Code- Switching as a teaching strategy: Implication for English Language teaching and learning in a multilingual society.

Abstract

Due to the alarming decline in the proficiency rate of learners as well as speakers of English Language and the recourse of many language facilitators to the use of Code switch strategy for language instructions, this paper sets out to examine critically the Code switch phenomenon to ascertain its importance to the teaching and learning of English language and indeed other subjects in Nigeria. It is discovered that Code switching is important to the teaching of language at the foundation level to draw the interest of the learners but must be gradually reduced as the learner progresses in proficiency level. Also due to the multilingual nature of Nigeria facilitators are cautioned to be eclectic in their approach to the use of Code switch strategy.