Which item below best illustrates the concept of code switching?
A) a navy vet who talks one way with his shipmates but quite another way when interviewing for a civilian job
B) a child who speaks one way at age three but quite another way at the age of five
C) a Jamaican who speaks patois at home and at work
D) a woman who speaks the same way to her kids as to her husband

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Code switching refers to the ability to alternate between two or more languages or dialects in a conversation or situation. Option A best illustrates this concept as the navy vet is switching between different ways of speaking depending on the context or audience. The other options either involve a natural progression of language development (B) or sticking to the same language or dialect in different contexts (C and D).

Which Item Below Best Illustrates the Concept of Code Switching