What is Code-Switching?: A Guide for English Learners (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Mon Feb 02 2026
Today we’re going to explore a topic that I notice again and again whenever I work with bilingual people, speak with people who are studying a second language, and actually notice inside my own family: code switching.
You’ve probably done it yourself. You start a sentence in English, suddenly use a word from your native language, then switch back again. This is a form of code switching and is extremely common. Code switching happens all around the world, in every culture, anywhere multilingual people communicate.
So, what exactly is code switching? Why do bilingual and multilingual speakers mix languages like this? Is it a sign that your English is improving? Or could it be something that slows down your progress?
In this episode, we’re going to break it down clearly and practically. We’ll look at what code switching is, why people do it, and most importantly how to manage code switching as a language learner!
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TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/02/02/373-what-is-code-switching-a-guide-for-english-learners-english-vocabulary-lesson/
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Today we’re going to explore a topic that I notice again and again whenever I work with bilingual people, speak with people who are studying a second language, and actually notice inside my own family: code switching. You’ve probably done it yourself. You start a sentence in English, suddenly use a word from your native language, then switch back again. This is a form of code switching and is extremely common. Code switching happens all around the world, in every culture, anywhere multilingual people communicate. So, what exactly is code switching? Why do bilingual and multilingual speakers mix languages like this? Is it a sign that your English is improving? Or could it be something that slows down your progress? In this episode, we’re going to break it down clearly and practically. We’ll look at what code switching is, why people do it, and most importantly how to manage code switching as a language learner! Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/ TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/02/02/373-what-is-code-switching-a-guide-for-english-learners-english-vocabulary-lesson/ AD Free Episode - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish Thinking in English Bonus Podcast - https://www.patreon.com/collection/869866 YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) My Editing Software (Affiliate Link) - https://descript.cello.so/BgOK9XOfQdD Borough by Blue Dot Sessions Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on Thinking in English. Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices