Abstract
This exploratory study investigated how EFL teachers perceived the functions and effects of code-switching in General English (GE) classes at a tertiary institution in Vietnam. Data were collected through a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire completed by 34 teachers and in-depth interviews with five selected participants. The findings reveal that the teachers viewed code-switching as a purposeful pedagogical tool to support students’ language learning and facilitate classroom communication. They reported using code-switching to construct knowledge, manage classroom interactions, and provide emotional support. The teachers expressed positive attitudes toward code-switching in both instructional and interpersonal contexts, emphasizing its practical value in enhancing comprehension and engagement. The study suggests that code-switching is a meaningful and effective strategy in General English instruction and should be acknowledged in teacher training programs to better support EFL teaching in similar contexts.
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