CODE-SWITCHING AS A STRATEGY IN UZBEK EFL CLASSROOMS

Abstract

Code-switching is widely used in multilingual classrooms as a pedagogical strategy to facilitate language learning. In Uzbek English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms, teachers and students frequently alternate between English and Uzbek to improve comprehension and participation. This study investigates the role of code-switching as an instructional strategy in Uzbek EFL classrooms and its impact on students’ language learning. The research explores how code-switching supports understanding of complex concepts, reduces learners’ anxiety, and enhances classroom interaction. A mixed-method research design was employed, including classroom observations and surveys among EFL teachers and students. The findings indicate that strategic use of code-switching can improve students’ understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and task instructions. However, excessive reliance on the native language may limit students’ exposure to English. The study suggests that balanced and purposeful code-switching can serve as an effective pedagogical tool in Uzbek EFL classrooms.