Code-switching is defined as the ability to switch between languages in a single conversation. For instance, you may speak more casually at home than you do at work. But for Black people, code-switching is far more complex and can often be taxing. Cultural invalidations and racial code-switching: What are the psychological implications? Click here to view a presentation that “examines how cultural invalidations and racial code-switching are associated with ethnic-racial identity development, mental health, and occupational outcomes among people of color.

But for Black people, code-switching is far more complex and can often be taxing. Myles Durkee is an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Michigan and has done extensive research on racial code-switching. AdWhen a Black person cannot effectively code-switch, the result can be damaging. If simply by code-switching of an officer already perceives a Black male as threatening, code-switching is an extremely effective way to alleviate some of that anxiety,” Durkee said. AdDurkee said that when it comes to code-switching in the workplace, leadership needs to recognize that it’s happening.