From Indonesian to English and Back: Code-Switching Patterns as Communication Strategies in EFL Online Speaking Classes at Peptalk English Course

Abstract

Code-switching, the practice of shifting between two languages within a single communicative interaction, is widely observed among EFL learners yet remains underexplored as a deliberate communication strategy in online non-formal speaking environments. While previous studies have often treated code-switching as a sign of linguistic deficiency, this study reframes it as a purposeful strategic behavior that learners activate when vocabulary limitations disrupt the flow of spoken communication. This study aims to identify the patterns of code-switching used by EFL learners at Peptalk English Course as a communication strategy during online speaking sessions, to describe how code-switching is applied when vocabulary gaps emerge in real-time interaction, and to analyze the factors that drive learners to switch from English to Indonesian in online speaking activities. A qualitative descriptive research design was employed, with data collected from five key informants and one supporting informant through observations of recorded online speaking sessions, semi-structured interviews, and document collection. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana (2014). Findings show that code-switching occurred most frequently as a short term bridging strategy when learners failed to retrieve target vocabulary under communicative pressure. Speaking anxiety, limited productive vocabulary, and the reduced interactional support of the online environment were the primary factors driving its use. These findings suggest that code switching in online EFL speaking contexts functions not as linguistic failure but as an adaptive communicative resource that warrants explicit attention in speaking instruction.