Students’ perceptions of teachers’ code-switching in English Medium Instructions Context

Abstract

English Medium Instructions (EMI) is a system that has become commonly adopted by numerous universities, and according to its specific peculiarities, EMI can deliver both opportunities and challenges to the learners. To prevent the challenges, some teachers implement code-switching into their lessons. This study is focused on students’ perceptions of teachers’ code-switching in EMI-context, considering TFL and Engineering students as representatives of students from Humanitarian and STEM faculties. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in this qualitative study. Eight participants: four students from the TFL faculty and four from the Engineering faculty, revealed their perspectives. The collected data was processed in thematic analysis. In conclusion, it was investigated that TFl-students’ perceptions of code-switching appear rather negative, contrasting with Engineering students’ perceptions. It was recommended for teachers to implement either code-switching or translanguaging strategically, in a deliberate manner, taking into account learners’ first languages, thus not leading to the phenomenon of discrimination.