Exploring the Role of Code-switching in Willingness to Communicate among Advanced Iranian EFL Learners

Mahsefat, Hamed; Mahdavi, Amir

doi:10.30470/irelc.2025.2073990.1034

Exploring the Role of Code-switching in Willingness to Communicate among Advanced Iranian EFL Learners

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Hamed Mahsefat

Amir Mahdavi

English Language and Literature Department, Faculty of Humanities, The University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

10.30470/irelc.2025.2073990.1034

Abstract

Using L1 in L2 has received controversial yet paradoxical attention in the history of foreign or second language acquisition. It was previously banned to use L1 but as the educational methodologies developed due to the modern exigencies, it valued using code switching in foreign or second language learning. This study intends to explore the roles of six advanced EFL students’ code-switching on their willingness to communicate in Iranian context. Participants were selected for the study, in the course of their language learning journey from the ILI institute, Guilan, Iran, during their class discussion, then underwent the interview. English was required to speak in the discussion but first language (Persian) was also allowed to be used by participants where code-switching was expected. Participant statements were documented, transcribed, and examined. The participants evaluated their own willingness to communicate (WTC) for every statement; a stimulated recall interview was conducted to gather qualitative information. The findings illustrated the complex elements of WTC linked to the use of L1 via code-switching, indicating that the intentional and selective use of L1 can serve as a valuable and efficient technique in L2 conversational interactions.

Keywords

Willingness to Communicate

Code-Switching

Advanced EFL Learners

Language Proficiency

Subjects