word

Code-Switching

kohd SWIT-ching

/koʊd ˈswɪtʃɪŋ/

Listen

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Syllable breakdown

codeswitching

Dictionary meaning

The practice of alternating between two or more languages or language varieties within a single conversation, utterance, or even sentence; common among bilingual and multilingual speakers and often serving social, stylistic, or expressive functions.

Examples

Many second-generation immigrants engage in code-switching, using their heritage language at home and the dominant language at school.
Code-switching between English and Spanish is a hallmark of Spanglish communication.

Synonyms: language switching, language alternation

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