Podcast Script: Speaking Between Worlds: Using the Power of Code-Switching
[Intro Music Playing - Upbeat and Engaging]
Host (Ester): Hey, everyone! Welcome to Speaking Between Worlds: Using the Power of
Code-Switching! I'm Ester, your host for today. Uhh, this is a podcast where we are going to
discuss the fascinating world of code-switching between languages. I'm joined by my amazing
co-hosts Eden and Daniel.
Eden: Hey, Ester! I'm super excited to talk about this; it's such a big part of our lives.
Daniel: Totally. growing up in Queens, with the mixing of so many cultures and languages, this
is all so natural.
Ester (Host): Definitely. Queens is like one giant cultural melting pot with Russians, Jews,
Hispanics, and many more. And Daniel, you bring this unique perspective, going into Forest
Hills High School. So, tell me!
Daniel: Oh, man, Forest Hills High was, like, a bubble of Queens. There were kids from every
background you could think of—Russian, Mandarin, Spanish, Bengali—and we'd all mix
languages without even thinking about it. I remember walking through the hallways, hearing
English on one side, then someone saying something in Spanish, and another person yelling in
Russian. It was chaotic but in the best way.
Eden: That sounds so colorful. Did you ever feel like it shaped how you navigate language now?
Daniel: Oh, absolutely. I'd speak in Russian with some classmates, in English with others, and
sometimes in a mix. I remember asking someone, "Hey, pass me the ручка," which is "pen" in
Russian. It just came naturally because everyone was so used to juggling languages.
Ester: That's such a cool example of how code-switching becomes second nature. And it's not
just in school, it's in our everyday activities.
Eden: Even while walking through our neighborhoods every day, like, you'll hear people slipping
between languages at grocery stores or on the subway in the most random conversations. It's a
huge reflection of the different cultural richness that we are surrounded by. And honestly, it's
inspiring.

Ester: Exactly. Living here, we get to appreciate the beauty of our diversity. Speaking of which,
let's dive in a bit deeper into why people code-switch.
[Music Transition: Smooth and contemplative]
Eden: Right; let’s move to the main question: why do people code-switch? Uh, well,
code-switching is more or less used for identity purposes. Such as, when after living in America
for years, I finally decided to speak English as my native Russian, it has its certain advantages.
It’s not about the words, it's my past where I was raised, and how I grew up with a connection to
my culture and family.
Daniel: Yeah, and it’s also about context. Like at Forest Hills, I’d use English to fit in during
class, but Russian at home or with certain friends who also spoke it. It’s like flipping a switch
depending on the situation. And honestly, sometimes it’s just easier to express yourself in one
language versus another.
Host (Ester):
We noticed this in the case of Fairy and Alexa, the two bilingual kids who we interviewed. This
changes between English and Spanish and that depends on the environment they are in. They
speak English at school to teachers and during conversations with their friends and the rest of the
time they use both languages.
Eden: Exactly. Sometimes, it is not only about what we say, it is how we say it, and what we look
like when we say it. You adapt to the person with whom you are speaking and the environment
or the situation. For example, when I write an email to a relative in Russia I would automatically
be more polite than when I am joking with friends in English.

Host (Ester): That's such a good point. Code-switching isn't just practical; it's deeply tied to
identity and social context.
[Transition Music Playing - Upbeat Beat]
Section 2: Real-Life Examples of Code-Switching
Host (Ester): Let's speak about some real-life examples of code-switching. Eden, how does this
show up in your life?
Eden: It's everywhere! Like, at work, I stick to English to keep things professional. But then with
my family, it's almost all Russian, especially with my grandparents. And when I'm with friends,
I'll mix both without even realizing it—like saying something in English but slipping a Russian
word in because it feels right.

Daniel: Same here! I mean, at Forest Hills, I saw this constantly. I had a friend who'd start a
sentence in English and finish it in Spanish. And then I'd do the same with Russian. It's funny
because no one even thought twice about it—it was just how we communicated. Like, we were
creating our language blends.
Eden: Oh. Seeing that in the media is like, "Finally, someone gets us!" It's such a big deal for
representation. And honestly, it's encouraging for people who grew up bilingual or multilingual to feel
seen.
Host (Ester): Yeah, and that also brings into view how code-switching isn't just about necessity, but
comfort, identity, and expression.
[Transition Music Playing - Thought-Provoking Tune]
Section 3: Benefits and Challenges of Code-Switching
Host (Ester): Now, let's talk pros and cons. What are your thoughts, Eden?
Eden: Oh, it's like a superpower: it bridges gaps, helps you to connect with people, even cognitive
flexibility. Studies show that bilinguals are better problem-solvers because their brains are always
switching modes; it is like mental gymnastics!
Daniel: Totally, but then there are also challenges, you know, like stigma. And I remember in Forest
Hills, some teachers would get annoyed if students used their native language in class. And it was
frustrating because to us, switching languages was just natural-it wasn't something we were doing to
be disrespectful.
Host (Ester): Code-switching is so useful in schools, workplaces, and media, but society doesn’t
always get it.
Eden: Exactly. Like, I’ve felt judged at work for accidentally slipping into Russian during a
conversation. It’s frustrating because it feels like people see it as unprofessional instead of as a
strength.
[Outro Music Playing - Upbeat and Hopeful]
Conclusion
Daniel: Yeah, so as we've seen, code-switching is not about language switching per se. It's, uh, one
way to belong, adapt, and reveal ourselves. The more languages within our community, the more
robust our community will be.
Eden: Exactly! And we want to hear your thoughts about code-switching. You can share your story
with us via social media!
Daniel: And don't forget to check out our polls and questions we want to hear from you. Plus, keep
an eye out for our flyers around the neighborhood!

Host (Ester): Thanks for tuning in to Speaking Between Worlds! Until next time, celebrate your
linguistic identity and, uh, keep the conversation going.