In everyday communication, code switching has become a common phenomenon in places where bilingualism is the norm. As the methods and techniques of English language teaching are constantly being transformed, the potential role of the L1 needs to be considered. Code switching is a reality that cannot be ignored especially in a country such as Malaysia where English is learned as a second language. This study addresses teachers’ beliefs in the use of code switching among students whose L1 is Bahasa Malaysia (a national language) and the teachers’ role in the use of code switching in the ESL classroom. A 24-item 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was administered to 64 English teachers. The data were analysed using frequencies and percentages. The findings show that code switching is mainly used to facilitate teaching and learning such as to explain difficult words and meaning, to guide in making interpretations, to illustrate grammar rules, in editing content and in organizing and managing the classroom. In general, the teachers believe that code switching is advantageous for second language learning, especially when both teachers and students share a common L1.
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