Code-switching in University EFL Classes: Status, Reasons and Pedagogical Implications

This study examines the status, the reasons and the pedagogical implications of code-switching in university EFL classes. The researchers employed a mixed qualitative/ quantitative analysis using two questionnaires (one for faculty members and the other for students) and an observation checklist. 34 faculty members and 59 Male & female students from different levels at Jouf University responded to the questionnaires, and the observation checklist was applied to random classes in the four tracks of literature, linguistics, applied linguistics and translation. The results of the study showed that code-switching is usually used by students and faculty members for a range of both pedagogical and conversational purposes. From faculty members' point of view code-switching is necessary in solving problems and difficulties for students, as it makes students feel comfortable and less stressed during lectures; it also increases solidarity among faculty members and students. Whereas, the most common reasons for students' use of code-switching is to avoid misunderstanding during speaking with their professors.