Code Switching Isn't A Characteristic of Jesus
It's November, which is National Career Development Month; the National Career Development Association (NCDA) promotes career development through its annual celebration of National Career Development Month. Every November, career development professionals are encouraged to celebrate with career-related activities.
I want to start the month off with the topic of Code-Switching. I want to share the following:
Define Code Switching
Benefits
Ramifications
My Personal Story of Code- Switching
The Biblical Truth
Let's get started on this CROWNED LIFE journey:
I have the definitions of Code Switching, according to dictionary.com and urban dictionary.
Dictionary.com
Linguistics. The alternating or mixed use of two or more languages, especially within the same discourse:
Sociolinguistics. the use of one dialect, register, accent, or language variety over another, depending on social or cultural context, to project a specific identity: the modifying of one's behavior, appearance, etc., to adapt to different sociocultural norms
Urban Dictionary
Code-Switching is speaking in a particular way: using specific terms, references depending on who you're addressing/interacting with.
Benefits:
Likelihood of getting hired
Perception of being professional
Raises the chances of promotions
Ramifications:
You compromise the core of who you are created and crowned to be
No one ever gets to experience your crown in all its glory
It can negatively impact your mental and emotional well being
My code: switching story: When I was working at one of my previous organizations, I introduced myself by my initials instead of calling me my name. I did this for two reasons 1, a leader I admired did the same thing, and 2. I felt it would help people feel comfortable remembering my name, and the initials were easy to remember. Now let me be clear, nothing is wrong with reason number 1; however, my reason number 2 was problematic because instead of giving people the opportunity to learn my name, I made them comfortable while sacrificing myself in the process. I know this was a problem because I never gave anyone my nicknames for initials at each place I worked afterward. I made them learn my name, and as relationships evolved, nicknames came along. Still, my name means supreme gift, what a way to minimize the gift of my name to make someone else comfortable because they consider it hard to pronounce.
Now, I am a true believer that the core of who you are will always show up. When I started introducing myself with my initials, I was compromising my core. I don't compromise my core.
When I am speaking at my alma mater, I may say networking isn't a one time hit and quit it
when I am at work, I may say networking is essential for your personal and professional growth short and long term
my core message(networking is necessary) is the same no matter even though I switched rooms.
Enough about me, let's table about Jesus.
Biblical Truth About Code-Switching Jesus didn't code switch, and he was the messiah; he was clear about who he was and the work he came to do.