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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
On Classroom Code-Switching
In the classroom, code switching may serve very particular purposes or
functions. Code-switching is a phenomenon that occurs when multiple languages
are used in the learning process to serve linguistic functions and ensure that
students understand instructions and content (Lee, 2016). Code-switching,
according to Bashir and Naveed (2015), can be used for a variety of purposes,
including content distribution, disciplinary management, sense of humour, and
tone switching. It may be used in bilingual communities to improve the
effectiveness and meaning of communication, particularly in second or foreign
language classes. Linguists have emphasized that switching between languages
is an interactional choice offered to bilingual members of a language system to
easily communicate thoughts, emotions, and opinions to others.
Al-Qaysi and Al-Emran (2017) stated that code-switching can be a
motivating and effective educational approach that can be used in the field of
education. Ibrahim et al. (2013) stated that a code-switching is a communicative
approach that bilinguals may use successfully to reveal socially influenced
connotations and grammatical patterns of one or more languages. They went on
to say that English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers practice code-switching
in the classroom setting for pedagogical purposes.
Lee (2016), also stated that code-switching is to help learn languages
depending on the requirements of the learners. According to Mochacha and
Lwangale (2020), it helps learners accomplish a range of purposes, such as
improving strategies and techniques to make tasks more understandable. Ataş and
Sağın-Şimşek (2021) indicated that code-switching is for improving
communication, explaining content, and managing classrooms.
Bhatti et al. (2018) studied EFL teachers' use of code-switching as a
language teaching tool and found that teachers used code-switching to follow
rules, translate unfamiliar words, and incorporate project delivery among students
in the classrooms. Altun (2019) found that teachers are resistant to using code-
switching in their classrooms to keep students from becoming reliant on the first
language (L1). Besides, according to Horasan (2014), code-switching was used
primarily for meta-language when discussing grammar or language tasks by
students and teachers. It was also a tool that promoted learning at the beginner
level and could be used to capture students' attention, but it should be discontinued
as proficiency levels rise.
According to Meutia (2021), code-switching is a "natural phenomenon in
(EFL) classrooms" that is employed for a variety of purposes such as explaining
grammar, managing the class, facilitating comprehension, translating unknown
words, clarifying key teaching points, giving instructions, and displaying effective
expressions.
Ijudin et al. (2021), who studied the role of code-switching in EFL classrooms,
concluded that code-switching, as a form of multilingualism, is required and
unavoidable in language classrooms. Lee (2016) also studied EFL School
teachers’ attitudes toward code-switching types and functions and revealed that
code-switching is preferred by the majority of participants as a method of assisting
students in learning English.
Furthermore, Puspawati (2018) investigated teachers' opinions toward
code-switching use and function in the EFL classroom. The findings revealed that
teachers were aware of the importance of code-switching in assisting students with
low L2 proficiency to understand L2 in the classroom. Furthermore, knowledge
construction and the transmission, class management, and the development of
interpersonal relationships with students were all code-switching functions
performed by teachers.
Moreover, Mochacha and Lwangale (2020) investigated the impact of
code-switching on secondary school students' mastery of English-speaking skills.
They concluded that because students' speaking skills are still developing,
codeswitching improves communication skills and gives those who are unable to
express themselves in a single language a choice to understand. Fachriyah (2017)
investigated code-switching functions in an English language classroom as well.
She concluded that code-switching was an effective tool for facilitating interactions
between teachers and students while teaching L2. In her study, she specified 14
code-switching functions: “clarification, reiteration or repetition, explanation,
asking, translation, checking for understanding, emphasizing a language element,
making inferences, developing vocabulary, class discussions of student tasks,
giving feedback, aiding memorization, class management, and entertainment and
general communications”.
On Class Recitation
Beyond its linguistic nuances, code-switching holds a positive influence on
enhancing learners' confidence and active participation within English classes.
This influence is often amplified by the role of educators in fostering students'
motivation to engage in discussions and recitations. Notably, Olivera's study
(2021) uncovered that encouraging the use of vernacular languages encourages
greater interaction among peers during group activities.
Evidently, code-switching contributes to heightened class participation
Ibrahim et al. (2013), stated that a code-switching is a communicative approach
that bilinguals may use successfully to reveal socially influenced connotations and
grammatical patterns of one or more languages. They went on to say that English
as a foreign language (EFL) teachers practice code-switching in the classroom
setting for pedagogical purposes. A similar viewpoint is expressed Willis (2021),
believes that using one's mother tongue has a positive and important effect on
improving the target language. As a result, code-switching has emerged as a key
research subject in the area of EFL classrooms.
In addition to its pedagogical role in teaching and learning, code-switching
notably influences the overall classroom ambiance, particularly evident in graded
recitations. The classroom setting reveals instances where both teachers and
students engage in code-switching to motivate a reciting student. This practice
appears to draw upon the concept of "we-code" among students, creating an
environment akin to interactions among friends. Consequently, code-switching
during graded recitation fosters a comfortable and casual atmosphere, lightening
the mood and alleviating tension within the class.
In essence, the utilization of code-switching not only enriches the learning
experience but also contributes to the modification of classroom dynamics. By
encouraging students to leverage their linguistic repertoire and engage in their
preferredlanguages,educatorsfacilitateamoreinclusiveandinteractivelearning
environment. This, in turn, enhances students' self-assurance, participation, and
overall sense of belonging within the classroom community.
On Class Demonstration
In the context of higher education institutions, classroom communication
predominantly takes the form of oral presentations, involving interactions among
peers or between lecturers and students. Lecturers commonly rely on oral
presentations to deliver their lessons, and students are often required to present
their work as part of their assessments. During these oral presentations and class
demonstrations, students occasionally switch languages to communicate
information about their assignments and projects. Past research, such as Maftoon
and Amjadiparvar (2018) indicate, this alternation is considered predetermined
result of mastering different language varieties and has always been seen in
multilingual communities.
According to Meutia (2021), code-switching is a "natural phenomenon in
(EFL) classrooms" that is employed for a variety of purposes such as explaining
grammar, managing the class, facilitating comprehension, translating unknown
words, clarifying key teaching points, giving instructions, and displaying effective
expressions.
In the Philippines, code-switching remains prevalent in higher education,
even within English language classrooms. Notably, code-switching is frequently
observed in oral presentations by students pursuing English majors. This practice
tends to surface when students face challenges communicating in English or when
they seek to ensure comprehension among their audience. Additionally, students
turn to code-switching when they aim to convey fresh ideas more effectively and
when they desire a heightened sense of ease in their communication. Yana and
Nugraha (2019) elaborate on the advantages of code- switching in the English
classroom. They highlight benefits such as facilitating easier comprehension of
materials, vocabulary expansion, accelerated English language learning,
comprehensive understanding of English sentences, capturing the essence of
learning materials, eliminating confusion, and fostering comfort and confidence in
the process of learning English.
Subon's study (2021) adds to this understanding by showcasing students'
positive perceptions of code-switching during class demonstrations. A majority of
participants agreed that code-switching aids in conveying new words effortlessly,
instills comfort and confidence, offers practice in the second language, enhances
comprehension of the content being presented, refines communication skills, and
contributes to language development in the context of oral presentations.
Moreover, participants strongly agreed that code-switching empowers them to
express ideas that may elude them in another language and is often resorted to
when the English word is unfamiliar.
In essence, code-switching is deeply intertwined with the higher education
landscape, serving as a natural and strategic tool for effective communication and
learning. Its advantages, including improved comprehension, enhanced
vocabulary, and increased comfort, resonate among students and educators alike,
ultimately enriching the educational experience within bilingual classrooms.
On Asking questions
Questioning stands as a pivotal element in the journey of learning, aiding
students in navigating the fusion of prior knowledge with new information,
ultimately forming coherent ideas. The questions students pose serve as
significant markers of meaningful learning and motivation, offering valuable
insights into their thought processes, conceptual comprehension, alternative
frameworks, uncertainties, reasoning, and knowledge gaps (Almeida, 2011).
However, there are instances where students encounter difficulties in
formulating questions. Especially for learners in the process of acquiring English,
grappling with sentence structure and grammatical organization can be daunting.
Their struggle to express themselves adequately due to limited vocabulary further
compounds the challenge. The fear of committing errors and facing ridicule from
peers or criticism from instructors often discourages students from posing
questions (Hieu, 2011).
In response, students often employ a pragmatic strategy to overcome these
barriers – code-switching or alternating between languages. This approach
becomesparticularlyprominentwhenstudentsfinditchallengingtoconstruct questions
in English, prompting them to switch to their native language. The study
conducted by Johansson (2013) sheds lighten this practice. Interestingly, it reveals
that even when students opt to ask questions in their native language, a significant
portion expresses a preference for the teacher's response to be primarily in
English, supplemented by their native language or a combination of both
languages. Only a minority indicates a desire for responses solely in English.
Evidently, code-switching emerges as a power fultool aiding students in
overcoming linguistic hurdles when posing questions. It is noteworthy that the
inclination towards English-dominant responses despite posing questions in the
native language underscores the importance of English proficiency in educational
contexts. In essence, code-switching not only serves as a linguistic bridge but also
reflects students' recognition of the value of English a same medium of instruction
and communication in the learning process.
REFERENCES:
hazaymeh, Wafa'A 2022. On Classroom Code-Switching RETRIEVED from
https://eric.ed.gov/?q=On+Classroom+Code-
Switching&ff1=dtySince_2022&id=EJ1353369
Al Tale, Mazeegha A.; AlQahtani, Faten Abdullrahman (JUNE 2022) On Classroom Code-
Switching from https://eric.ed.gov/?q=On+Classroom+Code-
Switching&ff1=dtySince_2022&ff2=eduHigher+Education&id=EJ1357574