Monday, February 1, 2016
Journal #3
For this week's To Kill a Mockingbird journal, please read the article "How Code-Switching Explains the World." In your post, write two paragraphs (eight sentences each) explaining your responses to the article. Do you code-switch in your daily life? If so, how? Do you think code-switching reinforces inequalities, or is it just a part of life that's no big deal? How do you think code-switching might be evident in To Kill a Mockingbird? Be sure to reference the novel and use textual evidence to support your answers.
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I have never heard of code switching but reading that article and watching the videos on it was very interesting! I never noticed that people do that in their everyday life including me! I have to admit I code switch to everyone around me and I didn't even realize it until I read this article. When I speak to my parents I have a chill voice and don't really care what I say because I can just be myself around them. When I speak to my friends I'm kinda goofy. When I talk to adults and teachers, that I know have high expectations of me, I am really polite and think through what I say so I can sound somewhat intelligent and responsible. I think code switching shows people's different sides. It shows their fun side, their serious side, their smart side and so many other qualities that you can't get out of just using one tone.
ReplyDeleteI think that code switching brings out everyone's inequalities. It shows all the different sides people have. It is something that many others don't realize they're doing. People just think it no big deal because it's just part of life. After reading the first article I became interested in reading more about it. On one of the websites I read said that many people code switch so they can fit into certain groups. It also stated that people code switch so that they don't stand out in certain groups, they want to seem like everyone else around them. In “To Kill a Mockingbird” I think code switching could be evident to when Atticus defends the black man in court. What I have already noticed though was in chapter ten page 97 when Atticus shot the dog Mr. Tate said to Jem “Didn't know your daddy’s-” and Atticus shot back with “”Hush, Heck,” before Mr. Tate could even finish his sentence. Later on in that chapter we learned that he was once a very good shooter and even got a nickname for it, but for some reason he was hiding it from his kids.
I agree with you that I have never heard of it called this. I do the same as you when I'm talking to different people. I agree with you that it was a very interesting article. Do you think in today's society we use code switching too often? Why?
DeleteI also had never heard it called code switching before. I think you bring up an interesting point by saying that people code switching, to fit in with certain groups of people and almost copying others.
DeleteAfter reading this article I also looked up more. I agree that people seem to use it to fit in with other people. Do you think it actually helps them fit in or not?
DeleteI think we do use it very often but I think it is so natural now that we wouldnt be able to help changing it.
DeleteI do think it helps people fit into certain groups but they arent being their self while with that group.
DeleteDo you code-switch to be more polite or to conserve someone's feelings like Calpurnia does?
DeleteI have never heard of code-switching have a name. I didn't realize it was so popular, because it is just a habit of mine. Now that I think of it, if I am with my friends or even my parents and they are on the phone with someone they don't know or aren't close with they speak in a more professional voice. I think code switching shows different sides of people. For example, it can show that you can be smart and think through your answers, but it can also show you can blurt out answers. It also shows your polite side, but also your fun layed-back side. We code-switch without even thinking about what we are doing.
ReplyDeleteI think that code switching brings out everyone's flaws. I think that because they code-switch to seem more intelligent, or even more fun. People do it to fit in to different groups and for people to like them more. In "To kill a Mocking Bird" I am interested to see how they code switch since we can necessarily tell voice switches. What we can tell is how there words change. In "To Kill a Mocking Bird" code-switching occurred when Atticus defended the colored man. Code-switching also occurred when the Sheriff gave the gun to Atticus to shoot the dog. I think Atticus was pressured that Sheriff Heck would judge him for not shooting him. I am interested to see what else happens.
I don't think code-switching necessarily brings out people's flaws. I actually think it can bring out a person's character. It shows different sides of that person. Human beings are very complex and everyone has multiple sides to their personality.
DeleteYou made an interesting point by saying that Atticus used code switching when the sheriff gave Atticus the gun. I think it's interesting that you bring up the point of Atticus being pressured and judged by the sheriff.
DeleteI agree with Jane about how you think he thought he would be judged. I wonder if others feel that way, or like a pressure of having to fit in and code switch. What are your thoughts on that?
DeleteDo you agree with code switching? Everyone does it so how could it bring out the flaws in us? I think it just shows how comfortable we are around different groups
DeleteThis is something I have noticed before but didn’t really think anything of it. This the the first time however I have heard a name for it. I see Code-Switching everyday and i do it everyday. When I talk to adults I am much more formal and polite but when I talk to my friends I just kinda let go and relax because I am more comfortable with them. I see adults code-switch just as much if not more than teens. Most adults code switch when they talk on the phone. My dad for example will answer to someone he knows with just a “Yeah!” but will answer to customers or strangers with a hello. I don’t think most people even know it is happening.
ReplyDeleteCode-switching can cause some harm to people too. You may think you know someone really well until you see the other side. If you go with someone to meet one of their other friends they might act like a completely different person. This could cause some awkwardness in the friendship. In the book “To Kill a Mockingbird” scout code-switches a lot. She acts different around Calpurnia then she does around Jem. She also act different at home then she does at school. Atticus code-switches from when he talk about law to when he just talks to them.
I agree with you about how most people don't even know their code-switching. I agree how it can harm people. Though I think in the example you used, that person is mostly forcing a change to fit it. If you're actually acting like yourself, there shouldn't be too much of a difference.
DeleteI agree with you saying it could hurt people. I didn't even think about it that way. Sometimes people act different around one of their friends than another just because that's the way they always have acted.
DeleteI agree with your idea of it hurting people, but do you think it enforces inequalities?
DeleteI like how you compared adults to teens in code switching. I think adults do it more than teens especially on the phone! My dad also does it and I use the word "fake" instead of code switching.
DeleteThis is something I have noticed before but didn’t really think anything of it. This the the first time however I have heard a name for it. I see Code-Switching everyday and i do it everyday. When I talk to adults I am much more formal and polite but when I talk to my friends I just kinda let go and relax because I am more comfortable with them. I see adults code-switch just as much if not more than teens. Most adults code switch when they talk on the phone. My dad for example will answer to someone he knows with just a “Yeah!” but will answer to customers or strangers with a hello. I don’t think most people even know it is happening.
ReplyDeleteCode-switching can cause some harm to people too. You may think you know someone really well until you see the other side. If you go with someone to meet one of their other friends they might act like a completely different person. This could cause some awkwardness in the friendship. In the book “To Kill a Mockingbird” scout code-switches a lot. She acts different around Calpurnia then she does around Jem. She also act different at home then she does at school. Atticus code-switches from when he talk about law to when he just talks to them.
My parents also code switch when using the phone or speaking with aquaintances. You bring up a good point of code switching, when used to the extreme, that it can be hurtful or awkward. I also liked that you brought up the point of adults code switching just as much, if not more than kids.
DeleteThe Interest in Speech and Code Switching
ReplyDeleteI have truly not thought of it that much, but I now believe that I use code switching a lot. I believe that I use it because I watch many shows and videos that have different people with different accents and over time I guess I started using them. Now I don’t think that I use different accents with different people. It’s more like a jumbled mess of different accents on different words. For example, when I talk to someone I might talk normally until I come across a word like aluminium. I use the british pronouncement on this word because it’s how I’ve learned to say it. In other ways, I started speaking in spanish ever since I started Spanish I. It happens with other accents and languages from me because I am associated with many different speaking people.
Although some people may believe that code switching may bring out imperfections, I believe that it truly doesn’t matter. A person has learn to speak by examples and memory of the word. So, people learn how to speak from what’s around them and they pick up on what other people say including their accet. I believe that code switching takes place in the book To Kill a Mockingbird with Scout speaking to her uncle, Jack, compared to Scout talking Jem. She speaks with curse word towards Jack but not towards Jem at all. I believe she does this to gain attention from her father to not go to school. I believe that this is an example of a purposeful code switch. One, made to gain the attention of others and not created by accident, although that’s what she wants her father to think.
I think you make a very good point. With the internet being something that so many people use, there are a lot of videos from around the world. With those videos come different voices to listen to. It makes sense to pick up pronunciations from these too.
DeleteI like your idea, the aluminum vs aluminium thing is a topic I actually think about a lot, what makes people talk different ways?
DeleteI agree that it makes people talk different but why?
DeleteI believe that people talk differently based their surrounding.
DeleteI do not use code-switching myself, but I have definitely seen it happen. A lot of the time, my friends and family do it. My family tend to have a country accent, but when my father is talking to a coworker, the country accent is completely gone. I've seen my best friend do it too. The way she talks to me and the way she talks to her family are a bit different. With me, we have our inside jokes and teasing attitudes. With her family, she's a bit more careful about what she says. I think that code switching can just be a part of who we are, but it can also be forced. Sometimes people code-switch without noticing and sometimes they do it on purpose. I think unconsciously code-switching isn't a big deal, but you shouldn't purposefully code do it. Code-switching is a part of a person and you shouldn't change that.
ReplyDeleteIn "To Kill a Mockingbird" Calpurnia code-switches in chapter 12. She goes from talking properly like the white folks, to talking like most African Americans in her community. She goes through this change when she enters her church. Scout and Jem both notice the obvious change. Calpurina explains why she code-switches and it makes a lot of sense. She doesn't want to offend the other people at her church by seeming more proper than them. I don't think Scout and Jem quite yet understand why she code-switches. Though Jem and Scout also probably code-switch when talking to their friends compared to talking to their father. They would never be as disrespectful to Atticus as they would be to each other.
I like your ideas, I am wondering more on what you mean by "Forced code-switching" can you elaborate?
DeleteBy forced, I mean like pretending. Code-switching to fit into a group or to be more widely accepted.
DeleteScout doesn't really have a filter of her own. Why do you think Atticus puts up with it more so than other people? Scout's uncle for example, he punished her when she spoke like that but Atticus didn't, why do you think that is?
DeleteTo me, this article was informative in many ways. Code switching is something that I think most everyone does in their daily lives. For me, I do this when I’m at my job all the time. I code switch when I’m talking to my boss, to when I come home and am around my siblings. I sometimes even code switch when I talk to my parents, compared to when I talk to my friends or siblings. My sarcasm level goes down when I’m having a conversation with my boss or most teachers. I do this instinctively when talking with teachers, my boss, or other adults in order to sound more professional and competent. Some ways that I code switch in my life is when I’ll be talking with my siblings or parents at home, and then my little sister who is a kindergartener comes over and I talk down to her like she’s little(because she is). I baby her, when I wouldn’t baby my older siblings or my parents. This is a common way that I code switch daily.
ReplyDeleteI think code switching is natural for most people. In many cases it is a smart thing to do. Code Switching is okay I think, until brought to an extreme level. Once you see someone code switching at an extreme or unnecessary level, they come off as “two-faced”. That’s when I don’t think that code switching is appropriate. In those ways, I think is when code switching does reinforce inequalities. Code switching is evident in To Kill A Mockingbird when Jem is talking to Mrs. Dubose. She is angry at Jem and saying rude things. For example, on page 99, right after Scout had just described Mrs. Dubose and how much she hated her, and says “If I said as sunnily as I could, “Hey, Mrs. Dubose,” I would receive for an answer “Don’t you say hey to me, you ugly girl!” This shows Scout using code switching. It is a pretty mild use of code switching, however Scout does it none the less.
Have you noticed if your little sister has began to use code switching in different situations?
DeleteDo you think you will be able to see more code switching the further we get into the book knowing what it actually is?
DeleteAgreed, code-switching can be a positive thing in some scenarios. If we talked to everyone the same way, it would be extremely tricky to uphold many types of relationships at once.
DeleteThis article was very interesting. I had never heard of code-switching before. I definitely code-switch in my daily life and I think pretty much everyone does. I change how I talk to my co-workers, friends, teachers, and parents all the time. I can't think of a single person that changes how they talk between different groups of people. It's just human nature to do that and therefore it's a part of human life that is no big deal. I don't see how it would be that big of a deal unless you talked inappropriately to your parents or teacher. This relates well to To Kill a Mockingbird.
ReplyDeleteCode-switching shows up in To Kill a Mockingbird in a few ways. Jem and Scout talk to each other differently than they talk to Atticus. They also code-switch when talking to Mrs. Dubose. They talk about how much she hates them then they say hello to her in friendly voices. They are also respectful when they read to her for the month. Mrs. Dubose code-switches when she talks to Jem, Scout and Atticus. She calls Atticus a n-word lover when she talks to Jem and Scout but is respectful to Atticus when they talk. One person who doesn't code-switch in the book is Burris Ewell. When he leaves class he doesn't hold back on the insults towards his teacher, Miss Caroline. However this is mainly because his family is uncivilized.
I have never heard the term code-switching until reading this article. I think if everyone were to read the article, they would agree that it does indeed occur in every day life. I change how I talk between my friends and my girlfriend or my friends and my parents. I don't think that people consciously code-switch, but if they thought about it I am sure they would realize that it does happen. I don't think that it is wrong to code-switch, it just helps you stay out of trouble. I could see why people think that it is wrong to speak differently, and that everyone should speak proper and without cursing. However, being uptight like that all the time could be very stressful, so it's fine to mess around and say stuff to your friends that you wouldn't to your parents.
ReplyDeleteIn "To Kill a Mockingbird", code-switching is exemplified in many scenarios. A few for example would be like how Jem and Scout speak differently between each other than they would with their father. Though Scout usually does say what she wants to, due to a lack of knowing how to filter herself, she does talk to Jem in a different way. Another example would be how Jem and Dill talk to each other, versus how they talk when they talk to Scout. There is an example in the book of that, when Jem and Dill are talking "business" and tell Scout to go away. Calpurnia would be a good example of code-switching as well, when they go to her church she speaks like the other Negros. Scout notices this and calls her out on it. Calpurnia explains that it wouldn't be right to show up to her church and speak like should we speak with the white people, proper and deemed correct in the eyes of Jem and Scout.
I agree with the whole "needing to be less uptight concept" but in the book, Scout code switches to a cussing format to annoy Atticus, which is a bit different, are there any good reasons purposely to code switch?
DeleteI don't know if they are good reasons but examples of purposely code-switching could be sweet talking somebody to get something from them, or like you pointed out, to anger somebody by speaking a way that they dislike.
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ReplyDeleteUntil now I have never heard of the term code switching. Without knowing there was an actual name for it, I have noticed that many people use it in our everyday lives including me. One example I always notice is when my mom is talking to me but then her phone rings because of a business call. Her tone of voice immediately changes and she doesn’t even sound like herself anymore. Another thing I notice is when many people talk to babies or even pets their voice is higher pitched and more soothing than when talking to other people. I myself use code switching daily. When talking to friends and family I’m way different than when I talk to my boss or someone I don’t know. We use code switching more than we notice but it shows different parts of people and it’s what makes everyone who they are.
ReplyDeleteHarper Lee uses quite a few examples of code switching in To Kill a Mockingbird. One example on pages 125 and 126 is Calpurnia. Calpurnia shows Scout and Jem the other side of herself while attending church. She doesn’t talk like an african American around Scout’s family. On the other hand, at church around other African Americans she talks like them. Calpurnia uses code switching in order to fit in during different situations and potentially lives a double life. Another more obvious example is how Scout and Jem act. Around each other they act like themselves and are playful but around Atticus they are more respectful and want him to think highly of them. Due to different situations, people use code switching depending on how they want to be seen by others.
I agree that people code switch due to different situations, but do you think code switching enforces inequalities?
DeleteEmily, I would say that code switching doesn't enforce inequalities, it's just something that everyone does and is normal.
DeleteI agree that code-switching is resultant of how people want to be seen! I think that sums code-switching up as a whole, even.
DeleteHannah, do you think some people use it to appear smarter or better than they actually are? Or when they code switch that they just show the side or them that actually is smart?
DeleteOh boy, I code switch all the time without even thinking about it now. I wasn’t even aware there was a name for it! At least to me, code switching has been a part of me since I started trying to interact and stay in touch with more and more people. I don’t really see it reinforcing any qualities of mine in particular-it’s just a way of communication thing more than anything. Especially between friends. I mean, the difference between my “codes” isn’t really what I can or can’t say, but how I say things, what types of jokes I crack or what kind of sounds I make towards a person. I don’t really see how it could affect your personality unless you only have a few people you code switch between, so you spend a lot of time in one “code”. So I guess code switching could go either way, depending on who you’re surrounding yourself with.
ReplyDeleteI think code switching is evident from the beginning when Jem begins to grow apart from Scout. He says that they can’t play how they usually play at home on the playground at school, but to save it for at home. Meaning-he wants to look all tough and cool for the other kids, but also wants to be able to play with Scout like normal. This means he can keep simultaneous friendships. Another example of code switching in “To Kill a Mockingbird” is how Scout acts less rowdy around Miss Maudie and actually sits down and talks with her. Or, how she talks more respectfully with Atticus as opposed to her usual self. She tends to talk and act more rough and tumble and gutsy when talking to Jem and Dill. I feel like these differences contribute to not just how characters interact with each other, but how they make an impact or receive an impact from each other.
In what ways do you think you code switch?
DeleteIn what ways do you think you code switch?
DeleteI just tend to act a little differently or speak a little differently between friends. Like with you and a couple other of my friends, I use "Whale!" and the whole potatoes and hedgehogs thing, but I obviously wouldn't use that with everyone because that would sound like gibberish to them. I just tend to have inside jokes or phrases between me and friends. And even from my normal self to the internet is a code-switch- I care about the way I present myself on the internet and therefore I like to be more thought-provoking and mature about what I say.
DeleteCode switching is something that most of us do without even thinking about it. In my daily life I code switch a few times. For example when I talk to a teacher I assume a more respectful tone and manner of speak, and tend to use full words. When I am talking to students, I tend to be less formal and more sarcastic. I do not think code switching enforces inequalities, I think of it as a minor thing that we all do. I see no huge problem with talking to certain people differently than you do to others, as long as you give them a certain base level of respect. One time when code switching is shown, is when Atticus is talking to Mrs. Dubose. He goes from the way he talks to his kids to a more flattery, formal form of talking, found on page 100. This shows that code switching is a thing that most people do.
ReplyDeleteAnother example of code switching is when Calpurnia brings the children to her church. Scout explains the phenomenon well, “she asked, in tones I had never heard her use.” This shows that when Calpurnia switches from working at the Finch’s house to talking to people at the church she adopts a new way of speaking, a way more similar to the way the people talk down there. This confuses Scout for a while, and in the next sentences she comments on how “she is talking like them.” This is a perfect example of code switching in the book. She goes from her “normal” form of talking, to a form with more contempt, and a bit hushed. Code switching is an ever present concept in people’s daily lives, from how they talk to their families to how they talk to their fellow students. Most people probably code switch a few times a day, just to adapt to their environment, and to try and seem more suited to be there.
I agree that code-switching doesn't enforce inequalities. Why do you think some people believe it does?
DeleteI honestly didn’t even think about code-switching being a thing nor it being a name. But, after reading the article I noticed I use code switching all the time. Such as talking to my employer or teacher, I’m more formal than talking to one of my friends. Even talking to my parents, I’m more restrictive than with my friends. It also depends on the situation and where I’m at depending on how I talk. I found that people use code-switching for different reasons and now that I understand them I can definitely see it everywhere anytime. For example, when people try to fit in with certain people or a crowd. How they talk and act compared being around others. I think code-switching does show people’s inequalities and it’s not always a bad thing. It shows differences between people and shows that we aren’t all the same.
ReplyDeleteIn “To Kill a Mockingbird” Calpurnia used code-switching when her, Scout, and Jem go to her church and she talks to her friends. I think it’s a good example of trying to fit in. On page 119, Scout notices Calpurnia talking differently saying, “they’s my comp’ny,” then Scout saying, “Again I thought her voice strange: she was talking like the rest of them.” Calpurnia was trying to fit in with the rest of her friends there even though she knew how to talk more literally correct. Most of her friends didn’t even go to school nor knew how to read so she talked like them in order to not offend them. People can code-switch whether they think about it or not. Like whether it’s forced or just out of habit. It’s just natural for them to speak different around others and in different circumstances.
I agree that it can be out of habit, but do you think that code switching enforces inequalities?
DeleteI think it depends on how it's used whether or not inequalities would be enforced.
DeleteWhy do you think the other people in Calpurnia's would take offense if she talked normally?
DeleteI don't really understand what you're asking so I'll just take a stab at it. I'm guessing you're asking why I think the other people in Calpurnia's church would take offense if she talked normally. If that is the case, I think that the other people would take offense just because they might believe that she thinks she is better than them.
DeleteI believe that almost everyone is restrictive to someone, I do it everyday as well.
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ReplyDeleteI myself do use code-switching. Some of my main examples are like when I am talking to my friends versus talking to my parents or a sibling, another example would be if I am talking to an elderly person rather than a younger person. The last example would be somebody who also has an expertise in what I am talking about, I would use slang and lingo rather than if they don't know much about what I am talking about. I don't think code-switching reinforces inequality. I wouldn't use slang or other words that my parents wouldn't know.
ReplyDeleteI do believe code switching is used in To Kill a Mockingbird. A prime example of this being used would be in chapter 11 on page 100 Atticus acts nice to Miss Dabose when she clearly kept insulting him, he killed her with kindness.
I myself do use code-switching. Some of my main examples are like when I am talking to my friends versus talking to my parents or a sibling, another example would be if I am talking to an elderly person rather than a younger person. The last example would be somebody who also has an expertise in what I am talking about, I would use slang and lingo rather than if they don't know much about what I am talking about. I don't think code-switching reinforces inequality. I wouldn't use slang or other words that my parents wouldn't know.
ReplyDeleteI do believe code switching is used in To Kill a Mockingbird. A prime example of this being used would be in chapter 11 on page 100 Atticus acts nice to Miss Dabose when she clearly kept insulting him, he killed her with kindness.
I had never thought of myself as a ‘code switcher’, I didn’t know it even had a name to it. Although, I do it all the time now that I think about it. If I am talking to my parents I use the same tone as I would with my friends but probably not the same slang. However, if I am talking to my employer or someone I don’t know I am usually more formal and clear when I speak. I also witness code switching when my mom is talking to me. I could be talking to her about something and the minute someone calls her and she answers, it is a much perkier tone. I don’t think that code switching reinforces inequalities. It is just a natural habit, it is part of life.
ReplyDeleteCode switching is specifically evident in Chapter 12 of “To Kill A Mockingbird”. In this chapter Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to her church because Atticus is out of town. During this chapter I think we see a whole different side of Cal and how she is around people of her same race. “They’s my comp’ny,” said Calpurnia, this on page 119 and I think it shows a lot, considering Calpurnia has never spoke like this in previous chapters. Scout also says, “ Again I thought her voice was strange: she was talking like the rest of them.”, this was also on page 119. I think Calpurnia is code switching to fit in when she is in certain situations. Later in the chapter Scout and Jem confront her about this, her response is mainly because she is black and people at her church would not know what to do or let alone say if she went there sounding educated. She also says on page 126, “It's not necessary to tell all you know”. I agree with this statement, you don’t have to prove yourself to everyone. People most likely do not sound the most educated when they talk to their friends, I think this is due to code switching.
I had never thought of myself as a ‘code switcher’, I didn’t know it even had a name to it. Although, I do it all the time now that I think about it. If I am talking to my parents I use the same tone as I would with my friends but probably not the same slang. However, if I am talking to my employer or someone I don’t know I am usually more formal and clear when I speak. I also witness code switching when my mom is talking to me. I could be talking to her about something and the minute someone calls her and she answers, it is a much perkier tone. I don’t think that code switching reinforces inequalities. It is just a natural habit, it is part of life.
ReplyDeleteCode switching is specifically evident in Chapter 12 of “To Kill A Mockingbird”. In this chapter Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to her church because Atticus is out of town. During this chapter I think we see a whole different side of Cal and how she is around people of her same race. “They’s my comp’ny,” said Calpurnia, this on page 119 and I think it shows a lot, considering Calpurnia has never spoke like this in previous chapters. Scout also says, “ Again I thought her voice was strange: she was talking like the rest of them.”, this was also on page 119. I think Calpurnia is code switching to fit in when she is in certain situations. Later in the chapter Scout and Jem confront her about this, her response is mainly because she is black and people at her church would not know what to do or let alone say if she went there sounding educated. She also says on page 126, “It's not necessary to tell all you know”. I agree with this statement, you don’t have to prove yourself to everyone. People most likely do not sound the most educated when they talk to their friends, I think this is due to code switching.
I agree that code-switching is a part of life. Do you think that it could be used against someone?
DeleteYes, I think that someone could use code switching against someone, as in switching the way they are speaking on purpose, to diminish someone. Like if you were speaking to someone from a different country and made fun of them for their accent.
DeleteCode switching is definitely something I have noticed before but I didn't know it had a name. It was also interesting to know that there is some logic behind it! I hear code switching the most when people talk over the phone. Sometimes they sound cautious and their sentences often end up lifted, almost like a question, this is usually when they don't know who is calling. Sometimes that person sounds overly sweet and their voice rises in pitch, this is usually used for customers. When someone is angry their words become very clipped and harsh. Code switching is all over the place and can be relatively easy to spot. I think it's kind of fun to see how people change.
ReplyDeleteIn To Kill a Mockingbird you can see Scout code switching a lot. For example when scout talks to Mrs. Caroline she speaks pretty well (ignoring her grammar). "'That's okay, ma'am, you'll get to know all the country folks after a while. The Cunninghams never took anything they can't pay back-no church baskets and no scrip stamps"(20). When she is around family or someone she is very comfortable with Scout tends to leave of the ends of words. "'I ain't botherin' you,' I said."
"' You're real nice, uncle Jack an' I reckon I still love you". I know that I speak differently with around my friends than if I were talking to a teacher or someone else of importance.
I also saw it but never knew there was a name! Do you find yourself code-switching?
DeleteIt can be fun to see different sides of people-and educational. The more sides you see and interact with of a person, the better you know them.
DeleteI've noticed code-switching before, although never by this name. Even with different friends I code-switch. One friend I text without "text talk", such as "Hey, how are you?". While with another friend I would say, "Hey how r u?". I've realized I seem to follow the way they text me first. I think code-switching is a good thing because it makes people have dept. It makes us have different sides to us. Maybe it makes people more intrigued to get to know you to see all those sides?
ReplyDeleteIn "To Kill a Mockingbird" we notice the kids code-switching a lot. If they are talking to other kids, or adults they are comfortable with they use their normal everyday speech. If they come across adults they don't know well or feel they need to show more respect to, they will make sure to be extra polite and use their best grammar. Scout seems to like to leave off "unnecessary" letters like on page 35, "Grown folks don't have hidin' places. You reckon we ought to keep 'em, Jem." Then to adults she will call them sir or ma'am. Everyone just seems to want to join in with the environment they are in at the time.
I agree with your concept of people wanting to see all of the sides of a person.
DeleteI like your example from the book how the kids code-switch with each other. I did't even think about that.
DeleteI code switch all the time and have never even thought about it. Every time I go to work I become a different person. I smile at people constantly, offer to help with things and I am respectful to the people I work with. However, I work with some of the people I go to school with and at school I am completely different. I don't talk to very many them very often if at all. I don't smile as much,and I don't help them with anything unless they ask for help. I also code switch from school to home. At home I am more relaxed and less productive than I am at school or even work.
ReplyDeleteI do not think code switching has anything to do with inequalities. Code switching is mostly just how comfortable you are with the people you are around. In To Kill a Mockingbird it shows code switching through the kids. Jem acts different around certain people. He acts all grown up at home or even when he has to read to Mrs. Dubose, but when he is with just Jem and Dill he becomes more childish. Messing with Boo Radley seemed so fun when he wasn't around around any adults. However, if there would have been an adult around him he would have never messed with Boo, just like when Jem was dared to go up and touch the Radley place he acted all childish about it. He walked slowly to the corner of the lot, then back again, studying the simple terrain as if deciding how best to effect an entry, frowning and scratching his head.
Do you think that Scout will start code switching and having more of a filter? Will this help her mature?
DeleteYes, we have seen Scout mature so much though the book so far, and I think she will continue too. She now has a good filter and knows who she can be honest with.
DeleteI code switch all the time and have never even thought about it. Every time I go to work I become a different person. I smile at people constantly, offer to help with things and I am respectful to the people I work with. However, I work with some of the people I go to school with and at school I am completely different. I don't talk to very many them very often if at all. I don't smile as much,and I don't help them with anything unless they ask for help. I also code switch from school to home. At home I am more relaxed and less productive than I am at school or even work.
ReplyDeleteI do not think code switching has anything to do with inequalities. Code switching is mostly just how comfortable you are with the people you are around. In To Kill a Mockingbird it shows code switching through the kids. Jem acts different around certain people. He acts all grown up at home or even when he has to read to Mrs. Dubose, but when he is with just Jem and Dill he becomes more childish. Messing with Boo Radley seemed so fun when he wasn't around around any adults. However, if there would have been an adult around him he would have never messed with Boo, just like when Jem was dared to go up and touch the Radley place he acted all childish about it. He walked slowly to the corner of the lot, then back again, studying the simple terrain as if deciding how best to effect an entry, frowning and scratching his head.
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DeleteI agree with your idea that most people don't even really think about it, and don't really stop and think about what we are saying. I do think though that code switching can somewhat be a result of inequalities. What is your opinion about it not having anything to do with it>
DeleteI code switch all the time and have never even thought about it. Every time I go to work I become a different person. I smile at people constantly, offer to help with things and I am respectful to the people I work with. However, I work with some of the people I go to school with and at school I am completely different. I don't talk to very many them very often if at all. I don't smile as much,and I don't help them with anything unless they ask for help. I also code switch from school to home. At home I am more relaxed and less productive than I am at school or even work.
ReplyDeleteI do not think code switching has anything to do with inequalities. Code switching is mostly just how comfortable you are with the people you are around. In To Kill a Mockingbird it shows code switching through the kids. Jem acts different around certain people. He acts all grown up at home or even when he has to read to Mrs. Dubose, but when he is with just Jem and Dill he becomes more childish. Messing with Boo Radley seemed so fun when he wasn't around around any adults. However, if there would have been an adult around him he would have never messed with Boo, just like when Jem was dared to go up and touch the Radley place he acted all childish about it. He walked slowly to the corner of the lot, then back again, studying the simple terrain as if deciding how best to effect an entry, frowning and scratching his head.
Code-Switching is something that I haven't really noticed until this article. I myself use this in my everyday life. Such as when i am at school i goof around, act weird, and kind of loud, but when i go to work i am quiet, polite, and never act up. Both of these people are still me though it's just who i decide to let out at the certain period of time. Code switching is something people seem to make a big deal of. I personally do not think it is a big deal at all. Due to the fact that everyone does it so why get mad at someone else for doing it to?
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article i realize that code-switching is found more in To Kill A Mockingbird then i would have thought. An example of Code switching that is relevant in chapter 11 is when Scout says "Hey Mrs. Dubose" is what she called her sunshine voice. As seen throughout the rest of the book though she is not the nicest person to ever walk the Earth. Jem and Scout are still innocent little kids who don't understand when it is time to switch your code. For example when Jem using a wrong tone with Mrs. Dubose and she gets aggravated about it. Atticus tries to teach the kids how their code can be used to please someone or hurt their feelings. Which I feel Jem will learn faster than Scout due to his older age.
Do you think Scout will start using code-switching more throughout the book?
DeleteCode-Switching is something that I haven't really noticed until this article. I myself use this in my everyday life. Such as when i am at school i goof around, act weird, and kind of loud, but when i go to work i am quiet, polite, and never act up. Both of these people are still me though it's just who i decide to let out at the certain period of time. Code switching is something people seem to make a big deal of. I personally do not think it is a big deal at all. Due to the fact that everyone does it so why get mad at someone else for doing it to?
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article i realize that code-switching is found more in To Kill A Mockingbird then i would have thought. An example of Code switching that is relevant in chapter 11 is when Scout says "Hey Mrs. Dubose" is what she called her sunshine voice. As seen throughout the rest of the book though she is not the nicest person to ever walk the Earth. Jem and Scout are still innocent little kids who don't understand when it is time to switch your code. For example when Jem using a wrong tone with Mrs. Dubose and she gets aggravated about it. Atticus tries to teach the kids how their code can be used to please someone or hurt their feelings. Which I feel Jem will learn faster than Scout due to his older age.
Scout called Cal out for code-switching, do you think that Scout could learn from this interaction and learn to do it herself?
DeleteYour examples from "To Kill A Mockingbird" are very good. Do you think Scout and Jem will eventually learn to code-switch throughout the rest of the book?
DeleteCode-switching is something I have known, though I did not know it had an official name. I notice other people changing how they speak but I have never really thought about if I was doing it. After thinking about it, I realized that I do change how I talk around different people. I say phrase my words differently or chose not to say things around specific people. I also change the way I talk, as in tone and volume. I do not believe that code-switching re-enforces inequality. I Many people use it on a daily basis, though they might not realize it. I believe that code-switching is quite helpful in some ways. For example, showing up to a job interview or work using words slang words would not be appropriate.
ReplyDeleteCode-switching has been evident in "To Kill A Mockingbird". Calpurnia is the most recent character that has used code-switching. Calpurnia speaks with proper grammar while working for Atticus at the Finch house, but speaks differently at church. For example, Calpurnia said to Lula on page 119, "They's my company." I believe code-switching will be evident later on in "To Kill A Mockingbird" during the Tom Robinson trial. I predict the townspeople will talk about the case one way around Atticus than around other townspeople. I also believe it will be evident in other parts of the novel, though I can not say which parts. Do you feel like code-switching will occur in any other aspects?
I believe Scout may begin to code-switch and filter herself instead of saying as she pleases. Do you think Scout could mature in this way?
DeleteI do believe Scout will mature that way.
DeleteWhat is another time that you used code-switching.
DeleteI believe I use code-switching every day of my life. It really comes out when I'm around the people I'm comfortable with. I'm able to be myself and not have to try as hard because I know the people around me are trying as hard to be as persistent with their speech. Though it can not be a good thing when I'm with adults such as teachers, I will admit, code switching has probably come out of me before. I think code-switching can be somewhat of an issue depending on what kind of person you are, and what type of situation you're in. If you're the type of person where you have no filter on what you say, your words can really hurt people if you just don't care. Code-switching in my opinion that needs to be "shut off" in certain times. If we have this control, I really think code-switching can be a normal, easy thing to do for all of us.
ReplyDeleteI think considering the time in "To Kill a Mockingbird", code-switching might be used often. Because the story right now revolves around a lot of children, I believe we will began to read more code-switching between the two kids. In the time of the movie, the kids had respect for their families, so I think code-switching in this book is not shown as more when they're talking about interacting with their parents for example. In a character specifically, I have noticed code-switching in Calpurnia. In the book Calpurnia states, "They's my company." I think this shows Calpurnia's attitude about something that maybe she doesn't care to much about. I do think though, as we get further into the book, we will see less of code-switching because of the seriousness that is supposed to come up later in the novel.
Do you think that Scout will show more maturity when she talks later on in the book?
DeleteI had never heard of code-switching until I read this article. After reading it, I noticed that I use code-switching all the time. For example, when I’m talking to my siblings and friends I use slang. Then when I talk to my parents I am very formal. This is the way I code-switch at school too. I am very polite, well-behaved, and respectful to the teachers, and other associates that work at the school. I realized that my mom uses code-switching when she talks on the phone. One second she could be mad at me or one of my sisters, and then the phone rings and she puts on her sweet and nice voice. I don’t think that code-switching reinforces inequalities. I think that everybody code-switches. It’s only natural.
ReplyDeleteIn “To Kill A Mockingbird” I found that two main characters use code-switching the most. Those two characters are Calpurnia and Scout. In chapter 12 Calpurnia takes Scout and Jem to her church. Calpurnia speaks differently at the church than when she is working at the Finch’s house. On page 119 she says “They’s my comp’ny”, Scout thinks that Cal’s voice sounds strange and that she’s talking like the rest of them. Scout also code-switches. She talks differently to Atticus, than to Calpurnia. Scout curses around Atticus but does not when she is with Calpurnia. Although Scout code-switches to annoy Atticus there are different situations in the book that characters code-switch.
Do you think that the two main characters will use more code switching further in the books or use less?
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ReplyDeleteCode-switching is a part of everyday life. Although I did not know that this action had a name, I was aware that it is present in not only my life, but also in my friends’ and family’s. It comes so naturally to people, that we often don’t even think about it. When checking out at the store, I often use a more polite, and respectful tone with the cashier, one that I would not use while having a conversation with my friends. The same goes for when I am speaking to an authority figure or a teacher. It’s not a bad thing to do; talking the wrong way to the wrong people could get you in trouble. However, some people take code-switching to the next level by completely changing their personalities depending on the person they are speaking to. This is when I believe code-switching is inappropriate, as it could be considered insincere.
ReplyDeleteWe see examples of code-switching in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird multiple times. One occasion in which it appears is in Chapter 12 when Calpurnia takes the Finch children to her church one Sunday. When they attend Calpurnia’s church, Scout is surprised to hear her speak using improper grammar, like the other black residents of Maycomb do. The reason Scout is surprised, is because she is used to hearing Calpurnia speak properly like the majority of the white people in town do.