The Style-Shifting Theory

The Style-Shifting Theory suggests that bilingual speakers often adjust their language use depending on the social context, setting, or conversational partner. This means they might switch between languages or change their speech formality and tone to better fit the situation or audience. It's a natural way for bilinguals to communicate effectively, express their identity, or adhere to social norms. Essentially, bilinguals "shift styles" much like adjusting a wardrobe for different occasions, demonstrating linguistic flexibility to navigate diverse social environments confidently.