_______ means changing to speak another language or dialect to increase or decrease intergroup distance.
A) Co-culture
B) Linguistic relativity
C) Code-switching
D) Pragmatics

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Code-switching refers to the practice of switching between two or more languages or dialects in a conversation, often depending on the social context and the interlocutors' language proficiency. The motivation behind code-switching can be various, such as to assert or negotiate identity, to accommodate or exclude the interlocutors, to express emotions or attitudes, etc. Code-switching can therefore reflect intergroup distance, which refers to the psychological and physical separation between social groups in a society based on their cultural, linguistic, racial, ethnic, or other differences. By using different languages or dialects, people can signal their group membership, affiliation, or differentiation, and thus shape their social relationships and power dynamics. For example, code-switching can be a way to show respect, intimacy, or solidarity, or a way to distance oneself, mark boundaries, or change the topic. Code-switching is therefore a valuable resource for multicultural communication, although it can also pose challenges and misunderstandings if used inappropriately or without awareness of the context and the interlocutors' preferences.

_______ Means Changing to Speak Another Language or Dialect to Increase