Abstract:
This research explores the different degrees of interference of
code switching between the Arabic and the English language used
by Ahfad University students. It is assumed that the native language
of Ahfad University students is Arabic but is infiltrated by English
which the students learn as a second language and use in their
communication with one another in class.
The method of the research used is the Descriptive Method.
An observation check list was designed and also a structured
interview. The researcher used the observation check list to observe
students while they were communicating with one another inside
the classroom, and she also observed the teachers. Structured
interviews were used to get the teachers’ observations.
Drawing on code switching theories, studies of code switching
and sociolinguistics, including psycholinguistics, the researcher
took the plight of an observer to highlight the interference between
English and Arabic in Ahfad university for the students taking pre-
ssessional courses.
The researcher found that students code switch excessively to
Arabic inside the classroom.
The researcher made some recommendations relating to
distinguishing clearly between code switching, code mixing and
code shifting and suggested some areas for further research on the
subject.
