The Art of Code-switching By Megan Norton
I
recently found out that several actors and actresses whom I’ve admired in various international films are in some form or fashion third culture kids. In an interview with Crazy Rich Asians cast members, one actor explained his ability to take on different film roles was learned from his practicing “code-switching” in different countries growing up. He said he learned to “act” appropriately and effectively in different contexts and that has now proven a valuable skill in his acting career. As a third culture kid myself, I can relate to his explanation. Throughout my childhood, I enjoyed taking on different roles and personalities in plays and in theater class. I enjoyed the freedom and permission to “escape” into another world, persona, and culture. And yet, quite frankly, I was learning how to codeswitch effectively from doing it subconsciously throughout my own childhood moves and in everyday real life.
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Among Worlds
When I moved back to the US after having completed my entire formal education in seven different international schools in six different countries, I felt like I wasn’t on a stage I had either practiced or performed on previously— this was an experience in which I had to learn the art of code-switching in real life. I had to reconcile my authentic and adaptive self in my different identity roles as student, US citizen, friend, neighbor, daughter, and third culture kid. Code-switching as an art in “real life” is a skill TCKs continue to craft our entire lives with authenticity, finesse, and care.
How can the art of code-switching be helpful for TCKs? TCKs have had both exposure to and practice in building their cultural agility through our global travels and interactions with different people across cultures. We have experienced first-hand how communication can look different in various
