What is the term for alternating between two or more languages in conversation?

The term for alternating between two or more languages in conversation is known as code-switching. This linguistic phenomenon occurs when bilingual or multilingual speakers switch from one language to another during a conversation, often depending on the context, audience, or topic. Code-switching can serve various functions, such as emphasizing a point, expressing identity, or filling gaps in knowledge when a speaker might not have the vocabulary in one language.

Understanding code-switching is crucial in the study of child language acquisition, as it highlights how children navigate and integrate multiple languages in their communication. It's observed frequently in bilingual environments where individuals fluidly move between languages, demonstrating their proficiency and comfort level with both.

In contrast, code-mixing refers to the blending of elements from different languages within a single sentence or utterance, while language blending typically describes the creation of new words or phrases that combine elements from two languages. Bilingualism, on the other hand, refers to the overall ability to speak and understand two languages proficiently, rather than the specific act of switching between them in conversation.