Why does Calpurnia's way of speaking change when she is around other black people? Does this change make her honest or hypocritical?

The Finch's housekeeper, Calpurnia, lives in two different worlds. During the day, she exists in a white world and as such she presents herself in a very formal, proper way. As Calpurnia is a major authority figure in their lives, Jem and Scout are accustomed to seeing her behave in this way, which is why they are surprised when they accompany her to her church and see her behave in a very different way around...

The Finch's housekeeper, Calpurnia, lives in two different worlds. During the day, she exists in a white world and as such she presents herself in a very formal, proper way. As Calpurnia is a major authority figure in their lives, Jem and Scout are accustomed to seeing her behave in this way, which is why they are surprised when they accompany her to her church and see her behave in a very different way around other black people.

When considering Cal's dramatic shift in behavior or personality, it's important to remember the era in which the story takes place. Prior to racial integration, it was very common for whites and blacks to occupy different worlds. When these worlds did overlap, as in the case of Calpurnia working for a white family, black people often had to present themselves in a formal and deferential way or risk losing their jobs or worse. For that reason, Jem and Scout have never seen the side of Cal's identity and personality that comes out during her argument at church, where she is free to express herself without fear of losing her job or angering white people.

Additionally, Cal's job puts her in a difficult social position. She is very loyal to Atticus and the children, which some people could have perceived as a kind of betrayal of the black community.

In terms of whether she is being honest or hypocritical, the reader can interpret her change in behavior as being a more authentic representation of her identity and a demonstration of the conflict she feels as a result of being in two worlds. Throughout the story, she is a strong person who has no difficulty asserting herself. The only difference is the cultural limitations that are imposed upon her, which determine the ways in which she is able to assert herself.