Code-switching as a Linguistic Resource in the Fijian ESL Classrooms: Bane or Boon?

Abstract

Code-switching is an unintentional linguistic phenomenon that defines a shift from one language to another by the speaker of a language. This study will address the role of code switching to students’ L1 in their ESL classrooms and whether it expands interaction in these classrooms. Alternative language that is used in this paper for comparison and examples purpose is Fiji Hindi. The gap perceived in this area needs to be addressed towards the domains of sociolinguistics and applied linguistics in the ESL classrooms teaching milieu. Henceforth, the study draws on data collected from lower secondary ESL classrooms in the selected high schools of Ba, Fiji. The study has incorporated data gathering procedures: questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The findings ought to indicate that code-switching should be seen as an optimistic language learning strategical tool as part and parcel of the ESL classrooms discourse. The research is calling for sensitising teachers of ESL about the helpful uses of code-switching knowing the fact that Fiji is a second language speakers’ of English country. Therefore, the novelty of this research would call for methods and syllabi of teaching ESL instructions to integrate code-switching in a judicious and occasional manner, wherever possible in the English language curriculum.