Code-Switching As A Teaching Strategy in English Language Classrooms: Exploring Students' Attitudes and Perceptions
Code-Switching As A Teaching Strategy in English Language Classrooms: Exploring Students' Attitudes and Perceptions
In English language classrooms, switching between students learn. Chimbganda and Mokgwathi (2012)
two (2) languages may happen in a student-to-student have purported the same idea, saying that students’ L1
or student-to-teacher discourse and vice versa. is often exploited to promote a better understanding of
Hutauruk (2016) pointed out that code-switching is L2. This illustrates the mutually supportive role of L1
when involved parties use two (2) or more languages and L2 in language teaching.
alternately in the same utterance or conversation (p.7).
This implies that in code-switching, communication In Pakistan, Tabassum et al. (2020) claim that code-
participants utilize the elements of more than one (1) switching is a predominantly recognized occurrence in
language in conveying a single idea or thought in a classrooms as many teachers, instructors, and students
language situation. This same belief is purported by shift from English to Urdu or any other native
Memory et al. (2018), stating that code-switching is language to achieve varied functions. In Indonesian
the use of two (2) or more languages interchangeably classrooms, as observed by Waris (2012), code-
in teaching and learning for easy acquisition of switching becomes a strategy for teachers to help
knowledge by learners. students develop their skills in the English language.
This was further elucidated in a study conducted by
Unsurprisingly, the level of code-switching and the Fachriya (2017) in an ESL classroom in Indonesia
occasions when such a phenomenon occurs relies where she found that the lecturer and her students
heavily on the individuals involved, including gender code-switch to clarify, reiterate, or repeat a point,
and the interpersonal relationships between the explain, ask questions, translate, check for
participants (Thapaliya, 2007). In addition, the extent understanding, emphasize a language element, infer,
of code-switching differs from one communication develop vocabulary, and discuss student tasks. Other
situation to another, which also means that varying identified functions of code-switching in Fachriya’s
contexts may result in diverse types of code-switching. (2017) study include giving feedback, aiding
This is further elucidated by Skiba (1997), who points memorization, managing the class, entertaining the
out that in a normal conversation between two (2) class, and general communication functions. In another
bilinguals, code-switching consists of 84% percent study, Mujiono et al. (2013) revealed that among other
single word switches, 10% phrase switches, and 1% functions, code-switching in EFL classrooms is
clause switching. resorted to for giving instructions, showing affection,
creating humor, clarifying and reinforcing a request or
Poplack (1980), as cited in Martiana (2013), proposed command, asking questions, and giving suggestions or
that there are three (3) types of code-switching which advice (p.53).
are tag-switching, intra-sentential switching, and inter-
sentential switching. Tag switching or extra-sentential Undoubtedly, code-switching serves numerous
is i n s e r t i n g a t ag , a p a r e n t h e t i c a l , an functions in the classroom. In addition to those
exclamation/interjection, a sentence filler, or an previously mentioned, Memory et al. (2018) point out
idiomatic expression in one language into a sentence in that when teachers code-switch during lessons, they
another language. On the other hand, intra-sentential are helping their students to evaluate their experiences,
switching happens within a sentence, while inter- allowing them to remember relevant ideas that they
sentential switching is when code-switching takes can use to help them learn new concepts. This is
place between sentences. In inter-sentential switching, explained by Chimbganda and Mokgwathi (2012),
each sentence is in a different language. saying that teachers use the students’ L1 to increase
student understanding of English. However, aside from
Code-switching takes place in various situations for facilitating the teaching and learning process, code-
different reasons. In other words, code-switching switching may also fulfill certain affective functions,
fulfills certain functions that participants may feel, or such as creating a supportive environment and a sense
think are necessary for a communication situation. For of familiarity between and among teachers and
example, speakers code-switch to manipulate, students.
influence, or define a situation as they wish and
convey nuances of meaning and personal intention This paper investigated students’ attitudes and
(Sert,2005). In addition, code-switching is utilized to perceptions about code-switching in English
establish or delineate ethnic boundaries, hold attention, classrooms. The findings of this study will provide
and interest, and maintain or assert belongingness. In teachers with a better understanding of how students
a classroom setting, Wang (2022) suggests that L2 perceive code-switching in the classroom, so teachers
learners will inevitably use L1 in the learning process, can use code-switching strategically or avoid it
and teachers will also use L1 in the classroom to help altogether.
Procedure
This research used a cross-sectional survey design as it
allowed the researcher to collect data and “make Prior to the collection of data, the survey tool was
inferences from the population of interest at one point submitted to the Center's Translation and Self-Access
in time.” (Hall, 2008) This approach is convenient and Center (SAC) Coordinator for accuracy and readability
appropriate for this study as it permits the researcher to checks and translation into Arabic. After ensuring that
collect data much faster. Knowing that Tuesdays the tool was fit for purpose, the questionnaire was
between 12 pm and 2 pm is the common free time of distributed to GFP and PF students studying English
students enrolled in English courses at the University, during the semester and who were chosen via
the researcher approached those who were readily convenient sampling. Those students who were at the
available one Tuesday afternoon at the Self-Access SAC but did not give their consent to participate in the
Center (SAC). Those who were willing to participate study were not included. Similarly, the researcher’s
were given a copy of the questionnaire with an agreed- students who opted not to take part in answering the
upon time to complete and submit the filled-in questionnaire were also excluded.
document.
After giving those willing participants enough time to
Participants of the Study answer the questionnaire, the completed papers were
then collected, sorted, and analyzed according to the
Setia (2016) explained that cross-sectional study posed research questions. In particular, the responses
participants are identified according to set criteria. to each item were statistically analyzed by calculating
This study's main criterion is that participants are the mean or the average of the collected answers.
enrolled in an English course. Hence, the participants
of this study who were approached through
convenience sampling are General Foundation Results and Discussion
Program (GFP) students who were at the English
Language Centre (ELC) vicinity during that particular
This section presents, analyzes, and interprets the data
Tuesday afternoon and the Post-Foundation (PF)
collected for this study.
students studying technical writing with the researcher
as their lecturer. In this paper, all the participants are Students’ Attitude Toward Code-Switching in
enrolled in at least one (1) English course.
English Language Classrooms
Specifically, this study involved 69 PF and 58 GFP
students, totaling 127 participants.
Table 1. Students’ Attitude Toward Code-Switching in
Instrument of the Study English Language Classrooms
statements about code-switching and those sentences with code-switching. As it is, creating a positive
with the same meaning but are worded negatively are classroom atmosphere and ensuring a productive
highly corroborative. This demonstrates further that teaching and learning experience are multi-faceted
the respondents have a positive attitude towards code- processes that result from numerous factors and not
switching in English classrooms, and they feel that from code-switching alone.
such a practice can be a helpful strategy in teaching
difficult words or new concepts and that it may In a study conducted by Kumar et al (2021), they
positively impact their language learning experience. claim that inter-sentential code-switching is found to
help establish a bond between teachers and their
Students’ Perception of the Supposed Functions of students. While this study did not particularly
Code-Switching in English Language Classrooms investigate the same, the result shows that students are
more inclined to agree that code-switching by their
Table 2. Students’ Perception of the Supposed teachers makes them feel at ease and motivated as
Functions of Code-Switching in English Language shown by the mean of 3.6 in a 5-point Likert scale.
Classrooms This agrees with Yildiz and Su-Bergil (2021) who
claimed that code-switching is seen by students as a
positive contributor to creating a more comfortable
class atmosphere. (p.23) The same was previously
purported by Modupeola (2013) saying that code-
switching helps learners enjoy their learning because
they understand better, so they feel less stressed and
become more comfortable learning. (p.93) This was
further captured by Fachriya (2017) stating that code-
switching in language teaching has numerous
functions that support an effective learning process.
(p.154) Specifically, Tabassum, Rafique, & Akram
(2020) mention that instructors employ code-switching
to achieve certain functions such as topic shifting,
repetition of basic concepts, checking students’
understanding, managing classes, facilitating their
expression, and improving student’s language
competence. (p. 63)
teachers and students in the Philippines agree that the support code-switching, but at the same time, they do
use of code-switching facilitates understanding. Yildiz not disagree with its usage or whenever teachers
and Su-Bergil (2021) also claimed that most of the switch to Arabic while teaching English. For the
teachers in their study supported the idea that code- supposed functions of code-switching, students
s w i t c h in g is a n e ce s s i t y for clar ity and showed a neutral perception with the suppositions that
comprehensibility. This means that for the respondents code-switching facilitates understanding the English
of these previous studies, code-switching inside the lesson, creates a more enjoyable and interesting
classroom functions as a technique to increase English lesson, allows more focused learning, and
comprehension. The findings of Mujiono, et al (2013) creates a feeling of ease and increased motivation.
support this idea stating that the use of code-switching This finding indicates that the students do not agree
in English as a foreign language instruction can help that their positive learning experiences are necessarily
students understand English materials and minimize the consequences of the switch between English and
either students’ miscomprehension of the lesson or Arabic.
students’ difficulties in understanding the English
lesson in an English classroom. (p.63) Further, Code-switching is not necessarily considered by the
Chimbganda and Mokgwathi (2012) argue that the use respondents as a classroom strategy that has a unique
of two (2) languages in classrooms serves a mutually and observable positive impact on their language
supportive role and that exploiting the students’ L1 can learning. While they do not have a negative attitude
increase their understanding of the L2. (p.22) Cook, towards the practice of code-switching inside the
(2016) puts forward a similar idea stating that English language classroom, they have not shown a
students’ L1 can be an important element in producing definite agreement or explicit positive attitude towards
authentic L2 users. So, instead of avoiding L1 at all its use in their classroom. Their neutral perception of
costs, teachers should consider using it to help students the assumed functions of code-switching inside their
learn and improve their English proficiency. English language classrooms also means that they are
not specifically counting on their teachers to code-
Overall, the participants of this current study have a switch. While the result shows that students agree that
neutral perception of the supposed functions of code- teachers should explain difficult words in Arabic, this
switching inside the language classroom. This only affirms that code-switching is to be used only as a
indicates that the students are not in agreement with last resort for teachers. As was posited by Akkaya &
the identified supposed functions of the use of Arabic Aydin (2019) cited in Yildiz and Su-Bergil (2021), the
in their English class. However, the respondents do not central point of foreign language classrooms is how
find these supposed functions disagreeable as well. and where switching should be used. (p.25) Overall,
these results imply that students do not perceive code-
switching as an important factor in their English
Conclusion language learning. Thus, teachers may consider
avoiding it altogether.
This study looked into the attitude of students toward A comparative analysis of responses from beginners
code-switching and their perception regarding its and advanced learners of English may be considered
supposed functions in English classrooms. This for future investigations. This will allow for a
investigation involved 127 students enrolled in at least collection of data about students’ attitudes and
one (1) English course at the University of Technology perceptions of the supposed functions of code-
and Applied Sciences-Al Musannah (UTAS-A). The switching in their English language classroom from a
data were collected through a 14-item survey tool stratified population. Moreover, teachers’ perceptions
containing statements about code-switching that the of code-switching and the prevalence or non-
participants will respond to with either Strongly Agree, prevalence of code-switching in English classrooms
Agree, Neutral, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree. may also be considered for future investigation as this
study did not investigate these. Finally, whether the
The results of the study reveal that respondents have a
inclusion or exclusion of L1 in L2 classrooms is
generally neutral attitude towards code-switching
helpful or detrimental may also be considered as a
inside their English classroom although some specific
future research topic.
results show the students’ agreement or positive
attitude in favor of code-switching to some extent.
Similarly, their perception of the supposed functions of References
code-switching is neutral. These results imply that the
participants of the study at hand do not necessarily Alkhawaldeh, A. (2019). Education135Code-Switching Between
Al-Mahrooki, R. I. & Tuzlukova, V. (2014). English communication Mujiono, M., Poedjosoedarmo, S., Subroto, E., and Wiratno, T.
skills and employability in the Arabian Gulf: The case of Oman. (2013).
Pertanika Journal of Social Science and Humanities.
https://www.researchgate.net/journal/Pertanika-Journal-of-Social-Sc Code Switching in English as Foreign Language Instruction
ience-and-Humanities-0128-7702. Practiced by the English Lecturers at Universities. International
Journal of Linguistics, Vol. 5, No.2. macrothink.org.
Al-Riyami, T. K. & Dayananda, C. S. (2022). Parents' Perspectives
Towards Implementing English-Medium Instruction at Tertiary Parry, J. (2011). The L1 in the L2 Classroom. The ELT Exchange.
Education in Oman. Arab World English Journal, 13 (1) 145-160. https://www.theeltexchange.com/jason/The%20L1%20in%20the%2
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol13no1.10. 0L2%20Classroom.pdf.
Altun, M. (2021). Code-Switching in L2 Classrooms: A Useful Romburgh, M.V.(14 July 2022). What is Code-switching? Why we
Strategy to ReinforceLearning. Canadian Journal of Language and d o i t a n d How it's u s e d i n E d u c a t i o n .
Literature Studies, Vol. 1(1). pp. https://study.com/learn/lesson/code-switching-classroom.html
21-26.https://www.cjlls.ca/index.php/cjlls/article/download/13/9
Sert, O. (August 2005). The Functions of Code Switching in ELT
Chimbganda, A.B. and Mokgwathi, T.S. (2012). Code-switching in Classrooms. The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. XI, No. 8.
Botswana's ESL Classrooms: A Paradox of Linguistic Policy in http://iteslj.org/Articles/Sert-CodeSwitching.htm.
Education. International Journal of English Linguistics. Vol.2, No.2.
https://www.ccsenet.org/ijel. Setia, M. S. (2016). Methodology Series Module 3: Cross-sectional
Studies. Indian journal of dermatology, 61(3), 261–264.
Cook, V. (2016). Using the First Language in the Classroom. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182410
http://www.viviancook.uk/Writings/Papers/L1inClass.htm.
Skiba, R. (October 1997). Code Switching as a Countenance of
Fachriya, E. (2017). The Functions of Code-Switching in an English Language Interference. The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. III, No. 10.
Language Classroom. Studies in English Language and Education, https://tinyurl.com/2mdkcx5p.
4(2), 148-156. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v4i2.6327.
Tabassum, F., Rafique, H. & Akram, N. (2020). Functions of Code
Garcines, J.V. and Alvarez, E.H. (2017). Code-Switching: Boon or Switching in the English Language Teaching Classroom Discourse:
Bane? International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Perspectives of Lecturers and Students. International Journal of
Studies, Volume 4, Issue 8, 2017. pp. 1-10. https://www.ijrhss.org › English Language and Linguistics Research, Vol.8, No 2, pp. 47-65.
papers › 1. pdf. chttps://tinyurl.com/3cys49ud.
Hall, J. (Ed.) (2008). Cross-Sectional Survey Design. Sage Thapaliya, R. (2007). Code Switching in Secondary Level
Publications, Inc. (Vols.1-0). Classroom Teaching.
h t tp s :/ /d x .do i .o rg/ 10 .4 13 5/ 978 14 12 963 94 7. https://elibrary.tucl.edu.np/bitstream/123456789/7046/2/CHAPTER.
pdf.
Hutauruk, B.S. (2016). Code Switching in Bilingual Classes: A Case
Study of Three Lecturers at Bunda Mulia University. Journal of Wang, M. (December 2022). Using L1 in L2 Classroom. Research
English Teaching as a Foreign Language, pp. 69-86. ISSN: and Advances in Education, ISSN 2788-7057, Vol.1 No.6. pp.45-49.
2459-9506.https://tinyurl.com/rk8n886k. Paradigm Academic Press.
https://www.paradigmpress.org/rae/article/download/357/311.
Kumar, T., Venkanna Nukapangu, V., and Hassan, A. (2021).
Effectiveness of Code-Switching in Language Classroom in India at Waris, A.M. (2012). Code-switching and mixing (Communication in
Primary Level: A Case of L2 Teachers' Perspectives. Pegem Journal Learning Language). Jurnal Dakwah Tabligh, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp.
of Education and Instruction, Vol. 11, No. 4. pp. 379-385). 123-135. https://tinyurl.com/3rpyt7zt.
https://tinyurl.com/4rnh3x94.
Wibowo, A.1, Yuniasih, I., & Nelfianti, F. (September 2017).
Martiana, T. (2013). Examining Code-Switching Practices in Analysis of Types of Code-Switching and Code-Mixing by the Sixth
Hilman. Passage, Vol. 1, No.1. President of the Republic of Indonesia's Speech at the National of
https://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/psg/article/view/321 Independence Day. Progressive, Vol. XII, No. 2, ISSN: 1979-4975.
https://tinyurl.com/39dypme9.
Memory, N.D., Nkengbeza, D., and Liswaniso, C. M. (2018). The
Effects of Code Switching on English Language Teaching and Yildiz, I. and Su-Bergil, A. (2021). Students and Teachers' Points of
Learning at Two Schools in Sibbinda Circuit. International Journal View on Code-Switching in EFL Classes: A Balance or Imbalance
of E n g l i s h L a n g u a g e T e a c h i n g , V o l . 6 , N o . 5 . Paradigm? Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research,
p p . 5 6 -6 8 . h t t p s : / / t i n y u rl . c o m / 4 z c fp b c f. V16, N4, 2021 © 2021 INASED.https://tinyurl.com/yc2cc84j.
Modupeola, O.R. (Jul. - Aug. 2013). Code-Switching as a teaching Affiliations and Corresponding Information
strategy: Implication for English Language teaching and learning in
a multilingual society. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Annie Bangtegan Domede
Science (IOSR-JHSS). Volume 14, Issue 3, PP 92-94 e-ISSN:
2 2 7 9 - 0837, p - ISSN: 2 2 7 9 - 0845 chrome-
University of Technology and Applied Sciences,
Al Musannah - Oman