We all wear a lot of hats — or masks, sometimes — but those of us who move between different cultures are especially familiar with adapting our speech patterns, mannerisms, and other practices depending on what group we’re around. It’s called code switching. If you are an immigrant (or child of immigrants), live in an ethnic community, or are in a multiracial family, chances are you do it too.
I used to think this was a weakness, but I now consider it to be a strength. Read my take on code switching, over at BlogHer…
Those of us that speak 2 languages/immigrant parents, etc., have taken for granted the code switching for such a long time. It is ingrained in us for..matters of social survival and adaptability.
I never saw it as a liability as a child.
But at that time, when I was very young, I would sometimes just get freakin’ tired of figuring out the codes…whenever there were clashes or me awkwardedly learning and shy about the behavioural code of white upper middle class families with professional, university educated parents.
If parents cannot teach the other cultural code, then it really helps to have 1-2 good friends from those other different backgrounds.
Yes, it would be great to have friends who can help kids figure out these unspoken codes. I had to figure that out by myself as a child, and even as an adult!