The Middle Ground: Code-Switching

The English language is a diverse language which changes continually. Aside from the linguistic changes which happen over time there are regional variations. These dialects usually have a negative connotation attached to them. Students are being alienated in the classroom because of the way they speak. Teachers label the student’s language as “wrong” and “broken.” Teachers need to bring a linguistic approach to the classroom and incorporate code-switching. “Right” and “wrong” are not applied to language and students are taught the skill to use both informal and formal English based on the situation. Code-switching is the use of contractive teaching methods to show students the structural differences of formal and informal English