Bridging Voices Discussion

Purpose

This discussion will deepen your understanding of code-switching, explore how language choices reflect identity, and practice empathy through bilingual conversation.

Discussion Guidelines

• Speak respectfully and listen actively to others.
• Raise your hand to share or respond to prompts.
• Support each other by asking clarifying questions.
• Use both Spanish and English when you feel it adds meaning.

1. Understanding Code-Switching

What is code-switching? Provide an example from your own experience or from class discussions, and explain why speakers switch languages.

Follow-up:

• ¿Por qué crees que cambiamos de idioma en una misma conversación?
• How can switching impact clarity or emotion?

2. Identity and Voice

How does code-switching reflect your cultural or personal identity when you speak? Give specific examples or feelings associated with each language.

Follow-up:

• Do you feel more “yourself” in Spanish, in English, or when you switch?
• ¿Qué idioma usas para expresar emociones fuertes y por qué?

3. Tone and Meaning in Dialogue

Revisit lines 3–6 in the Code-Switching Dialogue Script. How does switching languages change the speaker’s tone or emotional impact?

Follow-up:

• How might a listener’s reaction differ when you switch?
• Can code-switching ever lead to misunderstandings? Explain.

4. Personal Experience

Share a time you (or someone you know) code-switched in a real situation. What was the context, and what happened after the switch?

Follow-up:

• Was the switch planned or spontaneous?
• ¿Cómo reaccionó la otra persona ante tu cambio de idioma?

5. Building Empathy

Using one of your sentences from the Code-Switching Practice Worksheet, explain how your choice to switch languages encourages understanding or empathy in the conversation.

Closing Reflection

What is one key insight you will take away today about code-switching and its role in building empathy?

Thank you for your thoughtful contributions! Let’s carry these insights into our role-plays and real-world conversations.

Bridging Voices: Teacher Script

Warm-Up Activity (5 minutes)

Teacher: "¡Buenos días, everyone! Good morning! I just switched from Spanish to English—that’s called code-switching. Today, we’ll explore how switching languages can change meaning and connection."

Teacher: "To start, share with the class one greeting you use in Spanish and one you use in English. Who wants to go first?"

Teacher: "Thank you! I heard you say ‘Hola, ¿cómo estás?’ and then ‘Hey, what’s up?’ Notice how your tone shifted when you changed languages. Let’s think: ¿Por qué elegiste cada saludo? Why did you pick those phrases?"

Introduction to Code-Switching (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Code-switching happens when bilingual speakers switch between languages in one conversation. It can change the emotion, the emphasis, or the level of formality."

Teacher: "I’m going to show you a short excerpt from our Code-Switching Dialogue Script."

Teacher (projecting/excerpt):

A: "¿Estás listo para el partido?"
B: "Yeah, I’m ready—vamos con todo!"

Teacher: "How did switching from Spanish to English in line 2 affect the tone or meaning?"

Follow-up prompts if needed:

• "¿Sientes más energía cuando cambias a inglés?"
• "Did the switch make the statement more casual or more excited?"

Paired Role-Play Discussion (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Now I’ll hand out the full Code-Switching Dialogue Script."

Teacher: "In pairs, assign yourselves Role A and Role B. Read the script aloud, switching languages exactly where indicated. Pay attention to how it feels to switch and how it sounds to your partner."

Teacher: "As you read, jot down notes on these questions: ‘How does the switch change the meaning?’ and ‘How does it affect our connection?’ Life is full of moments when we mix languages—let’s notice those moments here."

Teacher: "You have 10 minutes. I’ll walk around and listen."

Worksheet Practice (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Great work, everyone! Next, I’m passing out the Code-Switching Practice Worksheet."

Teacher: "On the worksheet, you’ll find fill-in-the-blank sentences and reflective prompts. Create your own bilingual sentences by code-switching in a way that shows empathy or clarity."

Teacher: "For example, you might write: ‘Mamá, I need help con mi tarea,’ to show urgency and respect. Aim to balance both languages so your listener feels understood."

Teacher: "You have 8 minutes. If you need help, raise your hand or ask a peer."

Reflection and Share-Out (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Time’s up—please put down your pencils. Now, who would like to share one of their sentences and explain why they switched languages there?"

Teacher: "Thank you for sharing. I heard that switching in that moment added emotion / made the meaning clearer."

Teacher: "What did we learn today about code-switching and empathy? How can this skill help us in real conversations?"

Teacher: "Fantastic insights! Remember, mixing languages can bridge cultures and feelings. Let’s carry these skills into our daily conversations. ¡Buen trabajo, clase!"

Code-Switching Practice Worksheet

Instructions

Complete each exercise by inserting a phrase in the other language at the blank. Then move on to create and reflect on your own code-switched sentences.

Part 1: Insert English into Spanish

1. Mamá, necesito ir al supermercado ____________ porque no hay leche.

1. Profesora, I didn’t understand ____________ en la tarea.

Part 2: Insert Spanish into English

1. Before class starts, could you ____________ por favor?

1. I really appreciate your help when ____________ .

Part 3: Create Your Own Code-Switched Sentences

1. Write a sentence that starts in Spanish and switches to English to show excitement or urgency.

1. Write a sentence that starts in English and switches to Spanish to express empathy or support.

Part 4: Reflection

1. How did switching languages in your own sentences change the tone or emotional impact?

1. Describe a real-life situation when you code-switched. What motivated the switch, and how did the other person react?

Thank you for practicing code-switching! Reflect on how these shifts can build empathy and clarity in conversation.