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

Subject Areas :

Mahsa Shanehsazzadeh ¹ , Laya Heidari Darani ²

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

Received: 2017-03-05 Accepted : 2017-08-08 Published : 2017-09-01

Keywords: language proficiency, Speaking ability, EFL learners, Code-switching, Functions of code-switching,

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.