Definition & Meaning of "code-switching"

What is "code-switching"?

Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or language varieties in a conversation or discourse. This can occur within a single sentence or between different sentences, often depending on the context, audience, or topic being discussed. People may code-switch for various reasons, such as expressing cultural identity, emphasizing a point, or facilitating communication in multilingual environments. Code-switching reflects the fluid nature of language use and can serve to strengthen social bonds among speakers who share similar linguistic backgrounds. It is a common phenomenon in bilingual and multilingual communities.