Code Choices

Having to say the right thing at the right time and at the right place is exemplified
in this activity. Although communication, either spoken or written, is an effective tool
to deliver messages, other factors are to be considered in doing so. One of which is
choosing which language is the best for the situation. Having or using the appropriate
language creates a more comfortable environment for a conversation, not to forget the
effects it has to do with the participant’s relatability and a decreased probability to
misunderstand the message.
First, let us analyze the language or the code choices of Oi Lin Tan. She uses
Cantonese when speaking to her mother and at the market to her elderly Cantonese
vegetable sellers probably because of her audiences’ familiarity to the chosen
language and less exposure to the western culture. On the other hand, she uses
Singlish, a combination of Singaporean and English language, to her sisters probably
because of modernity, exposure to western culture, and familiarity as well. Another
probable reason is that her choices are a matter of formality since it has been evaluated
that she uses Cantonese only to those who are older than her while using a mixed
language, signifying a more formal tone of conversation, whereas communicating
towards her sisters, probably because of their relationship or small age gaps, thus
signifying informality.
Now, let us proceed to Mr. Patel, a Bombay spice merchant. It was mentioned
earlier that he uses Kathiawari when speaking to his family. This is probably because
this is already the language everybody in his family understands and has mastered.
Another language that he used is Marathi. He spoke in this particular language
probably because it was the native or the prevalent language in the market area where
he bought his vegetables. He also used Hindustani in purchasing tickets in the railway
possibly to relate to the person working there. Additionally, we can imply that he is
adept in using Kacchi, the language of the spice trade, as he is a spice merchant so that
he can negotiate much better rather than using other languages or dialect. Lastly, it
was mentioned that he understands and listens to English being spoken in a cricket
commentary but cannot catch up to a full English film, indicating that he can only
analyze adequate or simple English probably because of his less exposure to western
culture or language. With all that being given, we can concur that Mr. Patel changes or,
rather, adjusts his language depending who or what he is dealing with to increase both
parties’ relatability. In using the appropriate language, he avoids misinterpretation and
misunderstandings.