Speak Your Language: Code Switching and Intentional Authenticity

About this event

MOSAIC is hosting its inaugural Common Thread event on November 3 from 3–4:30 p.m. in the Greeley Student Commons, Room 114. Common Thread is a space where all Aims students can engage with a topic that honors each participant’s unique identities and perspectives. This Common Thread is titled "Speak Your Language: Code Switching and Intentional Authenticity."

We all change the way we express ourselves depending on the situation, but why? Maybe it’s your accent, your slang, your humor, or the language you speak at home. In this facilitated discussion, we’ll explore the social phenomenon of code-switching: why we do it, its potential costs, and the skills it helps us build as cross-cultural communicators. We’ll also talk about what it means to express ourselves authentically in college, in professional workspaces, and beyond.

Here’s how it works: We’ll start by sharing the words and phrases we use at home but not in class, then work through real-life scenarios together. You’ll leave with a simple tool for deciding when to adjust and when to hold your ground.

No preparation is needed, and you never have to share more than you want to. Snacks will be provided.

Come explore how you speak your language. We can’t wait to see you there!