code-switching
[/ˈkoʊd ˈswɪtʃɪŋ/]
nounpl: code-switchings
alternância de código
1. The practice of alternating between two or more languages or language varieties in conversation or written communication
In bilingual communities, code-switching is a natural part of daily communication.
Em comunidades bilíngues, a alternância de código é uma parte natural da comunicação diária.
2. The ability or tendency of a multilingual speaker to shift from one language to another within the same utterance or conversation
Her code-switching between English and Spanish reflects her bicultural identity.
Sua alternância de código entre inglês e espanhol reflete sua identidade bicultural.
3. A linguistic phenomenon studied in sociolinguistics and applied linguistics regarding language selection and mixing
Researchers study code-switching to understand how bilingual brains process multiple languages.
Os pesquisadores estudam a alternância de código para entender como os cérebros bilíngues processam múltiplas línguas.
Code-switching is particularly prevalent in multicultural American cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, where immigrant communities and their descendants maintain multiple languages. In Brazil, code-switching with English is increasingly common among educated urban youth and professionals. It is not considered a linguistic deficiency but rather a sophisticated communicative strategy that reflects cultural identity and social context. In academic and professional settings, code-switching is recognized as a legitimate bilingual phenomenon worthy of serious study.
NYC Slang
switching it up / flipping languages
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