Pioneer: Journal of Language and Literature
Vol 17 No 2 (2025)

Code-switching practices and language preferences among multilingual learners in the English classroom

Putri, Karisma (Unknown)
Rachman, Poppy (Unknown)
Zainuddin, Zainuddin (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study examines the use of code-switching in English classroom instruction at Sekolah Indonesia Kuala Lumpur (SIKL), a transnational Indonesian school where English, Malay, and Indonesian are routinely used. Employing a qualitative descriptive research design, data were collected through four weeks of classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with three English teachers and selected students (Grades 10–12), and analysis of instructional documents and school language policies. The findings indicate that code-switching serves three main functions: pedagogical, social, and managerial. Pedagogically, it is used to clarify instructions, explain unfamiliar concepts, and support students’ comprehension. Socially, code-switching facilitates classroom interaction and encourages student participation. Managerially, it assists teachers in managing classroom routines and transitions. These findings suggest that code-switching functions as a strategic communicative resource in multilingual classrooms rather than as an indicator of linguistic deficiency. The study contributes to discussions on multilingual pedagogy by highlighting how code-switching supports instructional effectiveness in overseas Indonesian school contexts.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

pioneer

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Pioneer is a journal of language and literature which provides academics and practitioners with the opportunities to put out their ideas, theoretical applications, data analyses, discourses, and literary criticisms. This journal is managed by Faculty of Letters, University of Abdurachman Saleh ...