Code-switching in Vietnamese EFL Context: Attitudes of Vietnamese ELF Teachers, Educators, and Students

This study aims to investigate university students’, teachers’ and educators’ attitudes toward the use of code-switching (CS) in the Vietnamese EFL context. It also measures the relationship between students’ type and level of anxiety with their preferences toward CS. Participants were five teachers and educators, and 94 non-English major students from a university in Vietnam. Both quantitative (FLCAS by Horwitz et al., 1986) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) research methods were used to gather data. Results of the interviews highlight that both teachers and students had positive attitudes toward CS, claiming CS as an effective tool. This finding was in agreement with previous research and supported the use of CS in some situations (e.g. explaining complex grammar or vocabulary; medium of instruction; checking for understanding; expressing terms with no equivalent in L1/L2; showing solidarity; disciplining students; encouraging/ aiding learning process; saving time; and aiding students with low level of English proficiency). It also highlights that avoidance of CS is impractical and a natural process in EFL context. However, the educators in this study showed different views, indicating CS may hinder students from learning L2. Results of the questionnaire survey indicate a positive correlation between students’ type/level of anxiety and their preferences toward CS (r=.60). The results also reveal that students with high and moderate levels of anxiety preferred the use of CS in class to handle their test anxiety and fear of negative evaluation. Students with low anxiety, however, expressed negative views toward CS. Drawing upon the findings of this study, the article presents the benefits of CS in EFL context, especially for students with anxiety. It also suggests teacher training courses in Vietnam to offer supplementary advice and information about the use of CS in EFL classrooms.