Code-Switching as a Pedagogical Strategy in Arabic Language Teaching at the State Islamic University

Authors

  • Syahri Ramadhan Siregar Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang; Indonesia
  • Hasan Syukur Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang; Indonesia
  • M. Khozinul Asror Universitas Negeri Malang; Indonesia
  • Muhamad Fatih Budiman Putra Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang; Indonesia
  • Darul Jalal Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang; Indonesia
  • Ahmad Mukhlis Siregar King Saud University; Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37680/aphorisme.v7i1.9475

Keywords:

Arabic Language Teaching, Code-Switching, Pedagogical Strategy

Abstract

The increasing use of multiple languages in educational settings has intensified code-switching, particularly in foreign language classrooms. This study aims to investigate (1) the reasons why Arabic language students engage in code-switching and (2) the extent to which code-switching supports Arabic language teaching from teachers’ perspectives. This research employed a mixed-methods design. The population consisted of Arabic language students and lecturers from three Indonesian universities: UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, and UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. Using purposive sampling, 300 students were selected as respondents for the quantitative phase, and 9 lecturers were selected for the qualitative phase. Quantitative data were collected through a 21-item Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that the primary reasons for code-switching are academic, particularly to ask questions, clarify meaning, and compensate for limited vocabulary, while social and personal factors are less significant. From the teachers’ perspectives, code-switching provides pedagogical benefits, such as enhancing students’ comprehension of complex concepts and unfamiliar vocabulary. However, it also presents drawbacks, including reduced exposure to the target language and limited vocabulary development. This study concludes that code-switching functions as a strategic pedagogical tool when used selectively, especially at lower proficiency levels, but should be minimized to optimize Arabic language acquisition.

References

Aljarelah, A. K. (2024). Language and International Communication: The Impact of Language on International Understanding and Diplomatic Relations. The American Journal of Social Science and Education Innovations, 6(6), 144–175. https://doi.org/10.37547/tajssei/Volume06Issue06-23

Almoayidi, K. A. (2018). The Effectiveness of Using L1 in Second Language Classrooms: A Controversial Issue. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 8(4), 375. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.0804.02

Ayu Wulandari, P., Setiawan, T., & Fadilla, A. R. (2023). Alih Kode dan Campur Kode dalam Channel YouTube Londokampung dalam Interaksi Pasar. Jurnal Genre (Bahasa, Sastra, dan Pembelajarannya), 5(1), 56–65. https://doi.org/10.26555/jg.v5i1.7385

Devi Rafika Sari, Riski Janu Saputra, & Hafizaturrahmi. (2025). Code Switching and Code Mixing in the Communication of Arabic Language Education Master Students UIN Malang: A Sociolinguistic Study. El-Syaker Samarinda International Journal of Language Studies, 2(2), 96–104. https://doi.org/10.64093/esijls.v2i2.581

Dörnyei, Z. (1994). Motivation and Motivating in the Foreign Language Classroom. The Modern Language Journal, 78(3), 273–284. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1994.tb02042.x

Ellis, R. (2017). Position Paper: Moving Task-Based Language Teaching Forward. Language Teaching, 50(4), 507–526. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444817000179

Fadlil, M. Y., & Herdiana, H. (2023). Alih Kode dan Campur Kode dalam Komunikasi Formal di Pondok Pesantren Anharul Ulum Kawali Ciamis. Diksatrasia: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia, 7(1), 168–176. https://doi.org/10.25157/diksatrasia.v7i1.8569

Firdaus, R. M., Rohanda, R., & Muslikah, S. (2025). Blending Languages: Code-Switching and Code-Mixing in Academic Arabic Communication in Abu Dhabi. Arabiyat: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab dan Kebahasaaraban, 11(2), 203–220, 11(2), 203–220. https://doi.org/10.15408/a.v11i2.42319

Hanifah, A. (2024). Alih Kode dan Campur Kode dalam Lirik Lagu Karya Aunur Rofiq Lil Firdaus. UIN Sunan Gunung Djati .

Jhon, G. (1982). Discourse strategies. Cambridge University Press.

Jumarizah, A. A., Walianna, A. B., Rahayu, S., & Bustan, S. R. (2025). Alih Kode dan Campur Kode dalam Interaksi Sehari-hari oleh Santriwati Pondok Modern Darul Falach Temanggung (Kajian Sosiolinguistik). Journal of Language Learning and Assessment, 34–44. https://doi.org/10.71194/jlla.v3i1.124

Kaamiliyaa, S., Irawati, R. P., & Kuswardono, S. (2023). Alih Kode dan Campur Kode dalam Interaksi Sehari-hari oleh Santriwati Pondok Modern Darul Falach Temanggung (Kajian Sosiolinguistik). Lisanul Arab: Journal of Arabic Learning and Teaching, 12(1), 94–111. https://doi.org/10.15294/la.v12i1.67522

Kostyk, Y., Bakhov, I., Shum, O., Hnatyuk, M., & Nikitina, N. (2025). The Influence of Globalization on Language Practices: The Role of Anglicisms and Multilingual Blending in Modern Texts. International Journal on Culture, History, and Religion, 7(SI1), 177–192. https://doi.org/10.63931/ijchr.v7iSI1.160

Krishna, B. (2010). Factors of Code Switching among Bilingual English Students in the University Classroom: A Survey. English for Specific Purposes World, 9(29), 1–19.

Lasagabaster, D., & Doiz, A. (2021). Language use in English-Medium Instruction at University: International Perspectives on Teacher Practice. Routledge.

Lestari, S., Muassomah, & Yurisa, P. (2023). Campur Kode dalam Film Arab AlRawabi School for Girls karya Tima Shomali. Al Fathin: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra Arab, 6(1).

Macaro, E., Curle, S., Pun, J., An, J., & Dearden, J. (2018). A Systematic Review of English Medium Instruction in Higher Education. Language Teaching, 51(1), 36–76. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444817000350

Mailani, O. (2022). Bahasa sebagai Alat Komunikasi dalam Kehidupan Manusia. Kampret, 1(2), 1–10.

Muslim, A. B., & Harisca, R. (2021). The Urgency of Enhancing Learning Arabic Inside National Education Curriculum in Indonesia. International Journal of Arabic Language Teaching, 3(1), 66–81. https://doi.org/10.32332/ijalt.v3i01.3110

Ou, W. A., & Gu, M. M. (2020). Negotiating Language use and Norms in Intercultural Communication: Multilingual University Students’ Scaling Practices in Translocal Space. Linguistics and Education, 57, 100818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.linged.2020.100818

Pollard, S. (2002). The Benefit of Code Switching within a Bilingual Education Program [Honor Project]. Illinois Wesleyan University.

Rosmaria, R. (2025). Social Meaning in Language Choice: A Qualitative Study of the Role of Cultural Awareness in Language Register Variation. Journal of Linguistica, 2(3), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.62872/jol.v2i3.108

Ryan, J. M. (2014). The Handbook of Spanish Second Language Acquisition by Kimberly L. Geeslin (review). Rocky Mountain Review, 68(2), 218–220. https://doi.org/10.1353/rmr.2014.0050

Sato, M., & Ballinger, S. (Eds.). (2016). Peer Interaction and Second Language Learning (Vol. 45). John Benjamins Publishing Company. https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.45

Sebba, M., Mahootian, S., & Jonsson, C. (2017). Language Mixing and Code-Switching in Writing (1st ed.). Routledge.

Sert, O. (2005). The Functions of Code Switching in ELT Classrooms. The Internet TESL Journal, 11(8).

Stein-Smith, K. (2016). The Role of Multilingualism in Effectively Addressing Global Issues: The Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 6(12), 2254. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.0612.03

Syahid, A. H., Susilawati, A., & Nuroh, N. (2025). Bilingual Code Switching in Arabic Learning among Indonesian Learners: A Sociolinguistic Perspective. Alsuniyat: Jurnal Penelitian Bahasa, Sastra, dan Budaya Arab, 8(1), 180–195. https://doi.org/10.17509/alsuniyat.v8i1.81259

Thaariq, M. U., Pribadi, Moh., & Zidny, H. (2025). Analisis Sosiolinguistik Bilingualisme Arab-Indonesia dalam Channel YouTube Jeda Nulis. Ta’limi | Journal of Arabic Education and Arabic Studies, 4(2), 267–282. https://doi.org/10.53038/tlmi.v4i2.300

Tomyuk, O., Dyachkova, M., Shutaleva, A., Novgorodtseva, A., & Dudchik, A. (2019). Bilingual Practices as a Means of Intercultural Communication under the Globalization. SHS Web of Conferences, 69, 00106. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20196900106

Usman, A. Hi., Mahmud, A. F., Daud, A., & Dahlan, S. (2020). Language as a Social Instrument. Edukasi, 18(2), 259. https://doi.org/10.33387/j.edu.v18i2.2101

Vallejo, C. (2018). Translanguaging: Language, Bilingualism and Education, by Ofelia García and Li Wei. Bellaterra Journal of Teaching & Learning Language & Literature, 11(1), 85–95. https://doi.org/10.5565/rev/jtl3.764

Vrika, R., & Rezi, M. (2022). Lecturer’s Code-Switching in the EFL Classroom of Arabic language and Literature. Diwan: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra Arab, 13(1), 35–40. https://doi.org/10.15548/diwan.v13i1.672

Wahyuni, R. D., -, A., & -, S. (2023). Penyebab Alih Kode dan Campur Kode antara Mahasiswa Kampus Mengajar dan Siswa SDN 2 Jenawi. Lingua Franca:Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, dan Pengajarannya, 7(2), 183. https://doi.org/10.30651/lf.v7i2.19373

Wahyuni, S., & Thamrin, M. H. (2024). Code-Switching in the Daily Conversations of Female Students at Pondok Pesantren Nuruttauhid Bulukumba, South Sulawesi: A Sociolinguistic Study. Litteratura: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra, 3(2), 149–166. https://doi.org/10.15408/ltr.v3i2.35517

Waruwu, T. K. Y., Dita Isninadia, Hasri Yulianti, & Lubis, F. (2023). Alih Kode dan Campur Kode dalam Konten Podcast Cape Mikir with Jebung di Spotify: Kajian Sosiolinguistik. Enggang: Jurnal Pendidikan, Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Budaya, 3(2), 115–123. https://doi.org/10.37304/enggang.v3i2.9004

Wei, L. (2018). Translanguaging as a Practical Theory of Language. Applied Linguistics, 39(1), 9–30. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/amx039

Winata, G. I., Aji, A. F., Yong, Z.-X., & Solorio, T. (2022). The Decades Progress on Code-Switching Research in NLP: A Systematic Survey on Trends and Challenges. ArXiv.

Wodak, R. (2017). The Routledge Handbook of Language and Politics (B. Forchtner, Ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315183718

Yul, W., Putri Saleha, G., Andrian, R., Abdurrahman Husein, A. H., & Ulya, A. S. (2025). Exploring Social and Academic Motivations Behind High School Graduates’ Selection of Arabic language. Kalamuna: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab dan Kebahasaaraban, 6(2), 333–351. https://doi.org/10.52593/klm.06.2.08

Zhang, Y., Wu, Y., Chen, Y., & Zhang, H. (2025). The Impact of English Usage on Social Media on College Students’ Interpersonal Communication Intentions: A Dual Mediating Model of Language Confidence and English Cultural Identity. Frontiers in Psychology, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1692474

Published

2026-06-09