To Code Switch or Not to Code Switch? That is the Question. | Katelynn Duggins | TEDxMaysHighSchool

TEDx Talks

9 Feb 201807:48

Summary

TLDRThe speaker introduces two key concepts: the 'first eight rule' and 'code-switching.' The 'first eight rule' suggests people judge you within the first eight feet, seconds, and words of an interaction. Code-switching is described as adapting one’s behavior, language, and appearance to fit into different environments, like the speaker did after moving from a diverse city to a wealthier, predominantly white area. The speaker emphasizes that while adapting is necessary to navigate different spaces, it’s important to stay true to one's core values and identity. Examples like Barack Obama illustrate this balance.

Takeaways

😊 People often judge you in the first 8 feet, 8 seconds, and 8 words you speak, known as the 'First Eighth Rule'.
🔄 Code-switching is not just about changing language but also adjusting behavior, dress, and mannerisms based on the environment.
🏙️ The speaker grew up in Cincinnati, where the slang, dress, and behavior were different from other areas.
👗 Moving to a wealthier, predominantly white neighborhood required the speaker to adjust how they dressed and communicated.
🤔 Code-switching helped the speaker fit in while preserving their core identity, values, and morals.
🎓 The speaker learned from their sister that it’s okay to adapt to new environments without losing oneself.
🗣️ Famous figures like Barack Obama use code-switching to adjust their demeanor based on different situations while maintaining their authenticity.
🌍 Business professionals often adjust to different cultures (e.g., in China) to show respect and willingness to engage effectively.
👥 Code-switching allows one to survive and fit into new situations without being seen as phony.
🔑 The ultimate goal is to maintain your true self while adapting to fit into new environments, leaving a good impression.

Q & A

What is the 'first eighth rule' described in the speech?
-The 'first eighth rule' refers to how people judge you within the first eight feet, eight seconds, and eight words that come out of your mouth. It emphasizes how quickly people form impressions based on initial interactions.
How does the speaker define code-switching beyond the common definition?
-The speaker defines code-switching not just as a change in language or linguistics, but as an adjustment in how one dresses, talks, and presents oneself to fit different social situations.
Where did the speaker grow up, and how does this background influence their experience with code-switching?
-The speaker grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, specifically in the inner city or 'the hood.' This environment shaped how they spoke, dressed, and interacted, which was different from the norms in more affluent, predominantly white spaces.
What challenges did the speaker face after moving to a wealthier part of town?
-The speaker experienced a culture shock when they moved to a wealthier area. They were unsure how to act, feeling out of place due to differences in dress, language, and behavior compared to their new peers.
What advice did the speaker's sister give them about code-switching?
-The speaker’s sister advised that while they don’t need to change their core morals, values, or personality, they may need to adjust their outward appearance and behavior—such as language and clothing—to 'survive' and fit into different environments.
How does the speaker relate code-switching to former President Barack Obama?
-The speaker uses Barack Obama as an example of code-switching. Obama switches between a formal, business-like demeanor in public settings and a more relaxed, relatable persona in informal situations, such as when he interacts with athletes.
What lesson does the speaker emphasize about code-switching in professional or unfamiliar environments?
-The speaker stresses that code-switching is about fitting into different environments and not about being fake. It’s a survival tool that helps people adapt without changing their core identity or values.
Why does the speaker believe that people respect code-switching?
-The speaker believes that people respect code-switching because it shows an effort to fit into the social norms of the environment, demonstrating adaptability and awareness, rather than being perceived as fake.
What internal conflict did the speaker experience when adjusting to their new school environment?
-The speaker felt conflicted between wanting to fit in at their new school and staying true to their authentic self. They were afraid of being judged but also didn’t want to completely change who they were to fit in.
What is the speaker's final message regarding code-switching?
-The speaker's final message is that code-switching is a tool for adapting to new situations while staying true to oneself. They encourage people to reflect on whether they remain authentic and leave a positive impression when they adapt their behavior.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ First Impressions and Code-Switching

The speaker introduces two key concepts: the 'First Eighth Rule' and 'code-switching.' The 'First Eighth Rule' suggests that people judge you within the first eight feet, eight seconds, and eight words of an encounter. Code-switching, traditionally seen as a linguistic change, is more than just language—it includes adapting one's behavior, speech, and appearance to fit into different environments. The speaker shares their personal background, growing up in Cincinnati, and describes how they used slang and unique fashion in their community before experiencing a major life change.

05:02

🔄 Adjusting to a New Environment

The speaker describes a culture shock they experienced after moving to a wealthier area and attending a predominantly white school. Here, they felt out of place and unsure of how to act, initially staying silent out of fear of judgment. Although the speaker was intelligent and well-mannered, they hadn’t needed to display these qualities in their previous environment. This transition forced them to adapt to a new social setting, learning how to present themselves differently without losing their core identity.

👗 The Lesson of Code-Switching

The speaker's sister introduced them to the concept of code-switching, explaining that while one doesn't need to change their values or morals, adjusting outward behavior—such as speech, clothing, and attitude—can help them fit into different environments. The speaker applied this advice, modifying their behavior and appearance to fit in at their new school without losing their true self. They emphasize that these changes are necessary for survival, not to impress others.

👔 Examples of Code-Switching in Public Figures

The speaker offers Barack Obama as an example of successful code-switching, explaining how Obama adjusts his behavior depending on the audience. Whether delivering a formal speech or casually interacting with others, Obama remains true to his values but adapts his demeanor to the context. This flexibility is a key part of his success, illustrating how people in different walks of life switch codes to fit into varying social and professional situations.

🌍 Adapting to Cultural Differences

The speaker expands on the necessity of code-switching in global contexts, especially in business. When doing business in another country, it's important to understand and respect the local customs to show that you care. Code-switching in these scenarios is not about being fake but about building trust and fitting into different cultures and environments, which is essential for success in diverse situations.

🧠 Overcoming the Fear of Judgment

Addressing a common concern, the speaker reassures that code-switching is not about changing your core self but about adapting to the environment to make a good impression. They connect this idea to the 'First Eighth Rule,' stating that people judge us quickly, and adjusting how we present ourselves can help manage these first impressions. Ultimately, it’s about balancing adaptation with authenticity.

❓ To Code-Switch or Not?

In conclusion, the speaker poses a reflective question about when to code-switch and whether it’s possible to remain true to oneself while adapting to different situations. They encourage the audience to think about their own experiences and to ask whether they are happy with how they present themselves. The goal is to leave a positive, authentic impression without compromising core values, demonstrating that code-switching is a tool for navigating diverse environments.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡First Eight Rule

The 'First Eight Rule' refers to the idea that people form judgments about you within the first eight feet, eight seconds, and eight words of an interaction. This concept is introduced as a way to highlight how quickly first impressions are made and how these impressions can shape future interactions. In the script, the speaker mentions learning about this rule at a seminar, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of initial encounters.

💡Code-switching

Code-switching is the practice of changing one's language, behavior, or appearance to adapt to different social contexts. In the video, it is not only about linguistic shifts but also about changing the way one presents oneself, such as dress or demeanor, to fit in with different social groups. The speaker shares personal experiences of code-switching between her inner-city background and a predominantly white school.

💡Cultural Adaptation

Cultural adaptation involves adjusting one’s behavior or practices to align with the norms of a new cultural environment. The speaker had to adapt from her upbringing in Cincinnati, where certain slang and styles were the norm, to a more formal setting in a wealthier, predominantly white school. This concept ties closely to code-switching, as it illustrates the broader societal need to adjust in various contexts to fit in.

💡Slang

Slang refers to informal language used within specific social groups. The speaker gives examples of how she used slang in her hometown, like phrases such as 'what’s the word?' and 'you party,' which had specific meanings in her community. This slang was part of her identity but had to be adjusted in different social contexts, highlighting the code-switching theme.

💡Survival

Survival, in the context of this video, is used to describe the need to adapt in different environments not just to fit in but to thrive. The speaker discusses how code-switching was a survival tactic in her new school environment, allowing her to succeed academically and socially. It’s a metaphor for how people adapt to meet the demands of different social situations.

💡Identity

Identity is a central theme in the video, focusing on how the speaker navigates maintaining her true self while adapting to different environments. Code-switching is presented as a tool to help fit into different contexts without losing one’s core values and sense of self. The speaker emphasizes that code-switching doesn’t mean changing who you are but modifying how you present yourself.

💡Inner City vs. Wealthier Area

This contrast between the inner city and wealthier areas represents the different social and cultural environments the speaker experienced. In the inner city, informal language and casual attire were the norms, while in the wealthier area, formal language and business-casual clothing were expected. The speaker’s transition from one environment to the other illustrates the need for cultural and behavioral adjustments.

💡Gargantuan Lexicon

‘Gargantuan lexicon’ is used to humorously describe the large vocabulary that the speaker was exposed to in her new school. It symbolizes the linguistic shift she had to make as part of her adaptation process. Using more formal language was a form of code-switching that helped her fit into the academic environment of the wealthier school.

💡Morals and Values

Morals and values refer to the core beliefs and principles that the speaker insists should remain unchanged, even when adapting behavior in different social settings. The speaker stresses that while she changed her appearance and speech to fit into her new environment, her core values—what she believes is right and wrong—remained the same, showing the balance between adapting and staying true to oneself.

💡Barack Obama

Barack Obama is used as an example of someone who code-switches effectively, adapting his demeanor depending on the context. The speaker notes how Obama could transition from being formal and professional in a suit during press conferences to being relaxed and relatable in casual settings with friends. This example illustrates that code-switching can be done while maintaining a consistent identity and values.

Highlights

Introduction of the 'first eight rule,' which explains how people often judge within the first eight feet, eight seconds, and eight words.

Explanation of 'code-switching' as more than just changing language but also adjusting dress, behavior, and demeanor depending on the situation.

Personal background of growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attending an inner-city school, which shaped the speaker's language and style.

Examples of how slang and dress in the speaker's hometown differed from more affluent areas.

Description of the culture shock the speaker experienced after moving to a wealthier area and attending a predominantly white school.

The speaker’s initial silence at the new school due to fear of judgment and not wanting to change their identity to fit in.

Advice from the speaker's sister about code-switching, emphasizing the importance of adapting to different environments without changing core values.

The speaker’s transformation—changing appearance and behavior not to impress others but to survive and succeed in a new environment.

Comparison of code-switching with President Barack Obama’s ability to adjust his demeanor depending on the context, whether in formal settings or casual environments.

Analogy of doing business in China, highlighting the need to adapt to other cultures and customs in order to succeed in cross-cultural situations.

Reinforcement that code-switching doesn’t make someone a phony; it’s about survival and adapting to fit into new situations.

The speaker emphasizes that values and morals remain the same during code-switching, only external behaviors and language change.

Encouragement to reflect on personal authenticity after code-switching: remaining true to oneself while adapting to a situation.

Final reflection on the importance of adapting to different environments while staying genuine to one's core identity.

Concluding question for the audience: 'Is it a code switch or not?', encouraging self-reflection on adaptation and authenticity.