Black Girls Negotiating Code-Switching: The Importance of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy in the Classroom

Abstract

Literature that reflects and embraces the history and lived experiences of Black girls and women should be incorporated into school curricula. Implementing text and lessons about history and events of the lives of Black girls and women as well as books about and authored by Black women provides a space where Black adolescent girls can see reflections of themselves. This can help them to gain and maintain a solid sense of identity and belonging. Exposure to texts that reflect their lives can also illustrate for these girls that there is value in their lived experiences, including their linguistic and cultural code-switching. They can learn that their modes of expression and their perspectives are not disreputable but simply a part of their culture. Providing such a curriculum will pique these girls’ interest in academics and help them find their voice and agency in the academic setting, which will empower them to participate in the classroom discourse.