Code Switching in EFL Classroom Interaction. A Study at One of Senior High Schools in Watansoppeng, South Sulawesi

ABSTRACT The objectives of this research are: (1) to explore the types of code switching used by the teachers and students in EFL classroom interaction; (2) to determine the functions of code switching performed by the teachers and students in EFL classroom interaction; (3) to determine the students’ perceptions toward code switching in the classroom. This research is qualitative research. This research was done in SMAN 1 Watansoppeng. The participants of this research were two teachers and two classes namely class X.5 and X.6 of SMAN 1 Watansoppeng in the academic year 2015/2016. To collect the data, the researcher used classroom observation and interview. In analysing the data, the researcher used qualitative data analysis according to Miles and Huberman (1994) and combined it with discourse analysis. The findings of this research indicated that (1) The teachers and students used three types of code switching according to Poplack (1980): intersentential, intrasentential, and tag switching in classroom interaction. Furthermore, in the represented school, the influence of indigenous or local language cannot be avoided in the classroom. Indonesian that is used by the teachers and students are Indonesian that is influenced by Bugis and Makassar. (2) There are thirteen functions of code switching discovered during the teaching and learning process in classroom interaction namely checking for understanding, lapses, grammar explanation, pronunciation practice, explaining the meaning of vocabulary, reiteration, topic switch, polite command, speech connective, interjection to get the students’ attention, emphasize certain word or a point in the conversation, floor-holding, and requesting help. (3) The students think that code switching may be considered as a useful and good instructional strategy in classroom interaction if the aim is to make the meaning clear and to transfer the knowledge to the students in an efficient way