My Codeswitch Reality

Or get 5 stars or tip

Rideshare passengers index to a much greater percentage of people for whom English fluency is not assumed or present. For the most part, this isn't a big problem. So long as the passenger got the address right and GPS doesn't lead me astray -- so +95% of rides -- we can do the transaction without any conversation at all. There will be some, of course, because I want people to feel welcome and I always try to confirm the address and let people know about a couple of free affinities, but if you want to talk the entire time in a language I don't understand, have at it. 

But the interesting thing about that conversation is... a significant portion of it is still going to be in English, because (a) the Internet, and (b) code switching. 

Now, the classic definition of the phrase talks about how words in a second language will slide in -- in my experience in rideshare, these usual gravitate to "OK" and various corporate, Web site or app names -- but the more colloquial use of code switch is when you change your speech patterns to match your audience.

We all do this on some level, whether we are aware and OK with it (talking to children), or unaware and trying to pass as One Of The Good Ones (i.e, talking to people of a very different demographic). When done badly, it's awkward and awful for all concerned, and makes my spine contract with embarrassment when it's part of cringe comedy. It's also adding to the mental energy that you exert in a conversation, so there are times when you just don't want to do it.

But when it's done well?

My tips go up. So do my ratings. My passengers have a better time. I'm more effective at communicating helpful information about why rideshare works the way it does for passengers, why taking a Covid-19 vaccine is something everyone should want to do, and so on. I don't feel as worn out by the end of my shift.

You could see it as manipulative, calculating, artificial. 

Or polite, engaging, and accommodating.

And if you never codeswitch, or would never?

You probably aren't a rideshare driver. (Or a waiter, bartender, live performer...)

Or a very highly rated rideshare passenger or beloved customer...