The Influence of Code Switching on the Comprehension and the Lexical Acquisition of EFL Learners

Abstract

The present research work deals mainly with the influence of code switching on the comprehension and the lexical acquisition of EFL learners. It aims at determining that code switching, which is considered as a sociolinguistic phenomenon, can be used as a learning strategy that enhances the English language learning. To reach this end, two questionnaires have been administered to fifty four students and ten teachers, respectively, at the English department at the University of Tlemcen. The analysis of the findings shows that code switching develops the learners’ language skills and improves the understanding of the students. Besides, code switching helps the teachers in conveying the meaning easily. As a result, language shift in EFL classrooms ameliorates the learning and it can be an efficient learning strategy if rationally used.