Code-Switching In The Hate U Give By Angie Thomas

Code-switching. It may seem like an ordinary term used in society, but to black individuals it is much more than that. To them, it is like a key that can unlock any door, an airplane ticket that leads anyplace one desires. However, it is not always as magical as it sounds when one is blindly caught up in the world of code-switching. Angie Thomas vividly illustrated the concept of code-switching in her novel, The Hate U Give. In fact, the author expertly demonstrates the concept of code-switching through the main character, Starr, as she attempts to navigate between her neighborhood of Garden Heights and her school, Williamson Prep. Notably, Starr and her family are African American and as a result of this they learn to code-switch to navigate

In The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas demonstrates that code-switching and double consciousness heavily impact the lives of black individuals through the depiction of the character’s interactions with other communities. To begin, Starr Carter’s code-switching first becomes evident when she encounters law enforcement. Initially, Starr and her friend Khalil are pulled over by the police, and in this situation, Starr begins to code-switch as she remembers her father’s advice. “ “Starr-Starr, you do whatever they tell you to do," he said. "Keep your hands visible. Don't make any sudden moves. Only speak when they speak to you." ” (Thomas 23) Code-switching has been ingrained in Starr from a young age as a defense mechanism, allowing her to protect herself. When analyzing this quote, it is evident that Starr’s father understands the concept of code-switching and it can be inferred that he has had a negative experience with the police. Maverick shares this advice with Starr at a young age as he knows it will be useful as she grows up and explores the world as a black individual in society. Maverick’s quote also explains that code-switching might be necessary at any age and

Lisa Carter engages in code-switching, using her “other voice” (Thomas 160) while speaking on the phone. This behaviour demonstrates that code-switching runs in the family, with the Carter children inevitably adopting this habit from their parents. “She says we’re not gonna have the news people thinking we’re “hood rats”.” (Thomas 211) Similarly, Lisa Carter has also taken into account the stereotypes about black people and tends to stray away from them so as to please the white individuals she interacts with. It is also evident that she instills her code-switching views onto her children by having them alter their appearance and behaviour in front of white people. Seven Carter also displays code-switching throughout the novel, however, it seems that he does so unknowingly. He feels the need to behave a certain way around police officers as that is what he has been taught. “Seven straightens up and stares ahead, barely blinking and gripping the steering wheel.” (Thomas 71) Seven code-switches by adjusting the way he is seated so that he looks less threatening to the police officer. In situations like these, it may seem to many that going for a drive is rather a simple task and spotting a police car, not that frightening. However, to Seven as a black man in society it could be a life or death situation when spotting the police. Seven is aware of the interactions