Functions of Code-Switching Strategies among Iranian EFL Learners and Their Speaking Ability Improvement through Code-Switching

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 English Department, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

2 Department of English, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of code-switching on speaking ability of Iranian low proficiency EFL learners. Moreover, it was an attempt to show what functions existed behind code-switching strategies used by the EFL learners. To this end, 60 male and female Iranian EFL learners age-ranged between 20 and 30 participated in the study. Data collection instruments which were used were the Interchange Objective Placement Test, a pretest, a teaching material, and a posttest. The speech of 60 Iranian EFL learners was recorded while they were performing some picture-description tasks. Then, their speech was transcribed and analyzed. The collected data were subjected to independent-samples t-test. The results indicated the two main functions of code-switching were equivalence and floor-holding. Furthermore, the findings of the t-test demonstrated that code-switching was an effective strategy among low proficiency level EFL learners and it could increase their motivation and interaction in the class discussions. Thus, they can speak in a positive environment and speaking is not an inhibitory factor anymore in their English learning.

Keywords

International Journal of Foreign Language Teaching and Research
Volume 5, Issue 18
September 2017
Pages 97-109

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 March 2017
  • Revise Date: 25 June 2017
  • Accept Date: 08 August 2017
  • First Publish Date: 01 September 2017

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