Conflicts and tensions in code-switching in a Taiwanese EFL classroom

Raschka, Christine, Sercombe, Peter and Chi-Ling, Huang (2009) Conflicts and tensions in code-switching in a Taiwanese EFL classroom. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 12 (2). pp. 157-171. ISSN 1747-7522

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Abstract

This paper focuses on codeswitching (CS) as a strategy employed by teachers in their EFL (English as a foreign language) classrooms in two commercial bushibans or cram schools in Taipei, Taiwan. More specifically, we are concerned with the perceived functions of CS in the EFL classroom context and the extent to which these constitute sources of conflict and tension. CS can be evaluated both positively and negatively. Policy makers, at both the national and school level, tend to view CS as undesirable within the language learning classroom, favouring an ‘English-only’ rule. However, the prevalence of CS among experienced teachers seems to suggest that it has some positive function in the educational process. Functional and temporal analysis of transcribed classroom interactions reveals the strategic ways in which the teachers use CS to shape and guide their classes. We conclude that ‘English-only’ is a lazy rule in that it means that we do not have to think about when and where CS is valid and useful and where and when it is pedagogically invalid and less than useful.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Allied Health Professions (former - to 2013)
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Dementia & Complexity in Later Life
Depositing User:	EPrints Services
Date Deposited:	25 Nov 2010 11:10
Last Modified:	09 Jan 2023 17:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/13507
DOI:	10.1080/13670050802153152

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