Code Switching Research. My Final
Code Switching Research. My Final
ABSTRACT: In every society, language plays a vital role in communicating with each
other as it allows speakers to expand their knowledge, deliver their ideas, opinions and
people who speak the language. Due to the growing trend in linguistic globalisation,
communities all over the world, speakers frequently switch from one language to
languages is known as code-switching. This study mainly focused on the views of ESL
learners on Code switching. This study was guided by the following research questions:
What are the views of the ESL- learners on code-switching in the class? What are the
reasons of the ESL- learners of code-switching? What are the perceived effects of
code-switching to English learning? A qualitative research design was used for this
study. The population consisted of 19 students major in English of Ifugao State University-
Lamut Campus. Data was collected using questionnaire, it was sent to the respondents
through this online medium. It was found out that Code-switching has positive effects on
learning and teaching. It helps learners to understand difficult aspects of the lesson
The linguistic phenomenon of Code Switching (CS) refers to the mixing of two or
attention among Filipino scholars. More specifically, there is this move to view Code-
Switching as a resource for teaching and learning, and this proposal was initiated and
classrooms throughout the world these days and students have positive and negative
Teachers use code switching to make students understand difficult and new
vocabularies in the text (Obaidullah, 2016) . They use contextual reference using
their mother tongue to make the topic more enjoyable. Teachers switch code
when the level of English used in the textbook or to be taught is beyond the
learners’ ability or when the teachers have exhausted the means to adjust his
speech to the learners’ level. Majority of ESL learners think that they get benefit
because of teachers’ code-switching and it helps in learning a language in a
According to Kustati (2014) Code-Switching help both lecturers and learners to identify
the relationship among language culture and education. Most frequently used function
translate and clarify difficult vocabulary and terminology. Another study also
learning behavior and attitude (Jogulo & Radzi, 2018). Accordingly to Bernardo, "a
Philippines should make teaching and learning in Philippine schools, colleges, and
anxious, nervous, frightened, and reluctant students as well as learners with low self-
the material.
On the other hand, Krashen (1985) insisted that the students’ L1 should not be used in
the classroom so as to maximize the exposure of the target language. The more the L2
exposure students receive, the faster the students learn Ellis (2005). Yataganbaba &
Yildirim (2015) also suggest that L1 should not replace L2. Some teachers are of the
opinion that code-switching should be used at beginner or elementary level only and as
classroom. A study byOspanova (2017) exposed that the majority of the students
perceived code switching negatively hindering the process of learning within the English
medium. Most of the teachers’ attitudes towards their own use of code-switching is
negative, like the students, they believe that code-switching lead to weakness of their
Yalun (2007) states that educators who are teaching at tertiary institutions especially at
student whose mother tongue is not English. This has forced them to use code-
switching in the teaching and learning process as a means to assist both themselves
Despite the wide use of code switching in teaching in the Filipino setting, listeners would
schools discourage the use of code switching and stress the use of English language.
This has created conflicts and tensions not only to educators and students but to policy
Many researchers have paid attention to the functions and role of code-switching in EFL
and ESL, although not much research has been conducted in English medium classes
no study that investigates both teachers’ and learners’ views toward code-switching in
English medium classes in IFSU. Considering these circumstances, the present study
study is a trial to fill this gap. The research is anticipated to be useful for other
researchers investigating topics on English language use. Finally, it will increase our
The result of the study is hoped to provide valuable information for the schools’ policy
makers, educators and all the other stockholders to gain deeper insights which will
may improve or hinder the process of language learning. While this study attempts to
lead future researches on code switching, findings of this study are expected to
1. What are the views of the ESL- learners on code-switching in the class?
A. Design
A qualitative research design was used for this study, and it was taken in a form
of interview method. Nassaji (2015) states that qualitative research is more likely to be
opinions and motivations. This means that qualitative researchers study things in their
Lam (2006) affirms that the use of observation and interview can be a means of
State University who were chosen through random and convenience sampling. Data
was gathered through messenger application as the questionnaire was sent to them
The respondents of this research were the English major students of Ifugao State
University. The group consist of 19 students, five (5) male, fourteen (14) female. The
allotted time needed for this study is about 10 months. The study was conducted at
C. Instrument
relative to the study was used as data gathering tool. The questionnaire is attached as
Appendice A.
The research study underwent initial analysis for approval of the study and its
components, especially its methodology. The researchers then sought the approval of
the teachers for the conduct of study and also sought the approval of learners to
Data were then gathered through structured interviews with open ended
questions to collect free information from the participants. However, due to pandemic
restrictions brought by the current virus, the questions were sent through messenger as
After the data were gathered, content analysis was utilized to analyze the data.
In the data analysis, the researcher will analyze and identify the data which were
gathered from the interview. The data will use the qualitative method by transcribing into
written transcript, and then identify, select, and also classify based on the analyzing
The Interview method will be used to find out more about reason of code
switching. Interview supported the data from the observation. The interview was
focused into the views of the teachers and learners about code-switching in classroom
discussion, what are the reasons of teachers and learners of code-switching and what
E. Ethical Considerations
provided with consent to participate in the research. The participants then willingly
participated in the study after they were approach by the researcher and the research
purpose and process will be explained to them. While it is common practice to request
written consent, Silverman (2009) states that highly formalized ways of securing
regard for participants will sustain. The purpose of the research will be explained to the
participants. It will be further explain to them that their information would remain
confidential.
English class.
Among the nineteen respondents, two general themes on utilizing or practicing code
switching in English classes were gathered. They view Code switching in a positive and
negative way.
Positive way.
many functions to help them encounter the obstacle during teaching and learning
process.
because people can have the opportunity to use 2 or more languages to communicate".
"I think code switching in English classes is somehow effective for the students to digest
more the lesson being discussed. I’m in favor for using it in every English classes as
long as the teacher knows how to let her students practice the language." said by
participant 18
when students have the difficulty of stating their ideas using the English language and
it’s a manner of simplifying concepts to make things more understandable." Said by
participant 19
They pointed out that code switching is beneficial for learners as an avenue for self-
expression especially when students have the difficulty of stating their ideas/opinions
using the English language and its a manner of simplifying concepts to make things
more understandable. Moreover, Code switching is good for English classes, in such a
way that students were able to understand well what the teacher was trying to say
because not all student is good in English or understand English languages. It support
the study of Ahmad & Jusoff (2014) that Code-switching serves as a mean to provide
low proficient learners with the opportunities to communicate, express themselves and
enhance their understanding of the lecture. Code switching also gives benefits to
students. Whether talking to teachers or peers, students need to clarify what is being
complex to understand they will more likely switch to find what they are confused about.
Negative way.
On the other hand, some of them negated the practice of code switching in teaching
during English classes. Their views were also appeared during interview as shown as
follows:
Participant 13 stated that, "Codeswitching in some classes is not bad at all. But when
you use codeswitching in English classes, the term English doesn't make sense. You
enter this English class to be able to enhance your vocabulary, grammar, ect., so stand
by that. Let yourself train using English even it is not yet good."
"As an English student, code-switching is not recommended in most of our classes. Our
professors promote the practice and usage of the English language in our class
classroom and learning situations, some reasons including the followings: They tend to
made code switching every now and then even in English subjects. Their self
confidence or self esteem will not be develop due to same old practice of code
switching.
From the excerpt it shows that code switching in the English class discourage the
mastery of the teacher and learners in using the English language while it is ironic that
they are entering an English class. In accordance with the previous study of Krashen
(1985) insisted that the students’ L1 should not be used in the classroom so as to
The participants were also asked why they practice code switching in English class.
There were two general themes that the participants pointed out, it is to express
The participants code switch when they were not able to express their thoughts through
english especially when they don't know the term of a specific word in english.
Furthermore, they codeswitch for them to express their thoughts and ideas clearly for
they are not proficient English speakers. The reasons of code-switching in classroom
Participant 8 said, "I use code switching because Im not yet good in using the English
language, so sometimes its hard to explain something and so that my partner will
understand me."
From those two excerpts, students showed their intention to choose code-switching
over because they forgot English vocabulary to express their ideas or they did not know
Students might encounter difficulty to express their idea because of having limited
Comprehension
"Well maybe when I use some words or maybe when I try to explain something and no
one most of the class doesn’t really understand and then I will switch to Indonesian just
difficult words to his classmates. In certain way, he wanted to make his classmate
understood the words by explaining it in their first language. Simon (2001) states that
consider some students who are not coping with the english lessons, and to help them
as well. That is the same reason for me as a student, wherein i use code switching to
express my thoughts well, whenever i find difficulty finding the word in english that i
From the interview above the function of code-switching serves comprehension for
student. Teacher might already explain the material in English but to ensure students
understand teacher tried to explain in their first language because the message of the
material had to be delivered well. It goes on with the student they codeswitch so that
their partners were able to understand them better. The study of Ahmad & Jussof
3.What do you think are the impact of your teachers code switching to your English
learning
It was found out that code switching affect the fluency (the ability to speak or write a
foreign language easily) and accuracy (the quality or state of being correct or precise) of
"I think this code switching hinder my learning in English language," said by participant
2.
"It has a big impact for me because I will not able to practice English language if the
learning within the English medium. Most of the students’ attitudes towards their own
use of code-switching is negative, like the students, they believe that code-switching
"We can easily understood the lesson, but we english student also be pamper in the
that practice code switching, instead of the teachers to give motivations to push us to
"As an English student code switching has its own advantage and disadvantage. It
encourages student to express their thoughts and ideas using another language aside
from English on the other hand it discourages the use of the target langauge," said by
participant 4.
Respondents give a view of the impact of the teachers’ use of code switching stating
that it helps them understand and learn better the lessons but also encourages them to
aspects of the subject. Using English as a means of instruction is really beneficial for
me it is not always necessary since many students are still having difficulties grasping
lesson with English instruction. So basically, it has a positive effect for me because I
This qoute implied that the use of code switching in a bilingual classroom seems
beneficial because it helps in explaining abstract concepts and in defining difficult terms
to students. This indicates that code switching makes explanations easy to understand
for the students by the teachers and it helps students to understand lesson contents.
From the passage it can be concluded that whether code-switching has valuable or
regretful opportunity in the classroom it has many role to help teachers and students
during teaching and learning process. Besides, teacher will not occupy other language if
it is not for the sake of teaching and learning process. On the other hand, it also hinder
the students in practicing the target language so the teacher will minimize the use of
Conclusion
In conclusion, ESL learners perceived that code-switching has positive and negative
students have the difficulty of stating their ideas/opinions using the English language.
However, some learners viewed that code switching in the English class should be avoided
in classroom and learning situations, some reasons including the followings: They tend to made
code switching every now and then. Their self confidence or self esteem will not be develop
due to same old practice of code switching. Moreover, it discourage the mastery of the
teachers and learners in using the English language especially that they are in the English
class.
Based on the findings, the reason why speakers use code switching during English
class is to help them better express their thoughts and ideas. With regards to teachers’
practice of code switching during English classes, some students see the benefit of this
enabling them to participate in lessons. It also helps them in making connections to their
prior knowledge, while it also encourages students to imitate such practice therefore, it
Findings revealed that the teachers code switching have benefits and disbenefits to the
English learning of the participants. Code switching of their teachers allow the learners to
understand the lesson but it also hinder the students in practicing the target language.
Recommendation
environment as per laid results of research that code switching help to ensure
understanding and learning of learners but should not be practiced from time to time
especially on an English class. It also help to set a pleasant and supportive relationship
Code switching also help the teacher to handover the material to the students
References:
Abdolaziz, R., & Shahla, S. (2015). Teachers and students’ perceptions of code
switchingin aviation language learning courses. International Journal of Research
Studies inLanguage Learning,5(3), 3-18.
Alang, N. & Idris, S. (2018). Students’ Perception Towards the use of Code Switching in
Teaching and Learning. Journal of Education and Social Sciences.
https://www.jesoc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/JESOC-KC11_005.pdf
Tangco, D. and Ricardo, N. (2002). “‘Taglish’ verbs: How English Loanwords
make it Into the Philippine Languages.” In Papers from the Tenth Annual Meeting of the
Southeast Asian Linguistics Society, edited by M. Macken, 391-
406. Tempe: Arizona State University, Program for Southeast Asian Studies.
Name: Date:
Year: sex:
Dear respondendent,
We would like to know your views on codeswitching in the class. Kindly answer the
following questions. There is no limit of answers and all answers are accepted. We
promise that all answers will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
For students,
1.As an English student, what can you say about code switching in English class?
3.What do you think are the impact of your teachers code switching to your English
learning?
APPENDICE B: Data Gathered from Respondents
Respondent 1:
Name: Moreno Malingay Jr.
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1.As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
- Of course students codeswitch to explain further the lesson or idea they want to
explain, not just students but teachers.
- we codeswitch because we have many language and that is normal.
3.What do you think are the impact of your teacher’s code switching to your English
learning?
Respondent 2:
Name: Emily Grace Lupai
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer is wrong.
1.As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
As an English major students, for me I think code switching should be avoided in classroom and
learning situations, some reasons including the followings:
• They tend to made code switching every now and then even in English subjects.
• Their self confidence or self esteem will not be developing due to same old practice of code
switching.
• As a future English educator it is very useful if as early as now they should be guided and
practice by the teachers to speak fluently for a betterment of themselves, and they will use in their
future careers.
I do code switching in times when I cannot express my ideas and opinions, and when my listeners
cannot understand the word (i.e highfalutin words)
3.What do you think are the impact of your teacher’s code switching to your English learning?
Respondent 3:
Name: Airheen Guinungo
Kindly honestly answer each question. There are no limit to your answer and no answer is wrong.
1. As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-Well code switching is good. Especially when you are in the middle of discussion or explaining your
side.
3. .What do you think are the impact of your teachers code switching to your English learning?
-We can easily understood the lesson, but we english student also be pamper in the that practice
code switching, instead of the teachers to give motivations to push us to practice to speak english.
Respondent 4:
Name: Lynette Gano
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer is wrong.
1.As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-As an English student code switching has its own advantage and disadvantage. It
encourages student to express their thoughts and ideas using another language aside
from English on the other hand it discourages the use of the target languages.
But then, try to minimize because as an English major, we are supposed to be one of
the experts in that language
-I as an English major I code switch sometimes to freely express my ideas in a way that
it fitted the way I think.
3.What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
-As an English student code switching has its own advantage and disadvantage. It
encourages student to express their thoughts and ideas using another langauge aside
from English on the other hand it discourages the use of the target langauge.
Respondent 5:
Rachel Gano
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1. As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-For me its okay for us student to be better understand the topic because not all student
is good in English or understand English languages.
2. As an English student why do you code switch?
-To share better ideas in other code if you know that most of the student understand the
lessons. Inorder words to express your ideas in a launguage that most students know.
3.What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
-It has a big impact for me because I will not able to practice English language if the
teacher code switch most of the time.
Respondent 6:
Sheila Panganiban
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1. As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-Code switching in classes may interrupt the focus of the listener and redirect his
interest of the topic being talked about. However, on the other side, is favorable in class
discussion for those who are struggling in straight English language.
3. What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
- Teachers using code switching in English learning can influence us as the students to
do the same, instead of practicing straight English however as a Filipino citizen, we
understand that as a more comfortable way in explaining the topic for better learning.
Respondent 7:
Edelle Grace Kimayong
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1.As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-Code switching in English classes are inevitably done in classroom settings here in our
country.
-One reason why most filipino teachers use this, is because they consider some
students who are not coping with the english lessons, and to help them as well. That is
the same reason for me as a student, wherein i use code switching to express my
thoughts well, whenever i find difficulty finding the word in english that i wanted to
deliver.
3. What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
-Code switching is a flexible approach to students, however, if this is used daily, then
the students may be used to it, and will affect their learning in English language.
Respondent 8:
AserBuhle
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1.As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
- As an english student, I think code switching in English classes is needed for further
explanation most especially when when we heard some deep english words for the first
time
Respondent 9:
ChoraMalingay
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1. As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-Code switching is good for English classes, in a way students are able to understand
well what the teacher was trying to say. However, if code switching is use everytime in
the class students wont be able to utilize and won’t be fluent enough to use the english
language.
- I use code switching because Im not yet good in using the language, so sometimes its
hard to explain something and so that my partner will understand me.
3. What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
-I think when teachers use code switching, I understand what they teach also it makes
me think its normal to use it in the class.
Respondent 10:
JovelynBaguilat
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1. As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-Code switching is important to every student even in english classes because not all
students are fully knowledgeable in using english terms, they might not able to express
themselves in english but is comfortable in using other languages.
Respondent 11:
Smith Manzano
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1. As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-As an English student, code-switching is not recommended in most of our classes. Our
professors promote the practice and usage of the English language in our class
discussions and presentations. We were told that we need to be communicative
competent in the English language. Hence, EOP is a better avenue or platform for
practice. Only one professor of mine allowed the usage of code-switching because she
believed that we could be more comfortable in expressing ourselves with this. Likewise,
I believe in that sentiment.
3. What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
-When my professor allowed the practice of code-switching in our class, the class’ level
of participation increased. My classmates became more active and comfortable in
expressing their opinions and stand. I do believe that EOP is good, but there are times
that students need a breather like a code-switching.
Respondent 12:
Sheree-annBunnan
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1. As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-Code switching is good for English classes, in a way students are able to understand
well what the teacher was trying to say. However, if code switching is use everytime in
the class students wont be able to utilize and wont be fluent enough to use the english
language.
- I use code switching because Im not yet good in using the language, so sometimes its
hard to explain something.
3. What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
-I think when teachers use code switching, I understand what they teach also it makes
me think its normal to use it in the class.
Respondent 13:
JellybethPuguon
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1. As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
- Codeswitching in some classes is not bad at all. But when you use codeswitching in
English classes, the term English doesn't make sense. You enter this English class to
be able to enhance your vocabulary, grammar, ect., so stand by that. Let yourself train
using English even it is not yet good.
3. What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
Respondent 14:
Inhumang Carolyn
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1. As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-Code switching is when the speaker alternates between two languages in a single
conversation.
-As a student code switching is often used because of the pressure that the students
experience when speaking.
3. What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
-Teachers and professors especially in the English courses does not allow code
switching. It is to maximize the fluency in speaking the English language.
Respondent 15:
Habilling Resen N.
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1.As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-Personally, Since I chose to be an english major I rather speak the language than code
switch. It would only depend on the classes you are in. Code switch is good to express
the thought freely but I shouldn't do code switch to practice my language skill, though I
might commit grammatical errors still it's part of my process to be proficient.
-In relation to my 1st question answer I don't do code switch for my English classes. but
if my professor will let us do the code switch, Still I would have tried my best not to
commit. Haha sounds bragging but that's the truth besides it is for our own language
proficiency.
3.What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
-If my teacher is the one promoting or like using code switch she/he might as well would
probably let her student do it. I mean its kind of not strict to stick on speaking the
language, her student would decode it as code switching is okay on her class
Respondent 16:
Tapo Janice Mae
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1.As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-I think code switching in English class is also a part of learning because given that this
language is not our L1 we need alternating language to substitute when we don't totally
express our ideas well.
-I as an English major I code switch sometimes to freely express my ideas in a way that
it fitted the way I think and to clarify opinion.
3.What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
-Although they practice using code switching in class they think that the impact of code
switching to them is that they'll do it more often that sometimes they'll forget that they
should be the model of the Language especially to us, English majors.
Also learners will not master the target language in terms pronunciation structure
grammar.
Respondent 17:
Joni Carino
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1.As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-What I can say about code switching is it is an essential way of expressing meaning in
other language to exactly point out what is to be understood. It is effective because
people can have the opportunity to use 2 or more languages to communicate. If having
a knowledge to speak more than one languages it is better to convey meaning.
-I code switch because I have known its importance. I generate benefits out of
communication demands. It is useful either as a teaching tool in EFL classrooms to
facilitate teaching and learning.
3.What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
-Speaking of impact for teachers, code switching has good consequences positive
effect and good outcome because usually students don’t have the full capacity to
understand what the teachers want to convey to learners so with this code switching it
may happen. Meaning of explanations by teachers sometimes it is difficult to grasp
because of vocabularies seldomely used.
Respondent 18:
Gano Elizabeth
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1.As an English student what can you say about code switching in English classes?
-I think code switching in English classes is somehow effective for the students to digest
more the lesson being discussed. I’m in favor for using it in every English classes as
long as the teacher knows how to let her students practice the language.
-To express my thoughts and opinion directly and clearly. My native language is
Ayangan so I am not used in speaking the language most of the time.
3.What do you think are the impacts of your teachers using code switching to your
English learning?
Respondent 19:
Eileen Bugnay
Kindly honestly answer each question. There is no limit to your answer and no answer
is wrong.
1.As an English teacher, what can you say about code switching in English class?
3. What are the impacts of your code switching to your students in their English
learning?
-So far, some if not most of my students are open to code switching especially those
who can learn and understand better. However, it has a negative effect for some who
have a high regard on English teachers. These students would expect that as English
teachers we should be role models on how we speak English-so that if u keep on code
switching are not a good English teacher for some-this relates now or affect how they
respect u as a teacher, they would associate intelligence with codeswitching when we
only want make concepts better understood, we are also being looked down for doing
so. I make it clear to the class codeswitching is a way to explain and simplify things not
to use English terms to impress our listeners.