English Language Education Journal
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): English Language Education Journal

CODE -SWITCHING PRACTICES IN EFL CLASSROOM INTERACTION

Dominikus Seno (Politeknik elBajo Commodus Labuan Bajo, Indonesia)
Maria Develina Linda (Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study aims to explore the use of code-switching in offline EFL classroom interaction and examine its functions in supporting students speaking performance. The study employed a qualitative descriptive design involving 10 students from the English Education Study Program at Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng. The participants were determined purposively. Data were collected through observation and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that students frequently used inter-sentential and intra-sentential code-switching when they experienced difficulties in expressing ideas, understanding complex materials, and maintaining communication during speaking activities. The participants generally perceived this strategy positively because it helped reduce speaking anxiety, improve confidence, enhance comprehension, and support smoother classroom interaction. In addition, linguistic limitations and psychological factors were identified as the main reasons influencing students’ use of code-switching. Despite its benefits, the participants emphasized the importance of balancing the use of Indonesian and English to promote continuous language development. Therefore, code-switching should be applied strategically as a pedagogical tool in EFL classrooms.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

elej

Publisher

Subject

Description

The English Language Education Journal (ELEJ) is a scholarly journal that provides a platform for researchers to publish scientific work. ELEJ focuses on publishing literature reviews and research-based articles in the area of English as a foreign language teaching and applied linguistics, with the ...