Wow! I was amazed to hear that our own President used the terms, “Naw, we straight,” at Ben’s Chili Bowl. Why did this amaze me? I guess it is the idea that has been instilled in me that “educated people don’t use slang.” But that is not always the case apparently. I am starting to think that the most educated people are the best code switchers. It does seem like code switching would be more difficult than staying in one dialect. I see my friends and even self using slang all the time. I think what really matters is where you use the slang. I wouldn’t ever use it while giving a presentation in a graduate course. I wouldn’t ever use it while teaching my third graders. But I would probably expect my friends to pick on me if I used the term, “delightful” instead of just saying “yea, that sounds cool.” I guess what it really boils down to is who we are with when we use our slang. Slang to me is like walking up to someone you know real well and giving them a hug. While proper dialect is like walking up to someone you know just a little or you even just met and you shake their hand. It is all in how we present ourselves and who we present ourselves to. Some people may take offense to a hug from me. For example, I wouldn’t jump up off of an examination table and hug my doctor when she comes in to examine me. I also wouldn’t use words like, “your trippin” or “yeahh rrright” when speaking to me doctor. It is alright to use slang and proper dialect. It just matters where you use it. Also slang is more humble and welcoming. It lets those you know feel more comfortable talking with you when you use it. Like giving a hug makes people feel more at ease than a hand shake, when it is used in the right place.
Maria Blevins
Comments (2)
Maria,
I have noticed that in my family, we will pick up different sayings and pronunciations from the southern accent, Ebonics, British and New Zealand dialect. We use them all intermittently and in different situations. My husband is like a chameleon. When he gets around someone with a different dialect, he tends to start talking like them. In the past, I have pointed it out to him and ask why he does it. He says he does it without thinking. Maria, like you said code-switching lets those you know feel more comfortable talking with you. But, I think it also can make you feel more comfortable and have a connection with the person you are talking to. I think this connection is why my husband does it.
Trish Edwards
Posted by Trish Edwards | June 5, 2010 8:05 PM
Posted on June 5, 2010 20:05
I was amazed by Obama's comments too. Code switching is evident everywhere. So called standard english is somewhat stiff and out of character to use sometimes. I think that we do feel more comfortable talking with our friends and family and not worrying about how we sound. We don't have to impress them.
Posted by Michelle Moffitt | June 5, 2010 11:03 PM
Posted on June 5, 2010 23:03