An Analysis of Code-Switching in English Classroom Interaction at SMA Swasta Al-Maksum Percut Sei Tuan

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the types and functions of code switching in English learning interactions at Al-Maksum Private High School, Percut Sei Tuan. This phenomenon is motivated by the high intensity of language switching in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes in Indonesia, where teachers and students routinely switch between English and Indonesian. Using a qualitative descriptive design, research data were collected through video recordings of lessons in grade XI and semi-structured interviews with the in-charge teacher. Data analysis applied Poplack's (1980) typology framework for classifying types of code switching and Gumperz's (1982) functional theory to identify its communicative function. The results showed that there were 21 code switching data covering three types of switching: intra-sentential switching was the most dominant with 13 findings (61.9%), followed by inter-sentential switching with 5 findings (23.8%), and tag switching with 3 findings (14.3%). Furthermore, the six functions of code switching according to Gumperz (1982) were confirmed through interview data, with reiteration being the most dominant. This study concludes that code switching in the classroom is not simply a language barrier, but rather a systematic, purposeful, and pedagogically motivated communicative practice.