Malaysian adolescent code switching: a case study

This study looked into code switching pattern and the frequency of code switching_ among_ the form_ five_ students of_ SMK. Dato'_ Zulkifli Muhammad, Slim River in_ their daily conversation once they are out of their ESL classroom. This study also attempts to find_ out whether code switching differ in terms of ethnic identity, gender factor and language used at_ home. It is hoped that the findings of this study benefited those who need to evaluate the_ students' ability in English Language acquisition. The findings of the study show that the occurrence of code switching existed in the subjects' conversations when_ they are out of their ESL classroom. The findings reveal that Subject A who is a female Malay teenager has the highest_ frequency of code switching. She also has the highest number of English words used in the_ taped-conversations. It may be due to the fact that Besides Malay language, she also practices_ English language at home. Subject B who is a male Chinese teenager is a moderate code switcher_ compared to Subject A However he is better than Subject C, a male, Indian teenager. Subject C_ produces limited number of code switching compare to two other subjects and most of his switches_ are in the form of single words. The findings of the study also show that the respondents selected have a great tendency towards code_ switching. All of them code switched in their daily conversation once they are out of their ESL classroom._ The findings also reveal that the respondents are in favour of larger constituent and all of them have a higher frequency_ on the intra-sentential type of code switching. Factors such as ethnic identity and language used at home_ by each speaker play a vital role in initiating code switching. However, the gender of each_ respondents has no impact on code switching. _