Code Switching
Code Switching
Code Switching
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to know the causes of code-switching of students and what
are the effects of code-switching for the researchers to find out how to avoid code-switching.
In the 1987 constitution the National Language of the Philippines is Filipino, and it is
the most widely spoken language in the Philippines while English is the second language.
English came during a period of colonization by the United States in the 1898 at the end of the
Spanish American War. Filipino and English are the official languages of the Philippines. The
Filipinos uses these both languages to have a good communication for both Filipinos and
Foreigners who live in the country. Due to this, without noticing it time to time these both
languages mixed and adapted generation to generation. They didn’t notice that they alternate
Filipino and English language in one statement. According to Esen (2019) “when a speaker
alternates between two or more languages (or dialects or varieties of language) in one
There are two types of code-switching according to Bautista (1999), she labelled the
first type of code-switching as deficiency-driven code switching, that is the person is not fully
competent in the use of one language and therefore had to go back to the other language. In
the second type of code switching, labelled as proficiency-driven code switching, the person
is competent in the two languages and can easily switch from one to the other, for maximum
efficiency or effect.
She also stated the reason why people using code switching and she called this reason
“communicative efficiency.” switching to the other code provides the fastest, easiest, most
convenient way of saying something with the least waste of time, effort, and resources.
This claim of communicative efficiency was backed up with four pieces of evidence
from the data, 1. Function words 2. Content words 3. Idioms and 4. Linguistic play.
Lastly, according to Thompson (2003) and Bautista (2004), "one of the main reason why
many Filipinos are comfortable in code switching between Filipino and English, because they
had been born and raised in a community where both of these language are mostly used
everywhere as a media of communicate.” This shows that many Filipinos use code switching
because they are comfortable with it. It is also the reason why many students using code
switching in school because they have been using it since they were young. When the student
reciting in the class there’s a tendency that he/she would use code switching to explain his/her
answer because she’s comfortable with it, that’s why many teachers used to translate English
language to Filipino so that students can clearly understand the topic, same way in unfamiliar
Filipino words for the students to understand. But according to Metila (2009) in the research
he conducted, he reveals that teachers code switching confused students and consequently
affected their lesson comprehension. It’s also stated in Aljoundi (2013) study, when the
teachers or students are code switching, they sometimes mix between two language grammars
and this seems like weak point for both languages. The students’ communicative skills affected
because of exposing too much in code switching, especially their English proficiency because
their skills in English language will help them to find a good work in the future because the
language will use in job interview is English that’s why your English skills will test. A lot of
ng Marikina are using code-switching, that is the reason why the researchers decided to make
Switching.”
The researchers found out that there was a problem when students finish their studies in
senior high which lead them to often use code-switching instead of our own language and the
second language. They will hard to look for a job because when you are applying for a job you
need to pass the interview, so you need to be more knowledgeable of using right English
grammar or if ever in a Filipino Language it will depend upon the interviewer. Because of the
used of code switching they might be having a lack of knowledge for both languages which is
Filipino language and English language and will lead them to cannot speak fluently in one
language.
Statement of the Problem
This research aims to know the causes of code switching of Gr. 12 students at
1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of the following variables?
a. Strand
b. Gender
switching?
Theoretical Framework
Figure 1:
Note: The following model is an example of Code-Switching done by the English Teacher and
The English Teacher asks his/her Filipino students to relate his/her life regarding to their topic
responding to the question. Filipino student used code switching while explaining to express himself
clearly.
Figure 2:
Note: The Following model is an example of the possible consequence on using Code-Switching.
Code-Switching Difficulty
The model shows that the students who are used on using Code-Switching will have an
Enhancement Difficulty in the future and will be hard for them to enrich or to improve their fluency in
one language.
Code-Switching is done by the persons who speak two or more languages in one
and to define something intentionally. In short, Code-Switching can help students to cooperate
languages. Thus, Code-Switching cannot help students’ skill and potentials to be competently
speaking in one language. This may lead them to speak in a wrong grammar and will take time
for them to analyze what they wanted to say when speaking in a non-Filipino speaker.
Conceptual Framework
Grade 12
Students
Causes Effects
The conceptual framework of this study is about causes of code-switching of grade 12 students at
PLMar: basis for communication skills enhancement program to avoid code-switching. The first frame will
seek the second frame which is the "grade 12 students" in the third frame in order to find out the causes of
code-switching and if there a significant difference on the perception of students on the causes of code-
Hypothesis
switching in terms of the questions that you will see in the last frame. The researcher will conduct a survey
on every Grade 12 student in PLMAR, to find out what are the causes of code-switching. After the survey is
done, the researcher will gather all the grade 12 students answers in order to know how can avoid code-
switching.
Hypothesis
Alternative Hypothesis
Students usually code switch because they express themselves easily especially those
switching.
Scope and Delimitation
The researchers will investigate by making a study through quantitative method.
The study used a stratified random sampling to randomly select the respondents and to
specify how the researchers conduct the total respondents they used the slovin’s formula for
finding the total number of respondents for the sample in conducting a survey is (240) two
hundred fourty respondents from 3 strands of Grade 12 senior high school in the school of
The main purpose of this study is to know the causes of code-switching of grade 12
students at PLMar. Each respondent will be given the same question to answer.
The researchers will take five (5) months to get the study done
Significance of the Study
Teacher. They can have smooth flow of discussion without hesitating on using words
that the student cannot understand they can also improve their language skills in teaching for
their subject.
Students. They can have better communication with the teachers for they can justify
with fluency using a certain language without hesitating what word to use. Also they can
learning in discussion and learning system with the help of the research about avoiding the use
Researchers. They have the understanding and start to be fluent in language to improve
learning skills.
Future Researchers. They can use this as a related study in the effects of code-
Linguists. They can improve their language skills and be fluent in the first and second
language.
Family. They can have knowledge and help the family members to practice it and to
Community. They can prove the school's academic standard in learning to help the
community to have a good leaner’s with high intelligence with fluency and linguistic
competence
Definition of Terms
Code-Switching – This is the alternating of two or more languages using by the speaker in
one sentence.
Code-Switching
lexicon of another language." Which means the mixing of words of two particular languages
that helps to deliver a complete thought. The study purposely show the meaning behind the
word code-switching which tells its function and usage why people use this kind of language
code switching is a situation where in one person may switch languages to just to express what
he meant to say which fills the lack of vocabulary in his language. The study is purposely is
related to the research which tells the purpose of codes witching for its users and why people
for the deterioration of language skills of Filipino " the usage of code switching such as taglish
may be popular and widely used for communication yet still the person that uses it will never
gain improvement to both languages. In addition, code-switching worsen the language skills
of a person that is why informality is unacceptable for scholar and recognize code switching
as the ideal language behavior. The study is included to the research to purposely to relate to
disrespect and degradation of languages at is both used in code switching. It is clear for the
researchers that this study gives support to the paper in which is telling that the code switching
must not be tolerable to use because of it negative impact to its user as well as the language
The Code-Switching is the use of two or more languages in one statement or word.
Code-Switching is one of the easiest way on expressing one’s explanations and self-opinions
to others. It uses two languages in a discourse. One of the best example of Code-Switching is
Philippines, (Labitigan, p.7 1.2.3). It was said that the existence of Code-Switching in the
Philippine classes were expanding or growing, it mostly happens in urban classes. This study
helps the researchers to know that the code-switching is the alternating or use of two or more
languages in a discourse or statement. This can lead as a reference for the researchers to get to
"Code-switching can clarify our message during the course of conversation." It showed
that code-switching can avoid ambiguity to the discourse which is easily understood by the
atmosphere that allows students to perform much better." It stated here that code-switching
helps students to communicate easily inside the classroom because of the casual type of
communication that is provided by the instructor to let them freely participate because they
can use code-switching as an escape strategy to fill their lack of vocabulary. (Metilla, 2009)
overcoming the lack of suitable words in the second language " Moreover it causes to a
convenient expression and to clarification of what is meant. However, codes-witching can also
2007)
bring his/her specific ideas to understand what he/she is really trying to say when using both
Thompson (2003) and Bautista (2004) studies cited in this study, Code-switching is
comfortable to use by Filipino because they are raised in a country that studies and uses two
it is well know in the particular place that is one of the factor that cause the usage of code-
they performances in class. This study supports the research that using code switching can have
a positive effect in the classroom performance of a student who uses it for academic purposes
such as speaking. Can be use especially for some students who suffer from lack of competence
and reflects on using them appropriately. This study supports the research that using code
switching is a way for a person to learn both languages successfully and not only learning a
“Both English and Filipino language can be together when communiting because here
in our country, using Taglish is accepted." Using two languages is a strategy for the users of
code-switching because it’s easy to understand. It shows also that code-switching should be
appreciated because Filipinos and foreigners who live in the Philippines often use it. (Bautista,
2004)
By using the Filipino and English language, students can use Code-switching as a strategy to
“Shifting codes may save us sometimes from giving vague expression”. By altering
and shifting languages of Filipino and English, people can correct their grammar and
The location, class, gender and age can be the factors that bring to code switching.
Other factors of code switching are the relationship between the speakers, the message of the
speaker whether formal or informal and social status of the speaker. As a result, code switching
is well-known medium in particular group that is influential to the person that is belong to that
group. A person who code switch interrelates to others in the results of having a bilingual
community. For that, many of them influence to use code switching at all times. (Allatson,
2007)
They used it to explain what they want to say especially when they are reciting in class, not
knowing if they are being informal on using it, and that can lead to misunderstanding.
(Borlongan, 2009)
Grade 12 students
Using the Grade 12 student in code switching for they are expected to graduate or finish
language subjects with greater competency and linguistic in the use of a certain language
especially English to address the huge gap between and Filipino language. This study help the
research of research to find out why they need to choose Grade12 as their respondents in the
research. For it tells it’s a new approved curriculum in the Philippines which needs to be
The number one skill expected from graduate students in Search of employment in
Academic and non-academic settings was Communication and Interpersonal Skills. This study
support the researchers study that grade 12 students are the respondents because it will be hard
for them to look for a job because when you are applying for a job you need to pass the
interview, you need to be more knowledgeable of using the right English grammar or if ever
This study said, “courses were taught bilingually in Spanish and English” and that can
help the researchers know that in some courses or strand, they teach other languages.
Therefore, there’s a lot of chance that they possibly used code-switching when struggling on
using the other language. This can also help the researchers determine what courses or strand
This study classified code switching as a “linguistic resource” in St. Teresa’s College of
Education, Hoehoe. Code switching and Code mixing are dominantly used at all levels of
of college student. This study supports that the respondents is important to know what course
The use of code switching by women and men is different from how they use code
switching. It includes that the use of males students in code switching is based on what they
say something humorous, while the females students they use code switching with relevant
stuff just in class when they do not know the equivalent or how they will say it, they will use
code switching to understand and express properly what they want to express. This study can
help to know the individual perceptions on using code-switching. Every gender has a different
reason on using code switching. The gender is include in demographic profile of respondents
to know what is their reason to use code switching and who often use code-switching. (Rahimi
The observation that the evidence of acquiring dominant language behaviour of boys
are absent compare to girls." Since code-switching are commonly use by boys in this
observation its already proven that the girls are often seen to be dominant in their language
behaviour. In this study the researcher’s related to gender in which tells that boys often used
CS as their language behaviour rather than girls. In this research it supports the demographic
profile which is the gender in the statement of the problem. (Normann, 2003)
The use of code switching by women and men is different from how they use code
switching. It includes that the use of males students in code switching is based on what they
say something humorous, while the females students they use code switching with relevant
stuff just in class when they do not know the equivalent or how they will say it, they will use
code switching to understand and express properly what they want to express. This study
support the gender in the statement of the problem. This study can help to know the individual
perceptions on using code switching . Every gender has a different reason on using code
switching. The gender is include in demographic profile of respondents to know what is their
reason to use code switching and who often use code switching. This research can support the
“The genders of the participants are another facet to take into consideration.” He also
stated, The preference of the participant on his study reflects the type of code-switching in the
Metro Manila Region. This study supports the researcher study that the gender of respondents
is important because the gender of the person can affect why they used code-switching. Also,
to know what type of code-switching they used and who often used code switching according
The researcher gathered related literature that has relevance to the researcher study that
will give understandable information to the topic. The researchers study discussed the using of
code switching and its causes to students. For instance, students and teachers have been
influenced to use code switching. Some related literature review that we conducted states that
country which has a great contribution to education which widely occured in most schools. CS
provides the fastest, easiest and the most convenient way of communication with less time,
effort and resources. But aside from positive literature about code switching there are negative
literature that tells about the disadvantage of committing code switching. These literature
shows the negative effects of code-switching which helps to support our basis that is enough
reason to avoid code-switching. Code-switching will lead to poor justification and will also be
language usage which is clearly intolerable to use because of the detoriation of the laguage it
causes. The related literature that is gather will help to support as well will be serve as a guide
for the researcher to their studies. Code-switching in different courses are proven to be used in
discussion and able to interact easily in classroom. All these strengthens the studies and
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ca_of_Filipino_Urban_Factory_Workers
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CHAPTER II
METHODOLOGY
In this chapter the researchers discussed the research methods, the research design,
sampling design, research respondents, research instrument and explain the data gathering
procedures, data analysis and statistical treatment that were used in the study.
Research Design
ng Lungsod ng Marikina in their discourse, the researchers used Quantitative method and
Descriptive method. There are many types of descriptive research, but the researchers chose
The researchers used descriptive method to describe the gathered data and information.
Survey research method is a tool to gather data and information about specific individuals. It
is the most commonly used method for collecting information about the population of
respondents.
Sampling Design
This study used Stratified random sampling in determining the samples of the study.
The researcher decided to divide the entire population of grade 12 students at Pamantasan ng
Lungsod ng Marikina according to their strand. The researchers will separate the grade 12
students into different subgroups then randomly selects the final subject proportionally from
population into smaller groups known as strata. The strata are formed based on members'
Research Respondents
The researchers chose the Grade 12 students taking ABM, HUMSS and STEM strand
at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina SHS San Roque Campus with a total of five hundred
ninety-four (594) population. In five hundred ninety-four (594), only two hundred thirty-nine
(239) was chosen as their respondents. eighty (80) in ABM, eighty (80) in HUMSS, and eighty
(80) in STEM.
They are the respondents of this study who are chosen by the researchers to know what
causes students to use code switching, so the researchers can find out how to avoid using code-
switching because it has a bad effect especially they are senior high school graduating students.
Some of them will continue to study at college and others will stop schooling to find job, so
they need to avoid using code-switching because it is an informal language that they should
Research Instrument
This section discussed the data instrument that is used to gather information. A survey
questionnaire was used in the study for the grade 12 students in all strands at Pamantasan ng
Lungsod ng Marikina. Survey instrument is a tool for implementing a scientific protocol for
obtaining data from respondents (hekter and schmidr, 2007). The Survey questionnaire include
questions that address specific study objectives in determining the causes of code-switching.
It may be also be used to collect demographic information for calculating survey weighs.
Using this research instrument, the researchers get information that is needed in the
completion of the study. The questionnaire focused on the perceptions of the students on the
Part 1. The first part of the questionnaire deals with the demographic profile of
information of the respondents in terms of name(optional), strand and gender that will give the
Part 2. The second part of the questionnaire deals with the question practically on the
causes of code-switching. Furthermore, the answers will be rated that based in the scale as the
researcher`s basis:
4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree
2 - Disagree
1 – Strongly Disagree
research instrument properly. The survey questionnaire is consists of two parts. The
respondents were given 10 minutes to answer the questionnaire properly and sincerely because
their answer is really important. After the questionnaire have been accomplished the results
were tallied and tabulated and these data became the bases of analysis and interpretation.
Data Analysis
attitude for statistical purposes. It is mainly used for surveys and evaluation. Usually the Likert
scale has the potential of (strongly agree, agree, disagree and strongly disagree) it is a four (4)
point scale but sometimes exceed to 10 or more. A numerical is assign to each point that
distinguish the different levels of opinion in each point (corresponding item). The scale is
namely after the US organization behavior psychologist Dr.Rensis Likert ( 1903- 81).
In answering the questionnaire proper, the respondents who asked to rate each of the
statement using a four (4) point rating scale namely: 4 for strongly agree (SA), 3 for agree (A),
In ascertaining the level of responses provides by the respondents the likert scale is
used. Likert distinguished the difference in each degree item which become known in
determining the corresponding level of agreement to the statement that is provided which
Statistical Treatment
In presenting, interpreting and analyzing data that were gathered by the researchers,
statistical tool and techniques was used. First, to present gathered data clearly and concretely,
the researchers used the following formulas that were properly labeled.
Weighted mean and Pearson correlation coefficient to be interpreted, presented and analyze
1. The researchers used Slovin`s formula for taking a small part or quantity of something
as sample of analysis.
Slovin`s formula is used to determine the ideal sample size for a population. It is a
formula that relates to statistics it is used to calculate a sample size from a population. Sample
size is the number of observation used for calculating estimates of a given population.
N
𝑛=
l + Ne2
Slovin`s formula
Where:
n= Sample size
N= Population size
e= Margin of error
2
2. The researchers used Frequency and Percentage to determine the magnitude of the
𝐅
Percentage (%) = 𝐱 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝐧
Where:
%= Percentage
3. The researchers used Weighted mean. This formula was used by the researchers to
Weighted Mean is the kind of average. Instead of each data point contributing equally
to the final mean, some data points contribute more “weight” than other. If all the weighted
mean equals the arithmetic mean (the regular “average” you`re used to)
N(5)+N(4)+N(3)+N(2)+N (1)
Weighted mean formula =
n
3
The Pearson correlation coefficient is a very helpful statistical formula that measures
the strength between variables and relationships. In the field of statistics, this formula is often
referred to as the Pearson R test. When conducting a statistical test between two variables, it is
a good idea to conduct a Pearson correlation coefficient value to determine just how strong
that relationship is between those two variables. It helped the researchers to know the
relationship between the respondents and causes of code-switching and how related they are
to each other.