Journal Entry 6

WEEK 7
THE ART OF CODE-SWITCHING

03 May 2025

        Today’s reading on bilingualism and multilingualism struck a chord with me, particularly the interplay between its challenges and rewards. As someone deeply passionate about language learning and a multilingual person myself, the topic is extremely interesting. While knowing more than one language can be frustrating, depending on the context or the perfectionism and pressure one places on oneself, it also highlights the brain’s remarkable ability to navigate complex linguistic landscapes. 

        One of the most compelling aspects was the cognitive advantage associated with bilingualism. The idea that it sharpens executive function aligns with my own experience. Switching between languages often feels like a mental workout, and I’ve wondered whether this contributes to my ability to multitask more easily than some of my fellow monolinguals. The concept of metalinguistic awareness also resonated with me; learning a third language felt less daunting because I had already internalised the process and structure of language acquisition itself.

        Building on this, what fascinates me most is how code-switching—my favourite linguistic topic—operates on multiple levels. On a practical level, when a word escapes me in one language, I naturally borrow from another. For instance, I often use the classic Brazilian/Portuguese term saudade when English “miss you” doesn’t quite express the same depth of nostalgic longing. Beyond practicality, there is a strong cultural dimension, where switching becomes a marker of identity. With fellow bilingual friends, moving fluidly between languages feels like more than communication—it’s camaraderie, a shared rhythm monolinguals might never experience.

        However, this fluid exchange only works when my interlocutor shares the same linguistic repertoire. Otherwise, switching can be misunderstood or perceived as showing off., unless it happens unconsciously or by accident, which it often does in informal conversations. This highlights the importance of sociolinguistic competence and the awareness of context in multilingual.

        The text mentioned cognitive load, but I see code-switching as the brain’s elegant way of managing it. Rather than being a burden, multiple languages become a palette, each offering the right shade for a particular thought or emotion. In emotional moments, for instance, my brain instinctively reverts to Portuguese, the language of my childhood and heart.

        That said, code-switching carries social complexities. In formal settings, I often monitor myself, aware that not everyone shares my linguistic background. This self-regulation reveals the social hierarchies embedded in language use. Yet in safe, familiar spaces, letting the languages flow freely creates an intimacy that is difficult to replicate in single-language exchanges.

        This week, I plan to observe my own switching more closely — not just how I do it, but why. Each instance holds a story of identity, audience, and aspiration. Reflecting on this may deepen both my personal understanding and how I support multilingualism in others.

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The feedback I received for this entry is presented below.

        Hi Eri! Sorry for the delay in sending this feedback. As for the submission, your reflection on code-switching and multilingualism is outstanding—insightful, personal, and elegantly written. I was thoroughly impressed by how you articulated the emotional, cognitive, and sociolinguistic dimensions of your experience. This entry reads like both a self-reflection and a mini-essay with real depth.

        Here’s what stood out most:

• Deep engagement with the topic: You didn’t just describe bilingualism—you analyzed it from multiple angles, including metalinguistic awareness, executive function, and sociocultural context. That level of depth shows critical thinking and emotional intelligence.

• Personal + theoretical integration: Your use of the word saudade as a culturally specific example was perfect. It captured both the limits of direct translation and the richness of a multilingual identity. Your ability to connect personal experiences to academic concepts is a real strength.

• Polished, expressive writing: Your language is mature, varied, and expressive. Phrases like “a palette…offering the right shade for a particular thought or emotion” and “a shared rhythm monolinguals might never experience” are poetic and powerful.

        Suggestions for refinement:

• Minor phrasing/grammar adjustments:

  • “...some of my fellow monolingual” → should be “monolinguals.”

  • “...in multilingual” → likely meant “in multilingual contexts” or “communication.”

  • Remove the period in “showing off.,” which has an extra full stop.

• Add one more specific anecdote: You describe your experience broadly (which is excellent), but you could enhance the emotional impact by briefly narrating a real moment where code-switching made or broke a connection—maybe a time it caused confusion, comfort, or cultural connection.

• Final paragraph as a springboard: Your final reflection about observing your code-switching this week is a great meta-cognitive touch. Consider journaling again after that self-observation—it sounds like it could lead to even more discovery!

        This was an exceptional journal entry—analytical, reflective, and beautifully composed. You clearly have a nuanced understanding of multilingualism and a deep appreciation for language as both a tool and a cultural expression.

Outstanding work, Eri!