Question
Can code switching happen at any level of language?
Answer
Yes, code switching, just one of the typical characteristics of developing bilinguals, may involve any level of language.
The most important point in recognizing code switching and other related normal bilingual phenomena, is that they are often misperceived as 'confusion' or 'mistakes', and are therefore highly vulnerable to misdiagnosis. Careful description and analysis of these developmental 'errors', through and within the context of the child's first language (L1), is the first step in shifting from a deficit model perspective to a culturally responsive model perspective.
[Although some researchers do discuss other terms and applications, code switching is being defined here in its broadest sense: using linguistic elements of both languages in one utterance.]
As a veteran school-based SLP, Elenny Tuleta currently provides consultation to districts for culturally responsive practice. She is a frequent invited speaker to cross-disciplinary conferences, and facilitates collaboration among SLPs, ESL teachers and other team members through on-going networking opportunities.
