Code Switching in Sidang Munaqasyah: Lecturers’ Voices

This study investigates lecturers’ perspectives on code-switching during sidang munaqasyah (thesis defense) in the English Education Department. It aims to explore the reasons for the occurrence of code-switching and the factors triggering students to switch languages during thesis defense sessions. This research employed a qualitative case study design involving six lecturers who had experience serving as thesis defense examiners. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observations and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that lecturers perceive code-switching as a functional communicative strategy that facilitates academic interaction during thesis defense sessions. Code-switching was used to clarify meaning, maintain communication, support mutual understanding, and ensure fair evaluation. The findings also showed that students’ code-switching was influenced by linguistic, cognitive, psychological, and interactional factors. In addition, the study highlights the role of lecturers in shaping language use during the examination process. The study concludes that code-switching is not merely a sign of limited English proficiency but an adaptive communicative strategy that supports effective interaction in thesis defense sessions.