Reasons for Use of Code-Switching English and Kiswahili During English Lessons in Public Primary Schools in Eldoret West Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

English is a language of international communication hence it has a special place in the educational systems of most countries in the world. In Kenya, English is a language of instruction as well as an examinable subject in Kenyan schools. Apart from making learners to be linguistically diverse, it also has some economic returns in the job market. This paper aimed to investigate the reasons for the use of code-switching English and Kiswahili during English lessons in public primary schools in Eldoret West Sub-County. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The sample size was 33 teachers of English, 8 grade three teachers, and 292 learners. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through the use of questionnaires, interviews, and observation schedules. Piloting of research instruments was conducted in the nearby Wareng Sub County which shares similar characteristics as the study area. Validity was ensured through expert judgment while reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient after piloting. The data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics; frequencies and percentages while content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study found that the majority (79.3%) of the teachers of English reported that code-switching encouraged learner participation in class. In addition, the majority (79.4%) of the teachers reported that code-switching was used in cases where the learner’s level of understanding of English was low thus enabling them to actively participate in class while the majority (75.7%) of the teachers also acknowledged that code-switching eased students’ anxiety during the teaching process. The findings will benefit the Government of Kenya in formulating language policies for schools. The study will also be of significance to teachers of English in coming up with strategies to boost the performance of English.