Exploring Code-Switching Practices in Vietnamese C
Exploring Code-Switching Practices in Vietnamese C
Submission Track:
Received: 15-04-2024, Final Revision: 01-06-2024, Available Online: 25-06-2024
ABSTRACT
This study delves into the nuanced practice of code-switching (CS) in English as a Foreign
Language (EFL) classrooms in Vietnam, examining its implications for language learning from
both educators' and learners' perspectives. Through a mixed-methods approach involving
surveys and interviews with 225 ESL students and eight experienced ESL lecturers at a
renowned public university in Ho Chi Minh City, this research illuminates the multifaceted role
of CS in enhancing comprehension, engagement, and linguistic proficiency. The findings reveal
a general preference among students for a balanced use of English and Vietnamese,
underscoring the pedagogical value of strategic CS in facilitating understanding and reducing
the affective filter in language learning. Educators' narratives highlight the benefits and
challenges of CS in maintaining English exposure while accommodating diverse learner needs.
The study also uncovers emerging issues, such as the impact of digital and online learning
environments on CS practices and the influence of external expectations on educators' language
use decisions. By integrating insights from existing literature, this research contributes to a
deeper understanding of the dynamic interplay between language use and educational
outcomes in bilingual settings, advocating for flexible, learner-centered teaching approaches
that accommodate the evolving landscape of language education.
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INTRODUCTION
The use of code-switching (CS) has garnered significant attention from both national
and international scholars. Despite numerous research endeavors conducted on CS in
various contexts, such as Aparece and Bacasmot (2023), Gallagher (2020), Goodman and
Tastanbek (2021), Kumar, Nukapangu, and Hassan (2021), MacSwan and Faltis (2020),
Muthusamy et al (2020), Shafi, Kazmi and Asif (2020), Siddiq et al (2020), Zainil and Arsyad
(2021), most studies predominantly focus on countries other than Vietnam. These
investigations offer insights into why CS occurrences occur in ESL contexts and highlight the
potential benefits of employing CS in English language teaching. For instance, Aparece and
Bacasmot (2023), Kumar, Nukapangu, and Hassan (2021), Kheder and Kaan (2021) suggest
that CS can serve as a pedagogic tool to support low-proficiency students in language
learning, while the findings of Adler, Valdés Kroff, and Novick (2020), Shafi, Kazmi and
indicate its effectiveness in enhancing students' comprehension.
However, the applicability of these findings to Vietnam remains uncertain, as few
studies have thoroughly explored CS in Vietnamese educational settings (Dinh & Pham,
2020; Le, 2022; Nguyen & Yuan, 2023; Vu, 2021). Moreover, existing research primarily
focuses on teachers' perspectives on classroom code-switching, neglecting the valuable
insights from learners' viewpoints. Therefore, there is a crucial need for further investigation
in Vietnam to fully comprehend the intricacies of CS in ESL contexts.
Considering the gaps in current research and the distinct sociolinguistic environment
of Vietnam, characterized by large class sizes and varied language proficiency, this study
aims to bridge these gaps by exploring the viewpoints of both teachers and learners
regarding code-switching in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms in Vietnam.
This research offers an in-depth analysis of code-switching's function and influence on
language acquisition within this specific Vietnamese setting.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Definitions
Code-switching refers to the alternation between two or more languages or language
varieties within a single discourse or conversation (Gardner‐Chloros, 2020; Goodman &
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Tastanbek, 2021; Pintado Gutiérrez, 2021; Younas, Afzaal, Noor, Khalid, & Naqvi, 2020). This
linguistic phenomenon occurs when speakers seamlessly switch between linguistic codes
based on contextual, social, or situational factors. Code-switching can manifest at various
linguistic levels, including morphological, syntactic, and lexical, and serves diverse
communicative functions. It reflects the complex interplay of language and identity in
multilingual contexts and is a common practice in communities with multiple linguistic
repertoires. Code-switching highlights the fluidity of linguistic boundaries in communication
and underscores the dynamic nature of language use, showcasing how speakers navigate
between different linguistic systems to convey meaning effectively.
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(Gardner‐Chloros, 2020; Goodman & Tastanbek, 2021; Pintado Gutiérrez, 2021). This
approach fosters a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity and promotes cross-cultural
understanding among learners.
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gradually reducing reliance on the first language over time, teachers encourage learners to
engage more extensively in target language communication, fostering fluency and
proficiency (Han, Li & Filippi, 2022; Broersma, Carter, Donnelly & Konopka, 2020). In
summary, code-switching in the ESL classroom fulfills functions such as clarification and
comprehension support, cultural and contextual clarification, promoting metalinguistic
awareness, maintaining classroom dynamics, and facilitating language transition. These
functions contribute to creating inclusive and effective learning environments that cater to
the diverse linguistic needs of ESL learners, ultimately enhancing their language learning
experiences and outcomes.
RESEARCH DESIGN
This study adopts a mixed-methods approach to investigate code-switching practices
in EFL classrooms in 2023. The research method comprises surveys and interviews,
targeting 225 ESL students representing diverse language backgrounds and proficiency
levels, and 8 experienced ESL lecturers at a famous public university in Ho Chi Minh city,
Vietnam, providing insights into their perspectives and practices related to code-switching.
Convenience sampling was used to select students, ensuring representation across
proficiency levels and demographic characteristics. Purposive sampling was employed to
select lecturers with varied teaching experiences and expertise in EFL instruction.
To enrich the study with diverse perspectives, a structured questionnaire was
designed and distributed electronically to collect quantitative data on students' perceptions,
experiences, and attitudes regarding code-switching in English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
classrooms. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with lecturers conducted face-to-
face to explore their perspectives, strategies, and challenges regarding code-switching in ESL
instruction. Quantitative data from surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics to
identify patterns and trends in students' responses. Qualitative data from interviews were
analyzed thematically to uncover recurring themes and patterns in lecturers' narratives.
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FINDINGS
Students’ perspectives toward teachers’ code-switching from English to Vietnamese
language in EFL classrooms
Items 1 2 3 4 5
(strongly (disagree) (neutral) (agree) (strongly
disagree) agree)
1. I want a balance of English and 11.56% 12% 11.2% 56.9% 8.5%
Vietnamese.
2. I want teachers to avoid using Vietnamese. 20% 37.5% 0 20% 23%
3. I enjoy lessons when teachers use code 21% 19% 17.3% 19% 25%
switching.
4. I understand lessons better when teachers 0 11.2% 21.8% 40% 19%
use L1 to explain difficult points.
5. I lose motivation when teachers use L1. 21% 20% 21% 19% 21%
6. I can’t concentrate when teachers use 0 22% 21% 14.7% 42%
English only.
7. I understand lessons better when teachers 17.7% 21% 20% 21% 21%
switch to L1 to deliver new lesson.
8. I feel more active when teachers switch to 16.8% 19.5% 21% 21.7% 21.3%
L1 to assign tasks and assist me.
9. I have difficulties when teachers don’t use 0 12% 20% 42% 26%
L1 to explain new concepts.
10. I want teachers to minimize L1. 18% 25% 16.5% 21.7% 21%
For item 1, most respondents (56.9%) agree with the statement, indicating a general
preference for having a balance between English and Vietnamese in the context being
surveyed. The percentages of respondents who strongly disagree, disagree, or are neutral
are relatively similar, ranging from 11.2% to 12%. A smaller portion of the respondents
(8.5%) strongly agree with the statement.
For item 2, the distribution of responses shows a somewhat polarized view with no
neutrality. A significant portion (37.5%) disagrees with the idea of teachers avoiding
Vietnamese, suggesting they see value in its use in the educational context. However, a
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combined 43% of respondents agree or strongly agree with the statement, indicating a
substantial preference for not using Vietnamese in teaching. This suggests a divide in
opinions on the role of Vietnamese in the educational setting among the respondents.
For item 3, the highest percentage of respondents (37.5%) disagree with the
statement, showing a general preference against avoiding Vietnamese in teaching. However,
a considerable portion (43%) combined from those who agree and strongly agree, indicates
a notable preference for limiting the use of Vietnamese by teachers. The lack of neutral
responses (0%) suggests strong opinions among the respondents.
For item 4, the distribution of responses indicates a diverse range of opinions
regarding code-switching in educational settings. While a significant portion of respondents
(25%) strongly prefer lessons involving code-switching, there's also a notable percentage of
respondents (21%) at the opposite end of the spectrum. This suggests that opinions on the
use of code-switching in lessons vary considerably, with no single viewpoint dominating.
For item 5, the majority of respondents (59%), combined with those who agree and
strongly agree, indicate a clear preference for teachers using the first language to explain
difficult parts of lessons. A smaller portion of the survey participants either disagree (11.2%)
or are neutral (21.8%) on this matter. The absence of respondents who strongly disagree
(0%) highlights a general acceptance or favor towards the integration of L1 in teaching
challenging concepts.
For item 6, the distribution of responses is notable even across the scale, suggesting
no clear consensus among the respondents. This indicates that the impact of teachers using
their first language on student motivation varies significantly among individuals, with
roughly equal proportions of respondents feeling strongly one way or the other, and a
significant portion remaining neutral.
For item 7, the data reveals a notable division in perspectives, with a substantial
portion (42%) strongly feeling that exclusive use of English by teachers hinders their
concentration. On the other hand, 22% do not believe that using only English impacts their
ability to focus. The neutral responses (21%) suggest that for some, the language of
instruction might not significantly influence their concentration levels. The absence of strong
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DISCUSSIONS
The exploration of code-switching within Vietnamese classrooms unveils a complex
interplay between this study's empirical findings and the wider academic conversation, as
highlighted by the existing body of work on bilingual education and language teaching
methodologies. This analysis weaves together these insights into cohesive themes,
grounding them in the academic milieu through relevant literature citations.
A central theme emerging from both this study and extant research is the call for a
nuanced use of the first language (L1) and the target language (L2), advocating for their
balanced integration. This alignment is reflected in participants' preferences for seamlessly
combining English and Vietnamese, mirroring the strategies endorsed by scholars like
Goodman and Tastanbek (2021), and Ezeh, Umeh, and Anyanwu (2022). They advocate for
the judicious use of L1 to support learning and improve understanding. Positive student
responses to this approach, noted in research by Han, Li, and Filippi (2022), and Nguyen,
Yuan, and Seed (2022), highlight the pedagogical benefits of using L1 as an auxiliary tool in
language learning, demonstrating its role in fostering an inclusive and engaging educational
atmosphere.
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CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on bilingual
education and language teaching strategies, offering valuable insights into the complex
interplay between code-switching practices and language learning outcomes in Vietnamese
EFL classrooms. The findings advocate for a nuanced understanding of code-switching,
emphasizing its potential benefits while acknowledging the need for strategic application to
cater to diverse learner needs and evolving educational contexts. To address the nuanced
role of language in education, future actions could include developing a balanced code-
switching framework, enhancing teacher training on effective bilingual strategies, and
engaging parents to understand the benefits of a bilingual approach. Further research on
code-switching's long-term effects on language proficiency is essential. Creating customized
bilingual learning materials and leveraging technology can provide adaptive support for
individual learners. Educational policies should be revisited to encourage strategic native
language use, complemented by regular student feedback to tailor teaching methods.
Additionally, fostering cross-cultural competencies and establishing professional networks
for educators can promote shared learning and best practices in bilingual education,
ultimately enhancing student learning experience and outcomes.
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