AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECTS OF CODE-SWITCHING IN EFL CLASSROOMS AT UNIVERSITY LEVEL

Abstract

Over the years, academics from all over the world have discovered that learning a language can face several challenges and limitations that typically lead to more serious issues. It has been revealed that for certain language learners, acquiring a second language can be traumatizing. One of the things that started this experience is feeling worried, tense, and apprehensive, especially when talking to people. It is the opinion of many researchers in all areas of language education and learning that using code-switching in foreign language classrooms promotes learning. Nevertheless a significant amount of evidence suggests that this impairs learning and prevents students of exposure to the second language. This study discusses teachers and students’ views regarding the practice of code switching in English as foreign language (EFL) classrooms at university level. It also discusses the role of code-switching to students’ first language (Kurdish). In order to reach a valid and reliable data, two data collection methods are chosen. Data is collected through a close-ended questionnaire to students and a semi-structured interview for university level language teachers’ views concerning code-switching. This study is conducted in Kurdistan, from the universities of Sulaimani, Halabja and Charmo. ‘112’ EFL learners are asked to give their responses to a 16-item questionnaire focused on the effects of code-switching applied in the EFL classroom. The interviewees are all Kurdish native speakers who teach English language at university level. The interview data is selectively extracted from the viewpoints of the instructors. The findings generally revealed that code-switching is employed by students in various circumstances because of their limited competence in the target language. In addition, the experienced instructors argued that code-switching can be used in specific restricted situations.