A Study On Teachers’ Code-switching In Vocational College EFL Class

Researches on EFL teachers’ code-switching have been gradually increased.Few empirical studies have examined vocational colleges.While extensive investigations examined positive role of code-switching in EFL class,some argues the over use of native language brings negative influence.Therefore,by adopting a mixed-method approach,this paper studies status quo of EFL teachers’code-switching in Xinjiang Vocational Colleges.The present study aims to explore and answer the following questions:(i)What is the frequency and quantity of teachers’ code-switching in Vocational Colleges of Xinjiang?(ii)What are the attitudes of teachers and students toward code-switching?(iii)What factors influence teachers’ code-switching in class?(iv)What functions does code-switching have in English class?The study was conducted by four stages:(i)Different attitudes were summarized by reviewing and combing the literature from domestic and abroad;(ii)Freshmen,sophomores and EFL teachers from Urumqi Vocational University(UVU.),in the second term of the 2015-2016 academic year participated the questionnaire survey.After 110 copies of students’ questionnaires were given and collected,the incomplete ones were discarded;only 103 copies were finally selected.17 copies of teachers’questionnaires were distributed and collected.(iii)Six EFL teachers(Chinese is their first language)of UVU.are asked to be recorded while they gave lectures and were interviewed later.(iv)Data collected was analyzed by SPSS 17.0.Based on the results of questioners we analyze factors,functions,and attitudes toward code-switching.Based on the results of recording and interviews,frequency and quantity of teachers’ code-switching are studied.The researching result has answered the above questions.(i)The average of frequency of teachers’code-switching is 52.8(times)during 100 minutes(Two fifty-minute sessions).The average quantity of teachers’ Chinese code is 41 minutes and 3 seconds during 100 minutes.It seems that EFL teachers underestimate the frequency and quantity of their code-switching.In other words,code-switching is over used in Xinjiang Vocational Colleges.(ii)76.5%teachers and 79.6%students hold the positive attitudes toward code-switching in EFL.While 13.6%students hold the attitude of "neutral"and 6.8%students and 23.5%teachers hold the opposing attitudes toward code-switching in EFL.(iii)There are seven factors highly influence teachers’ code-switching.A.Differences between languages and cultures;B.The grade students studying in(sophomore or junior year);C.Teaching materials(text book);D.Different courses;E.English proficiency of students;F.The factors of teaching situation;G.Different cognition factors of teachers and students.(iv)Teachers and students strongly agree with the functions of code-switching on vocabulary gap-filling;emphasizing importance;giving furthermore explanation and active the classroom atmosphere.Finally,on the basis of findings,the thesis puts forward some principles for teachers to follow in order to use code-switching timely and appropriately,employ code-switching with teaching functions in Vocational colleges of Xinjiang.(i)Target-language priority principle.(ii)Use the native language as a marked code instead of unconscious.(iii)Control use of native language at appropriate time.(iv)Raising English teacher’s language awareness.