What is switching stations?

To switch stations simply means to go from one language to next during your interaction with another speaker who may also be bi or multilingual. People "switch stations" to add a bit of context on the subject matter or topic they're talking about so that the listener can fully comprehend the speaker. The speaker also does this as a way to relate to their listener(s) and make them feel connected. The phrase/term originally derived from the multitude of radio and TV stations, in South Africa, that are being broadcasted in different tongues/languages for specific listeners/viewers to read. So if you change from one station to the next, you would hear the new speaker on your telly or radio speak in a different tongue than the predecessor from the other station.

Speaker #1: Sawubona bhuti. Igama lami nguSphiwe and what is your name?

Speaker #2: Yebo, sawubona Sphiwe. I'm Trevor.

Speaker #1: Oh, okay. Ngiyajabula ukukwazi Trevor.

Speaker #2: 😅 Yebo. Nice to meet you too, Sphiwe.

(Example of two speakers switching stations between each other)

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switching stations - video