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Explain Why Is It Important To Switch Code When Giving Instructionss

Decent Essays

In Extract 6, Teacher A switched between English and Cantonese when giving instructions. Teacher A reminded students to bring the story back to school so that they could continue the story the next day. She first gave the instruction in English and repeated the instruction in English. Then she switched from English to Cantonese and gave the instruction again. After this she checked students’ comprehension in Cantonese. Teacher A explained why it was essential to switch code when giving instructions:
It is essential to use English (when giving instructions). But for those weaker students or lazy students, using Cantonese can let them know what they are required to do. Also, it will not become their excuse for not doing homework if I only give English instructions only. In students’ point of view, using Cantonese is more powerful and serious. They are more aware of Chinese instructions. …show more content…

If the teacher explained in Cantonese, those lazy students did not have any excuse anymore. Teacher C, however, had different practice when giving instructions. She explained:
Giving instructions in English is not a problem in the class. From time to time, students pick the key phrases when listening to the instructions. Sometimes, I will invite some students to repeat my instructions in Cantonese. Make sure that everyone understands what they need to do. I seldom give instructions in Cantonese. (Teacher C)
The viewpoint of teacher C supports the ideas suggested by Atkinson (1987). He suggests that a satisfactory compromise when giving instructions is to give the instructions in the target language and ask for students’ repetition in their native language. This may ensure that everyone understands what he or she is required to do in the

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