Code Switch

post by Elo · 2018-09-29T00:32:18.302Z · LW · GW · 0 comments

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Original post: http://bearlamp.com.au/code-switching/

Related to: Hedging

Code switching is this useful linguistics concept that is not overtly known enough.

The type that I care about is a cross between "group identity" and "lexical need": 

Group identity: People may alter their language to express group identification. This can happen, for example, when introducing members of a particular group to others.[33]

Lexical need: People often use some technical terms or words written in another language. In that case, if people try to translate those words, that might distort the exact meaning and value of the word or term. In this case, code switching occurs to maintain the exact meaning of the word.

I care about cultural code switching.  But also a very particular problem where words in one "code" start to not be capable of describing the nature of the informational transfer.  Where words start to break down.

"have you tried turning up the volume on your attention?"

My recent investigations have shifted from the scientific structural rational playing field to the spiritual mystical enlightenment playing field.  If I had lexical problems before, they hit an all new level where each person's lexical map [LW · GW] is just comfortable being independent to each other person's map [LW · GW].  

How do I describe a wordless experience?  How do I transmit, record, encode or remind myself - what is the difference between "attention", "awareness" and "focus"?

Awareness is broad and soft.  Attention is sharp, focus is the pointy part of attention.  If I think of focus as a lens pointing light to a single dot, that's focus.  Awareness is a broad focus, but objects are not blurry per se, just taken to be as a holon, not as an individual.

And on it goes, with energy, awareness, emotions, colours, spirits, powers, understanding, confusion and so many many more codes.

The benefit of code switching, over say - rejecting someone for using certain words, is that it's way more inclusive.  If I reflect internally that maybe I have misunderstood their code, then ask for clarification - I'm much more likely to treat them as a steelman than a strawman.  Take charitably what is said and from there...  grow.

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