Anthropology Practice Test 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

The term 'code-switching' in linguistics primarily refers to the practice of altering language based on the social context or audience. This phenomenon can occur in multilingual individuals who may switch between different languages during conversation, depending on who they are speaking to, the topic being discussed, or the social setting.

When individuals engage in code-switching, they demonstrate their linguistic flexibility and cultural identity, adapting their communication style to fit the expectations and norms of different groups. For instance, a speaker might use one language or dialect at home with family members but switch to another when in a professional environment or discussing formal topics. This ability to navigate multiple linguistic forms is an essential aspect of bilingualism and sociolinguistics, showcasing how language is influenced not only by personal choice but also by social dynamics.

In contrast, the other options mention related but distinct concepts, such as using multiple languages in conversation, changing dialects, or switching communication modalities, which do not encompass the full scope of what code-switching entails in the context of audience and social interaction.