Perceptions of Code Switching in a Multilingual Language Classroom in Morocco

Abstract

In this work students’ perceptions for code switching during group work in a multilingual classroom in Morocco are analyzed. This study is inspired by real time classroom experience. It reports on qualitative and quantitative data collected through an online survey, involving 50 participants. 80% of the respondents are multilingual in English, Arabic, Darija, and French, while 20% are monolingual in English. Casual observation of group discussions revealed that code switching occurred often during group discussion. This study confirms that 70% of students in this study switch codes during group discussions. Among students who do not understand the lingua franca, 79% feel left out and unheard during group discussions, when code switching occurs. Respondents mention the functions of code switching, which are; to fill in communication gaps that result from deficiency in English and to mitigate difficulties of explaining unfamiliar content, concepts, and ideas. Finally, this study finds that technology helps to close communication gaps in multilingual group tasks. The most frequently used technology tools in this study are Power Point, at 47%, and Word at 23%. Language translation tools are also mentioned as important.