Research Topic and Questions

My research topic focuses on language discrimination, code-switching, and linguistic identity—specifically, how language biases affect individuals in educational and professional settings. My main research questions are: How does language discrimination impact students and professionals who speak non-standard dialects or multiple languages? What are the psychological and social effects of code-switching? How can schools and workplaces create more inclusive linguistic environments?

I am drawn to this topic because I have personally experienced the need to adjust my language depending on where I am, and I have seen how others struggle with the same issue. Many people, especially immigrants and minority groups, are unfairly judged based on how they speak. This issue is important because it connects to identity, self-confidence, and equal opportunities in education and careers. I want to explore solutions that encourage linguistic diversity rather than suppress it.

5-6 Sources for Research

1. “Linguistic Discrimination Still Lingers in Many Classrooms” – National Education Association (nea.org)
   • Discusses how language discrimination affects students and proposes solutions for inclusive education.
2. “The Costs of Code-Switching” – Harvard Business Review (hbr.org)
   • Explores the psychological and professional challenges of code-switching in workplaces.
3. “Language and Discrimination: A Study of Ethnolinguistic Prejudice” – Phillip L. Hammack, Journal of Language and Social Psychology
   • Examines how language-based prejudice shapes social interactions and reinforces discrimination.
4. “Code-Switching and Identity: Understanding the Social Implications of Language Use” – Bilingual Research Journal
   • Analyzes how multilingual individuals navigate identity through code-switching.
5. “The Stigma of Accents: How Linguistic Bias Affects Hiring Decisions” – Journal of Applied Psychology
   • Studies the impact of accents and dialects on job opportunities and professional advancement.
6. U.S. Census Bureau Data on Language Use in the United States (census.gov)
   • Provides statistical insights into linguistic diversity and the prevalence of non-English languages spoken in the U.S.

These sources will help me build a well-rounded argument by incorporating real-world data, expert research, and personal narratives about language discrimination and identity.