What is Code-Switching?

Code-switching is the alternation between two or more languages within a single conversation. (Myers-Scotton, 1993)  In the past, code-switching was often stigmatized and seen as a sign of confusion, but current research shows this is not the case. In fact, code-switching is a sign of linguistic competence that requires a high structural understanding of both languages and can be used as a tool of effective communication in certain contexts.  (Williams, Srinivasan, Liu, & Pearl Lee, 2019)  Three current theories provide a link between code-switching and emotional experiences.