Exploring Code-Switching Practices in Verbal Communication among University Students in the Klang Valley: A Case Study

This study investigates the use of code switching among university students in verbal communication within the Klang Valley. The objectives of this study are to investigate the language varieties used in verbal communication, the forms of code switch used, the reasons for the use of code switch, the differences of reasons to code switch between universities,and the perception of university students towards the use of code switching. The theoretical framework used in this study is based on the social functions introduced by Holmes (2013) and the data collected was analysed with Holmes (2013) framework. The respondents consisted of university students from UiTM, MSU and UNISEL responded to a questionnaire survey consisting of question items related to the forms of code switching and reasons for the use of code switching. Some of the respondents were then chosen and interviewed to gain depth into their perceptions of the use of code switching. The results show that the majority of the students are inclined to using intra-sentential code switching in verbal communication and the students thought that the use of code switching in verbal communication was beneficial and helpful for both the speakers and listeners to establish better communication.