As a 4-year-old Hispanic with a lack of English and cultural knowledge, growing up in
America was tough. Learning to speak English, since Spanish is my first language, was a challenge. I began to pick up what’s considered “slang” because it’s easier to pronounce and it sticks better than “proper” English. “Wanna,” “gonna,” “finna,” and “lemme” are a lot easier than saying “want to,” “going to,” “fixing to,” and “let me,” etc. This is the language that became my norm because it’s easier to say and it rolls off the tongue with ease. This “slang” was the type of language I picked up. Because I am Hispanic, those around me quickly categorized me as “ghetto” and a troublemaker. Teachers would ignore me. They would tell me they didn’t
understand me, oftentimes making me feel like I was less. I was categorized without being given a chance. Instead of fighting and explaining myself, I looked for a solution.

I noticed my teachers would always listen to those students who would speak “proper” English. A lightbulb went off in my head. To get what I want, I must act in a way that is expected. This is how I developed a skill in code-switching. It became my survival skill. By now those of you reading might be thinking, “Uh, why do I have to change the way I act in order to survive?” Well, unfortunately, we live in a society that works that way. No matter how much we battle with society to push acceptance of individuals, different cultures, and different lifestyles it’s been a tough battle to win. For you to not be overlooked, you must play into the games of society.

Have you ever been excluded or treated differently for being yourself? Huh, sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Well, you’ve come to the perfect place. Let me introduce you to code- switching. It’s not technological, it’s more social or psychological, but it is like programming your brain. You’re probably wondering what is code-switching? Code-switching is being able to switch gears depending on the setting. When I say gears I mean your personality, character, and even appearance depending on the environment and those around you. It’s a survival skill to keep in your back pocket. Although, code-switching is something we do subconsciously as well. We tend to act differently with specific individuals or events.

So, you’re probably wondering how to code-switch. There is no exact method or rules
you have to follow when you code-switch. The point is to scope out your surroundings and identify when you need to switch and when you can calmly act your normal self. Look at it this way: you go into an interview for a formal job. You know that you need to look presentable, you know that you need to say the right things and be confident, and you know that you need to impress the interviewer to be able to stand out from the other candidates. If you do not dress that way daily, if you don’t talk the way you do at the interview every day, and if you don’t act in that confident-impressionable way in your everyday life, you, my friend need to code switch. It’s a given rule that every job looks for those “perfect” candidates to hire. If you don’t act or look the part, chances are you will be overlooked.

According to Indeed (2023) “A candidate’s hygiene and how they dress for the interview may be a good indication of how they will show up to work… clean, unwrinkled clothing, clean hands, washed hair, job-appropriate clothing, and pleasant smells…” (paras. 28)

There are many more tips included about how you should act and what you should say at an interview. This one is just about appearance. It’s known and common to have to code-switch in life. It becomes a subconscious act of survival in our daily lives. In every room we step in, in every conversation of ours, in our daily lives we all code-switch one way or another. In fact, we tend to do this with our family members and friends as well. You may act one way with one parent and another with the other parent depending on the personality. Same thing with friends, you act according to the vibe or personality. We are all guilty of this, so don’t think of code- switching as having to change who you are, but as your superpower to navigate through life. Even if sometimes when you code switch it’s drastic, every version you bring out of yourself is still you.

Code-switching is about molding yourself into your surroundings and acting in a way that is expected. It protects you from society and allows you to fit into what is considered the “norm.” It’s like acting differently with your friends than you would with your parents. Depending on your personality the way you act with your friends may be frowned upon by your parents. So what do you do? You switch into that act that is expected and accepted by your parents.

Many of you may think “Okay, so when I start code-switching won’t I forget who I am?” or “Won’t I be a hypocrite for doing this?” You may think you’re losing a piece of yourself or you may forget who you are, or feel like you’re being a “hypocrite,” but, in every code-switching form you have there is still a hint of your true self. It’s important to note this and not think you will forget who you are. Remember it’s a survival skill not a permanent state of living. You are not being a hypocrite and you won’t forget you. Society as a whole runs on Code-switching. It’s that small weapon you keep in your back pocket for when you truly need it.

Indeed Editorial team. (2023). Interviewing | indeed.com. 30 Things an Interviewer Should Look For in Job Candidates. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/what-to-look-for-in-an-interview

-Jessica Guerra, Houston, TX