The Analysis of Code-Switching in Classroom Communication at Junior High Schools in Yogyakarta

 

Margana

 

 

This paper deals with code-switching (hereafter CS) practiced by English teachers and first grade students in classroom communication at junior high schools in Yogyakarta. It aims to describe CS practices in English language teaching and learning. Further objectives include identifying the reasons for CS, investigating the factors influencing CS, and exploring the possible functions of CS. To achieve these objectives, 60 English teachers and 240 first grade students from selected junior high schools in Yogyakarta volunteered to participate in this study. They were selected by purposive sampling technique. Data was gathered via questionnaires and classroom observations. The Instruments consisted of two questionnaires: a questionnaire for the teacher Cohort and another questionnaire for student cohort. Classroom observations were audio-taped to support notes taken during observation. Post hoc item analysis was employed to meet the requirement of validity and reliability since the instruments were not standardized tests. The gathered data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using the statistical software of SPSS. The results revealed (1) four significant reasons for CS, (2) three significant factors which prompted CS, and (3) that CS had at least 13 functions in classroom communication. The results of this study indicate that overall CS has a beneficial effect on English language teaching and learning. In addition, application of CS is not harmful since both English teachers and First grade students benefit from its use.

 

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Margana. (2004). The analysis of code-switching in classroom communication at junior high schools in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Proceedings of the CLaSIC 2004 Conference (pp. 518-538). Singapore: Centre for Language Studies, NUS.

 

 

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