Code-Switching Used By Teachers And Students In Efl Classroom Interactions

Code-switching is a phenomenon that exists in bilingual or multilingual societies. People use more than one language to communicate including in the process of teaching English. In accordance with the English learning, code-switching can be beneficial for the English teachers and students. This present study aims to identify the types of code-switching, and to explore the functions of code-switching practiced by teachers and students in their EFL classroom interactions. In this approach, qualitative data was collected through observations and semi-structured interviews with two English teachers and four students in one Islamic boarding school in Banda Aceh City. The findings of this study showed that the types of code-switching were found in three types; tag switching, inter-sentential switching, and intra-sentential switching. In addition, the functions of code-switching occurred in the classroom that used by English teacher were found for some functions; translating unknown vocabulary, managing class, explaining grammar, expressing a stance of empathy or solidarity, and emphasizing some point. Moreover, there were several code-switching functions based on the results of interview. According to the teacher who used English most and students; conflict control, saving time, building students’ self-confidence, and as a bridge of good communication between teachers and students. While, the teacher who used Bahasa Indonesia most also stated the other functions of code-switching as entertainment and general communications, and handling the classroom.