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johepal 2025, 6(2): 125-138 |
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Wright N L. (2025). Chronic Codeswitching for Multiracial Student Leaders. johepal. 6(2), 125-138. doi:10.61186/johepal.6.2.125
URL: http://johepal.com/article-1-1259-en.html
URL: http://johepal.com/article-1-1259-en.html
Abstract: (146 Views)
Codeswitching is not a new phenomenon and was first identified by Einar Haugen (1953) describing the ability to navigate languages and dialects in multilingual individuals depending on the social context. Wright (2021) expanded on this concept by focusing on (Black/White) multiracial individuals making behavioral adjustments to navigate the various social demographics in the higher education environment, coining the term chronic codeswitching. Wright (2022) wrote how multiracial students were forced into chronic codeswitching by outside influences, which damaged their sense of belonging on the college campus and restricted students from being truly authentic. In this article, I argue chronic codeswitching is used not only as a defense mechanism, but also advantageously as a strategy to navigate the complexity of the college campus. Throughout this article, I center multiracial perspectives to illuminate the underexplored dimensions of multiracial leadership identity in higher education. Grasping a more comprehensive understanding of how to support multiracial student leaders and analyzing the strength of chronic codeswitching informs more inclusive approaches for this population. Although this manuscript is situated in the context of the United States, the exploration of culturally relevant leadership and identity development offer insights for global scholars and educators across all educational settings.
Keywords: Chronic Codeswitching, Multiracial, Biracial, Authenticity, Critical Mixed Race Studies, Leadership, Higher Education
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/02/15 | Accepted: 2025/05/1 | Published: 2025/06/30
Received: 2025/02/15 | Accepted: 2025/05/1 | Published: 2025/06/30
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