This paper discusses the widespread phenomenon of code switching in the teacher's speech communication in a foreign language classroom. The purpose of the study is to identify the functional features of code switching in the teacher's speech in the process of teaching the foreign language for specific purposes. The authors paid special attention to the experience of the Russian and foreign researchers in the field of studying code switching, approaches to defining the concept of "code switching", studying its types, characteristics, functions, and teachers' opinions about code switching in foreign language classes. The analyzed data contained several functions code switching in foreign language classrooms, classified by us as: 1) repeating; 2) explaining; 3) attracting attention; 4) linking the material to the context; 5) controlling; 6) establishing personal contact; 7) using informal speech; 8) praising and encouraging. The findings indicate that the code-switching functions in teachers' speech communication is caused by the need to both regulate the educational process and manage pedagogical activities, as well as support interpersonal communication.
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