What Is Code Switching?

Benjamin moves through the world in different ways based on his identity...and you probably do too.

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[ethanchan]

Everyone saying that he’s speaking in different accents or that he should be an actor is completely missing the point. He’s not doing this for entertainment, it’s a defense mechanism. So for the yt ppl in the comments talking about “how they’d prefer that he spoke how he actually speaks”, you just need to watch the video again.

[SAmaryllis]

He did such a good job with the script, and the post-production art was also so well done. Thanks for illustrating the concept so clearly!

[d.g.]

Today I learned what code switching is, and realized that I also do it everyday depending on who I’m talking to and where I am.

[welldressedcreole]

If he's an actor, he'd be great at doing a one-person play

[gordogordito]

I do this and people always make fun of me saying I'm not genuine. I explain that I change depending on the situation and environment. I get along with everybody because I can read a situation and adjust to it. I'm not trying to be funny or disrespectful, I just assimilate easily with people. I wasn't aware there was a word or definition for it either.

[balwho]

I didn't even know that a person could have that many accents, props to him that's cool

[mrscarter]

My slow ass initially though this was a video about computer coding lol. 🤦‍♀️

[SimWolfHero]

Code switching is that defense mechanism that I feel like a healthy amount of minority people use every day. I have my code I use for my famila, and the office, and my Latino friends, and the only person who really gets my authentic self is my fiance, a few friends, and myself. It's a defense mechanism

[Idkchangethislater]

This is the most advanced code switching I've ever seen XD

[Saytinn]

I didn’t know code switching was a thing untill maybe a few years ago. This video was very informative, and though I’ve never referred to someone as ‘better speaking / more proper speaking ‘ I also have never truely thought about the reasons that someone might be portraying themselves that why. Something to think about and be more mindful of. Thanks!

[nicolasmassavercelli]

This man deserves another video for sure!!

[Mysteree]

Never knew what code switching was when I was growing up and did this naturally, depending in the crowd, setting, environment, nationality I was around....recently, my cousin called me fake because I do this...now, I'm actually seeing it is an advantage and a talent to relate and navigate. It's a craft, so to speak.

[ericanicole]

I code switch at work, one day my boss said “Erica your actually not that hood” I was annoyed of course. I think he felt like he was giving me a complement but it was offensive and I can’t stop thinking about it .

[kittah]

Lmao!! This is too funny! Code switching saves your job and saves someone from getting they a** beat 😂😂😂

[PinaColobster]

More Benjamin, please! This was so engaging to watch!

[kymmypoo]

Buzzfeed, Im glad you addrdssed this topic. Understand that code switching can also be a survival technique in this world. Thanks for sharing!

[phiretiger]

As Black ppl we have to code switch everyday. You don't even have to have so many cultures as him.

[russellwallace]

He did a magnificent job relaying his message, hope it can reach everyone and open up awareness.

[BFDT-]

I will be using this for teaching how to code-switch with correct relative pronunciation between Spanish and English. Benjamin is so good in so many ways!

[MirandaPellishay]

“Is he a ho?” 😂 boiii. Great video!! We need more videos with Ben!!