Response to Koven

I really liked how Koven looked at the way that people present themselves differently through different ways of speaking. I think that we all have different codes even if we are not all bilingual. She somewhat addresses this in her conclusion:

“Different ways of speaking, within and across languages, create socially and psychologically real effects for people, producing for the same speaker multiple expressions and experiences of socially recognizable selves” (437).

I can relate to this. I find myself speaking more politely and in general acting more politely around strangers, especially when I am asking them for something. I notice that when I talk to a cashier, university official or when I ask for directions I am use very polite language. I go over-the-top with directives, stand up straight, and hedge a lot. I would describe myself as polite, humble, and somewhat timid. I do not act like this at all around my friends where I am much more relaxed. I present myself differently for different sets of people through the language that I use.

I notice similar changes in behavior and language in my little sister when we go to our grandma’s. It doesn’t matter if she was fighting with me, swearing, or using informal language. The second we walk into my grandma’s house, she presents herself as the angel child, speaking politely and using proper grammar. Her speech and her entire attitude change.

My best friend from home also is guilty of code-switching behavior, especially when answering the phone. She speaks in an extremely high-pitched, saccharine voice when she says “Hello, this is Laura.” If I am on the other end, then she reverts to her normal voice and informality. If we are in the same room and an adult is on the other end of the phone, she continues on with the “fake” voice. She is extremely polite and obliging. However, once she hangs up the phone, she is back to her normal self.

I don’t think there is anything hypocritical in these changes in language and behavior. I think that we are all “multiphrenic” as we read earlier. There are appropriate times to present oneself in different ways.