first, and then he shared something that stopped me in my tracks.

He said, “Dr. Stancil, sometimes I feel like I have to sound like someone else just to be taken seriously.”

That moment—it hit me. Because this isn’t just his story. It’s a reality for so many people. The unspoken pressure to change how we speak, just to fit in, to be respected, or simply to avoid being judged.

And that’s what we’re talking about today—code-switching.

If you’re not familiar with the term, code-switching is when someone shifts how they communicate depending on their audience, setting, or situation. Sometimes, it’s subtle—like adjusting your tone in a professional meeting. Other times, it’s more noticeable—switching between dialects, languages, or cultural expressions.

And if you’ve ever found yourself speaking one way at work and another way with family or friends—you’ve experienced code-switching.

People code-switch for various reasons, often depending on the context and social dynamics at play. In professional environments, individuals may adjust their speech to align with workplace norms and expectations, ensuring they are taken seriously and perceived as competent. Socially, code-switching can help people blend into different groups, fostering a sense of belonging and avoiding potential exclusion.

For many, it is also a protective mechanism used to navigate bias or judgment, as certain speech patterns or accents can unfairly influence perceptions of intelligence or credibility. At the same time, code-switching can be a powerful tool for cultural connection, allowing individuals to switch between languages, dialects, or expressions that reinforce identity and strengthen relationships within their communities.

On one hand, code-switching can show adaptability, emotional intelligence, and social awareness. It can open doors, build connections, and help navigate different spaces.

But on the other hand, when it’s not a choice—when it’s done out of fear or pressure—it can be exhausting. Over time, constantly shifting how you communicate can cause stress, create identity conflicts, and even lead to burnout.

So, how do we find balance?

1. Recognize when and why you’re code-switching. Is it a choice, or do you feel like you have to?

2. Own your authentic voice. It’s okay to adapt when needed, but don’t feel like you have to change who you are to be respected.

3. Create spaces where people can be themselves. If you’re in a leadership or teaching role, encourage an environment where different communication styles are valued.

4. Acknowledge the emotional labor. For many, code-switching isn’t just about communication—it’s about survival.

At the end of the day, code-switching isn’t good or bad—it’s all about context and choice.

The goal isn’t to eliminate it. The goal is to make sure we’re using it in a way that serves us—not because we feel like we have to, but because we choose to.

Thanks for tuning in to Let’s Talk About It. Keep embracing your authentic voice, and I’ll talk to you next time.