The Cost of Code-Switching

An indictment of the racial terror that code-switching has wreaked upon people of color for centuries—and a vision for linguistic justice

What is it like to be taught that the language that raised you is unworthy of the classroom and the workplace? To be trained to switch in and out of yourself at will for bodily, social, and psychological survival?

Jamila Lyiscott grapples with these questions and offers readers the journey of awakening the wounds inflicted by code-switching. She compels readers to understand code-switching as upholding racial and linguistic hierarchies, unveiling its history of racism and colonial violence, and shows the powerful possibility of a world where we can be free from the surveillance of whiteness that occurs through language.

The Cost of Code-Switching argues for the healing of what Jamila Lyiscott calls Black Fragmentation—the spiritual, mental, and emotional fissures that result from switching in and out of home languages and cultures to survive white supremacy. Together, we learn that code-switching does not innocently permit us to move from one equally regarded language into another. Rather, it involves conditioning about who is barbaric and who is sanctified, who is delinquent and who is standard, who is professional and who is ratchet.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs