Code-Switching among Malaysian University Students in Learning Comprehension

Abstract

This study is a quantitative research that aims to explore a topic related to code-switching. It is also to identify the function and impacts of codeswitching according to students’ perspective. A questionnaire survey consisting of two sections has been conducted and the respondents are among 30 students at various Malaysian universities from the age of 21 to 23. After the data is collected, it is then analysed based on the calculation method from Likert scale. The findings of this study are that codeswitching is positively recognized amongst Malaysian University students, as it is often used in lectures. They state that this method is applied by teachers to create a better understanding especially when dealing with tough and dry subjects. This study also shows that lecturers let the usage of code-switching help the students to understand better through their L1 when it comes to explaining technical terms of subjects that may be more difficult to understand in English. Their lecturers also announce assignment instructions using code-switching which helps them to increase their quality of work because they have a better understanding of it.