Ella Schnider | Auburn Student

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | The cost of code-switching

At first glance, these comments seem rude but unwavering; however, the reality of code-switching from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to standardized English, and the racially based blockades correlated in these systems, showcases a present issue in corporate culture. The practice of code-switching creates this constant state of awareness of one's articulation, and one’s presence can require a significant amount of personal awareness and energy. Discriminating against AAVE in professional settings is a form of institutional racism that upholds white cultural standards, delegitimizes Black identity and limits economic opportunities for Black workers.