Jessica Chou, Kelly Yatsko and Alexandra Flores
Every Black, Indigenous and person of color (BIPOC) in America has likely code-switched in social interactions, either consciously or unconsciously. Code-switching, or the practice of alternating between two languages or varieties of language, is common amongst people of color when speaking to other BIPOC individuals as opposed to white Americans in order to reduce stereotypes. Motivated by this notion as well as previous studies on code-switching in young adults, we sought to discover the effects of gender on code-switching frequency in young adults. We examined YouTube videos from channels such as “Cut” and “Jubilee” to examine how often young adults from diverse backgrounds code-switch when discussing a variety of topics, both serious and lighthearted. Our project initially attempted to confirm previous findings which indicate that young women tend to code-switch more frequently than their male counterparts. However, our data revealed that the young men in these videos code-switched as often and even more frequently than young women in certain videos. Our findings reflect the idea that all BIPOC individuals feel the need to code-switch regardless of gender. Acknowledging this finding can aid in breaking down racial and gender stereotypes and improve communication among young adults of different identities.
[expander_maker id=”1″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]
Introduction and background
Our research project explores the frequency of code-switching amongst young people in an informal setting based on two aspects of their identity. Code-switching is defined as a practice where people alternate between two languages or varieties of language in a given conversation. Our team was motivated by the notion that people of color tend to code-switch between more informal language when speaking to other people of color, otherwise known as their in-group, versus the use of more formal and standardized language with white Americans, or their out-group. We then decided to go further and examine the frequency of code-switching based on gender. Similarly to racial stereotypes, people of different genders often speak differently in accordance with the demeanor they wish to present to others. Through this study, we hope to better understand the effects of both racial and gender stereotypes that can affect young people’s communication styles and the variety of language they choose to use amongst their peers.
It has been previously discovered that people of color tend to alter their language patterns when speaking to white people as a form of social preservation (Baugh 2002). This is part of the problem that motivated our team to examine code-switching in informal social situations amongst peers. In a previous study, it has also been found that code-switching amongst young people is a way to facilitate conversation, switch from topic to topic, and build rapport (Muthusamy 2010). Code-switching was also found on social media when young people are unable to translate between languages, strengthening the idea that code-switching is common amongst young people on informal channels, even those that are written rather than verbal (Almoaily 2023). Additionally, we hoped to study the differences in code-switching between men and women. In a previous study on gender differences in code-switching, it was discovered that while both genders frequently code-switch when speaking to their peers, women generally tended to use code-switched forms of language 5% more frequently than their male counterparts (Kane 2020). Kane also defines two different forms of code-switching: inter-sentential, which is code-switching between sentences, and intra-sentential, which is code-switching within a sentence. These are the two forms of code-switching we decided to search for when gathering data. In line with these studies, we initially sought to prove that when speaking to other young adults about a variety of topics, women code-switch more frequently than their male counterparts.
Methodology
Our team analyzed code-switching among BIPOC young adults communicating with one another in YouTube videos, examining if males or females engage in code-switching more than the other. We hypothesize that females will code-switch more than males due to what we have learned in Communication 188B, such as how Tannen (1990) found that women are more agreeable and potentially more sub-consciously adaptable when communicating due to “rapport”. Additionally, studies have pointed to women being more susceptible to standardizing their speech such as one conducted in America and Britain by Eckert (2012). Our hypothesis is also based on our shared experience of a “white/valley girl” voice many young adults adopt in Los Angeles as college students at UCLA.
Our data comes from YouTube channels, “Jubilee” and “Cut”. These YouTube channels produce content that often examines and confronts identity-based differences between opposing social groups. We have selected these videos because they have high production value, allowing them to source their participants from a broad range of backgrounds. Their videos focus on asking thought-provoking questions that appropriately juxtapose the behaviors of people with different backgrounds and address hard-hitting topics. We analyzed the language and communication styles that young adults participating in the videos use, particularly observing how BIPOC communication style changes when they are speaking with members of their ingroup. In attempts to reduce or weaken stereotypes against themselves, BIPOC individuals will often utilize more formal language and speaking patterns, such as a more assertive/skillful tone, in conversation with their White counterparts, rather than speaking colloquially, or using non-standard grammar patterns. We specifically looked for aspects of language including formality of speech, usage of slang words, and tone.
Results and analysis
In one video we found that 4 men code-switched whereas only 2 women code-switched when interacting with BIPOC. In another video, 4 men code-switched intra-sentially and 2 women code-switched inter-sentially. In two other videos where participants were blindfolded and in a group of their gender only on camera, men still code-switched more than women. In the video, 6 Black women and 1 Asian woman, the women shared having to speak in a “customer service voice” which supports how women are more susceptible to standardization but may maintain their standardized language on camera when communicating with other BIPOC. The video of 6 Black men and 1 White man showed the men voting off the only openly gay man as the secret white man, this could be due to how although he used Black Vernacular English (BVE), he spoke in a softer tone and pitch overall. The differences in code-switching exhibited by the men and women in these communities are partially due to the demeanor they wish to present; men are more likely to use these forms of code-switching to stimulate more of a camaraderie-like environment, while women foster more of a connecting or empathetic one. Our findings did not support our hypothesis and concluded that males code-switch more than females. However, we must acknowledge that the unique setting of the videos may have impacted our conclusion. Further research may clarify other factors in code-switching, including sexuality and gender expression or diverse settings.
Discussion and conclusions
Our findings lead us to suggest that men will code-switch just as much if not more than women definitely reaffirms the presence of this negative stereotype against women suggesting that they are the leaders in exhibiting this behavior. Particularly, we found that men are more likely to use intrasentential forms of code-switching, while women will gravitate more towards intersentential code-switching. Some of the differences in code-switching exhibited by the men and women in these communities is partially due to the demeanor they wish to present; men are more likely to use these forms of code-switching in order to stimulate more of a camaraderie-like environment, while women foster more of a connecting or empathetic one. Understanding that these behaviors are associated with specific genders provides us with some further insight on how language is used to navigate the social world and belonging, in addition to negotiating identity and power dynamics.
In understanding this behavior in both genders, and being mindful of this information, one can supplement it as the call to action by altering their actions in a positive light. This can help break misconceptions about gendered communication behaviors and reduce the stigma associated with code-switching, especially for women who have been unfairly criticized for it in the past. By refuting this stereotype, and refuting the connection between code-switching and femininity or masculinity, we can help promote gender equality. If we are more aware of this, we can foster stronger interpersonal relationships in various social settings, like work, school, etc., because they are operating off less fear of judgment, and more on trust/empathy.
Confidence and authenticity in expression and identity can lead to inclusive communication patterns and practices where people feel validated in being themselves. In attempts to reduce or weaken stereotypes against themselves, BIPOC individuals will often utilize more formal language and speaking patterns, such as a more assertive/skillful tone in conversation with their White counterparts, rather than speaking colloquially or using varying grammatical patterns, such as African American Vernacular English. Since code-switching for BIPOC can be considered a negative stereotype because of the cultural identity conflict and linguistic insecurities that come with it, especially in more marginalized areas, embracing this idea also validates BIPOC individuals; changing this concept into a positive one can be beneficial for them to navigate different linguistic and cultural arenas.
References
Almoaily, M. (2023). Code-switching functions in online advertisements on Snapchat. PLOS ONE, 18(7). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0287478
Baugh, J. (2002). Black Linguistics: Language, Society, and Politics in Africa and the Americas. Routledge; 1st edition, 8, 155-168.
Eckert, P. (2012). Three Waves of Variation Study: The Emergence of Meaning in the Study of Sociolinguistic Variation. The Annual Review of Anthropology
Kane, H. (2020). Language Variation: A Case Study of Gender Differences in Wolof-French Codeswitching. International Journal of Language and Linguistics, 8(4), 122-127. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijll.20200804.11
Muthusamy, P. (2010). Codeswitching in Communication: A Sociolinguistic Study of Malaysian Secondary School Students. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 18(2), 407-415.
Tannen, D. (1990). You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation. Social Interaction in Everyday Life Contemporary