Language Choice in Multilingual Classroom: A Case Study of Code-Switching and Code-Mixing at Gontor VII Riyadhatul Mujahidin, Indonesia

Abstract

The objective of the study is to investigate the language choice in the multilingual classroom. The research questions formulated are: (1) what type of code do the students switch and mix in the multilingual class at Gontor VII Riyadhatul Mujahidin? (2) why do the students switch and mix their language during learning process? The subject consists of 39 students of the 6B class in the academic year 2016-1017. The subject was taken purposively because the students of 6B are frequently using code-switching and code-mixing. Based on the data gained through observation, mostly the student did code-switching in the form of tag and code-switching in the form of inter-sentential. While in the form of code mixing, the students mainly mixed their language into intra-sentential and extra-sentential. The result of interview reveals that the purpose of the students switched and mixed their style is for ease expression, for translation of the new, unfamiliar words and phrases, repetitive function and the last is socializing function. These findings suggest that using code switching and code mixing during learning process brings positive effect for the student performances.