THE ROLE OF CODE-SWITCHING IN TESOL: THEORY AND PRACTICE IN MULTILINGUAL UZBEK CLASSROOMS
Keywords:
Code-switching; TESOL; multilingual education; applied linguistics; classroom discourse; bilingualism; second language acquisition; teacher strategies; sociolinguistics; communicative competence.Abstract
This article investigates the role of code-switching in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), with a particular focus on multilingual learning environments. Code-switching, understood as the alternation between two or more languages within a conversation or discourse, has traditionally been viewed as a sign of linguistic deficiency. However, recent research highlights its pedagogical potential in facilitating comprehension, reducing anxiety, and supporting identity construction among language learners. The study explores theoretical perspectives on code-switching in applied linguistics and sociolinguistics, while also examining practical applications in TESOL classrooms. By analyzing classroom practices and teacher attitudes, the article demonstrates how strategic code-switching can serve as an effective instructional tool, especially in multilingual contexts where learners share diverse linguistic repertoires. The findings suggest that while excessive reliance on code-switching may hinder immersion, a balanced approach can enhance language acquisition, cultural awareness, and communicative competence.
Downloads
References
Auer, P. (1998). Code-switching in conversation: Language, interaction and identity. Routledge.
Canagarajah, A. S. (1995). Functions of code-switching in ESL classrooms: Socialising bilingualism in Jaffna. TESOL Quarterly, 29(3), 517–542. https://doi.org/10.2307/3588076
Cook, V. (2001). Second language learning and language teaching (3rd ed.). Arnold.
Ferguson, G. (2003). Classroom code-switching in post-colonial contexts: Functions, attitudes and policies. AILA Review, 16(1), 38–51. https://doi.org/10.1075/aila.16.05fer
García, O. (2009). Bilingual education in the 21st century: A global perspective. Wiley-Blackwell.
Gumperz, J. J. (1982). Discourse strategies. Cambridge University Press.
Krashen, S. D. (1982). Principles and practice in second language acquisition. Pergamon.
Levine, G. S. (2011). Code choice in the language classroom. Multilingual Matters.
Littlewood, W., & Yu, B. (2011). First language and target language in the foreign language classroom. Language Teaching, 44(1), 64–77. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444809990310
Macaro, E. (2005). Codeswitching in the L2 classroom: A communication and learning strategy. In E. Llurda (Ed.), Non-native language teachers: Perceptions, challenges and contributions to the profession (pp. 63–84). Springer.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
All content published in the Journal of Applied Science and Social Science (JASSS) is protected by copyright. Authors retain the copyright to their work, and grant JASSS the right to publish the work under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). This license allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the work, even commercially, as long as they credit the author(s) for the original creation.