WRITTEN AND ORAL CODESWITCHING PREVALENCE: FUNCTIONS AND DIDACTIC IMPLICATIONS IN ESL CONTEXT

Abstract

  Despite longitudinal studies conducted along written and oral codeswitching linguistic prevalence considering ESL context, none of the ensuing studies has attempted to propose a theory delineating the preceding occurrence committed by L2 interlocutors which add to the novelty aspect of this paper. The quantitative analysis redounds to the formation of philosophical data on the constructive aspects associated to codeswitching occurrence in ESL classroom despite its adverse impressions in the context of pedagogy. This paper predominantly explores codeswitching from L1 to L2 in a multifaceted milieu as it has hidden purposes and functions along the channels of communication. For instance, codeswitching for equivalence (Mam the villain in the story is “masama”, because uhmmm…. She done bad thing to the main character). After careful scrutiny, the study emphasizes that the highlighted linguistic prevalence should uncover its positive aspects for communicative competence sake. The paramount goal must always be the understanding of the text and glitches along the channels of communication must be deemed secondary. This practice has functions and purposes in the context of the interlocutors of the language itself. They do such for clarity, emphasis, emotion expression, and equivalence for the most part. The role of ESL teachers counts a lot to bring the students to a high level of communicative competence. L1 shall serve as a bridge to reach L2 fluency.