Degree Name

MA (Master of Arts)

Program

Communication and Storytelling Studies

Date of Award

12-2022

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Amber Kinser

Committee Members

Christine Anzur, Delanna Reed

Abstract

This qualitative research study is an exploration of how college students navigate code-switching between their home and academic environments. Data were collected from five participants using interview and small group methods. Through the lenses of Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) and Memorable Messages (MM) frameworks, the researcher explores how key MMs affect how participants coordinate and manage meaning in communications with others in their home and college environments. Findings were fourfold: 1) participants chose between following established and creating new rules when code-switching; 2) participants shared experiences and strategies regarding knowing when and how to code-switch; 3) preparing audiences for information disclosure was a key element of code-switching and 4) there was a need for community and a space of non-judgement for students who experience large differences between their home and academic cultures.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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