To Code Switch or Not to Code Switch? That is the Question. | Katelynn Duggins | TEDxMaysHighSchool
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
🗣️ 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.
🔄 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
💡Code-switching
💡Cultural Adaptation
💡Slang
💡Survival
💡Identity
💡Inner City vs. Wealthier Area
💡Gargantuan Lexicon
💡Morals and Values
💡Barack Obama
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.
Transcripts
[Music]
[Applause]
good evening before we get started I
would like to define two things for you
the first thing I would like to define
for you is something called the first
eighth rule I learned the first eighth
rule at a life seminar at Emory
University over the summer a woman named
dr. Tober told me and my classmates that
people often judge you within the first
eight feet eight seconds and eight words
that come out of your mouth crazy right
the second thing I would like to define
for you is a term called code-switching
now people often define code-switching
as the change in linguistics but to me
it's more than that it's the way you
dress the way you talk the way you
present yourself in certain situations
before I get started I would like to
tell you a little bit about where I'm
from and how I learned to code switch I
come from Cincinnati Ohio and I went to
school in the inner city or what some
considered the hood we talk different in
my city we dress different on my side of
town from others oftentimes I would
greet my homegirls with the girl where
you been at
so I'm so party tonight what's the word
what's the mood I often spoke with the
slang of my city you party nobody say
that code for you're lying nobody just
said what you said I even dressed
different my jeans my sneakers
oftentimes girls were there headwraps
until they got to their destination so
the weather wouldn't mess up their due
then I came to this big switch in my
life I
move to a wealthier part of town and I
started going to school with
predominantly white kids it was a
culture shock for me I wasn't sure how
to act
I was always intelligent I always had
manners but when I'd never had to
display them where I was from I didn't
know what to do I was in this building
full of no one who looked like me no one
had on their scarves everyone used these
gargantuan lexicons or large
vocabularies I knew I had it but again I
didn't have to impress the people back
on my side of town so I never used it
they dress business casual II did things
that where I come from like stare was
not okay so for weeks I didn't speak I
didn't say anything I was afraid of
being judged even though I knew I had it
in me but I didn't want to change who I
was just to fit in at this new school so
I went home to my sister who knows far
more about life than I do and this is
where she taught me about cold switching
she told me that I didn't have to change
who I was as a person meaning my morals
values what I stood for what I found
okay and not okay but sometimes I had to
put away my sling and bring out my
gargantuan lexicon put away my ripped
jeans in my head wrap and put on my
business suit coat and my khakis and
flats and not to impress them but to
survive in my environment for at the
time basically telling me When in Rome
do as the Romans do so I did that I no
longer wore my hair wrap out of the
house I no longer wear my ripped jeans I
wasn't afraid to answer questions in
class and compete for my spot
I use my gargantuan lexicon I cold
switched I was always who I was I just
changed my demeanor to fit the situation
at hand
many people coast which one of our
famous our President Barack Obama
we know that when Barack Obama is up
there for a press conference or in front
of the American people in his suit and
tie he's gonna get it done he is about
his business then we know that side of
Obama where he's relaxed where the ball
players come to his house his leather
jacket yo bro is cool yeah we know that
he can relate to us again we always knew
what Obama stood for when he found okay
not okay his morals his values we knew
it but he changed his demeanor to fit
the situation at hand
aka cold switched business men and women
you wouldn't go to China with only
American customs and expect people to be
comfortable or want to do business with
you know you learn some of their customs
you get comfortable with their way of
doing things so they know you care you
care about us you want to fit in enough
so yeah we can do that business with you
not many people know how to cold switch
let alone cold switch and be themselves
bringing you back to that first eight
rule where people often judge you within
that first eight feet eight seconds and
eight words that come out of your mouth
afraid that changing yourself for that
situation at him might make people feel
like you're a phony or faith it's not
the case at all people respect you for
trying to fit in trying to survive in
that situation they don't respect you
for being phony again you don't change
your morals your values what you stand
for you change your demeanor to fit the
situation at hand
you coat switch you change your language
you change the way that you dress
doesn't make you a different person on
the inside it just makes you able to
survive to fit in like they say you can
go to the White House and fit in or the
hood and fit in is what I'm trying to
get it so the next time you find
yourself in a brand new situation that
you've never been in before I want you
to ask yourself do our coats which if so
do I remain myself am I happy with what
I just did did I leave a good impression
do people know that this is me
regardless of me dressing to fit in in
their situation or not I guess what I'm
trying to say is it's a cold switch or
not so cold switch that's the question
thank you
[Applause]
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