MULTILINGUAL PRACTICES IN THE EFL CLASSROOM: INVESTIGATING CODE-SWITCHING TYPES, FUNCTIONS, AND STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31258/ijebp.9.2.50-68Keywords:
Code-switching, Student's perception, EFL classroom, English Language Teaching (ELT), Classroom interactionAbstract
Code-switching, the practice of alternating between two or more languages within discourse, constitutes a significant pedagogical strategy in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction. This study examines the types and pedagogical functions of code-switching employed by English teachers across five junior high schools in Pekanbaru, Indonesia. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design involving classroom observations, semi-structured teacher interviews, and student questionnaires, the study identifies three types of code-switching: intra-sentential, inter-sentential, and tag switching. The findings reveal that intra-sentential code-switching was the most frequently employed form. Teachers primarily used code-switching to elucidate difficult concepts, maintain classroom management, and foster interpersonal connections with students. Most students responded favorably, indicating that code-switching enhanced their comprehension and created a more supportive classroom environment. Nevertheless, some students expressed concern that excessive reliance on the first language might hinder their English proficiency. The study concludes that code-switching, when used judiciously, can serve as an effective pedagogical tool that facilitates both cognitive and linguistic development in EFL classrooms.
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