Taglish & Code-Switching Lesson Plan for High School | Activities & Media Analysis

Engage high school students with this comprehensive lesson plan on the art of code-switching and Taglish. This resource guides students (Grades 9-12) through defining the three types of code-switching, analyzing real-world examples from Filipino media, and creating their own scripts. Includes a practical mini-lab on APA citation for video sources. Perfect for Language Arts, Communication, and Filipino Culture classes, this lesson helps students understand language mixing as a powerful communication strategy.

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Lesson Plan: The Superpower of "Taglish" - A Guide to Code-Switching

Subject: Language Arts, Communication, and Filipino Culture

Grade Level: High School (Adaptable for Grades 9-12)

Time Allotment: Approximately 90-120 minutes

Materials Needed:

  • Computer with internet access
  • Notebook and pen/pencil or a digital document
  • Access to YouTube or similar video platform
  • Access to a citation guide website (e.g., Purdue OWL)

I. Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  1. Define code-switching and identify its three main types in your own words.
  2. Analyze real-world examples of code-switching in Filipino media to understand a speaker's purpose and strategy.
  3. Create a short, scripted presentation that strategically uses code-switching to connect with a specific audience.
  4. Apply proper citation rules to credit video and online sources accurately.

II. Introduction: The "Kwentuhan" Starter (15 minutes)

Let's begin by exploring how we naturally talk. This isn't a test; it's a warm-up!

  1. Watch & Notice: Watch this short, fun clip from a Filipino vlogger or content creator (Example: A video by Mimiyuuuh or a clip from a popular Filipino talk show).
    • As you watch, jot down any phrases or sentences where the speaker mixes English and Filipino.
    • Don't worry about the "why" yet—just be a language detective and collect examples!
  2. Discuss:
    • Why do you think the speaker switches between languages? Does it make them sound more friendly? Funnier? Smarter? More clear?
    • Do you ever talk like this with your friends or family? When and why?
  3. Introduce the Concept: This mixing of languages has a name: Code-Switching. It's not about "bad" English or "bad" Filipino; it's a strategic tool that expert communicators use. Today, we're going to learn how to master it.

III. Guided Exploration: The Three Flavors of Code-Switching (25 minutes)

Code-switching isn't random. Let's break down the three main "flavors" or types. We'll define each one and then find it in a real example.

Teacher Note: Present these definitions clearly, then work through the provided example together.

  1. Tag-Switching: This is the easiest to spot. It's when you "tag" a word or short phrase from one language onto a sentence that is mostly in another language.
    • Example: "Ang ganda ng movie, you know?"
    • Example: "Let's go to the mall, po."
  2. Intra-sentential Switching: This is mixing languages within the same sentence. "Intra" means "within." This is what we often call "Taglish."
    • Example: "I was so gulat when she arrived."
    • Example: "Can you make him tusok-tusok the fishball?"
  3. Inter-sentential Switching: This is when you finish a whole sentence in one language before switching to another language for the next full sentence. "Inter" means "between."
    • Example: "Tapos na po ba ang assignment? I need to submit it by five o'clock."

Activity: Detective Work!

Let's look at a transcript from a TV interview. Read it and label each example of code-switching with its type (Tag, Intra, or Inter).

"Hello everyone, and welcome to the show. Our guest tonight is a rising star in the music industry. She’s really amazing, diba? (Label: Tag) We’re so happy to have her here. Actually, I was so excited to meet her kasi I’m a big fan of her music. (Label: Intra) Okay, let’s bring her out! Please welcome our very special guest! (Label: None - Full English) Grabe, the crowd is going wild for you! (Label: Intra)"

IV. Independent Research & The Citation Mini-Lab (30 minutes)

Now it's your turn to be the researcher! Your mission is to find your own examples and, importantly, learn how to give credit to your sources.

  1. Find Your Examples: Find a short video (1-3 minutes) of a Filipino speaker online. It could be a news report, a vlog, a cooking show, a TikTok—anything!
  2. Gather Your Data: As you watch, write down at least one example for each of the three types of code-switching (Tag, Intra, Inter).
  3. Citation Mini-Lab: Finding information is only half the battle. Giving credit is crucial! This prevents plagiarism and shows where you got your ideas. We will use the APA (American Psychological Association) format, which is common in social sciences.
    • Key Info Needed for a YouTube Video:
      • Uploader's Name or Channel Name.
      • Year, Month, and Day the video was posted.
      • Title of the video (in italics).
      • [Video].
      • YouTube.
      • URL
    • Let's Practice: We'll use this excellent resource: the Purdue OWL guide for audiovisual media.
    • Your Task: Using the Purdue OWL guide, write the full APA citation for the video you chose.
      Example Citation:
      Mimiyuuuh. (2022, October 26). MIMIYUUUH TRIES POTTERY (KINAYMO KO NA ANG LAHAT) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxxxxx

V. Creative Application: Script Your Presentation (30 minutes)

This is where you put your knowledge into practice. You are going to write a short script for an oral presentation. Your goal is to use code-switching as a strategy to sound more engaging, clear, and relatable to a Filipino audience.

  1. Choose Your Topic & Audience:
    • Topic (pick one or create your own): "Why mobile gaming is a real sport," "My top 3 favorite OPM artists," or "How to cook the perfect adobo."
    • Audience: Imagine you are presenting to your friends or cousins.
  2. Write Your Script:
    • Write a short (about 150-200 words) opening for your presentation.
    • Strategically include at least one example of each type of code-switching (Tag, Intra, and Inter).
    • Think about why you are switching. Are you using "Taglish" to explain a complex English term? Are you using a tag to sound more conversational? Are you switching to a full English sentence to sound more formal or authoritative for a moment?
    • Highlight or bold your examples of code-switching in the script.
  3. Create Your "Works Cited" List:
    • At the bottom of your script, create a "References" section.
    • Include the properly formatted APA citation for the video you researched earlier.

VI. Wrap-up and Reflection (10 minutes)

Let's review what we've accomplished. Present your scripted opening aloud! It's fun to hear how the language flows.

Discussion Questions:

  • When is code-switching a useful tool?
  • Are there times when you think it would be better to stick to just one language? Why?
  • Now that you know the different types, do you notice code-switching more in the media you consume or in your own conversations?

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