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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 15. Number 3, September 2024 Pp.297-320
Department of Language, Literature and Social Science Education, Faculty of Education
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
Department of Teaching of Language, Literature and Social Sciences, Faculty of Education
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
This article addresses how code-switching facilitates language acquisition in an online legal English classroom for Arabic-speaking learners. The study aims to describe and analyze the use of code-switching as a facilitative resource for second language acquisition, particularly within the context of the online classroom. The article holds significance in two key areas: first, it contributes to the existing literature on code-switching between Arabic and English in language learning contexts. Second, it addresses a gap in research by focusing on an underexplored context: online legal English classes for Arabic-speaking learners, a topic which has not been widely researched. Applying Conversation Analysis to fragments from the online class, the findings reveal that code-switching serves as a vital resource for learners in comprehending complex legal concepts by drawing on their first language (L1) knowledge (in this case, Arabic). It also facilitates word searching, collaborative learning, and effective negotiation of meaning, aiding in the overall second language (L2) acquisition process.
Dooly, M., & Bakri, O. (2024). Code-Switching in a Legal English Class for Egyptian Learners: A Conversation Analysis Case Study. Arab World English Journal, 15(3): 297-320
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Melinda Dooly is a Serra Húnter Full Professor at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Her principal research addresses technology-enhanced project-based language learning, intercultural communication and 21st century competences in teacher education. She has published widely in international journals and authored chapters and books in this area of study. She is lead researcher of GREIP: Research Centre for Education, Interaction & Plurilingualism.
Orcid Researcher ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1478-4892
Ola Bakri holds a Master’s degree in Education from Saskatchewan University. She also has been awarded a Delta certificate from Cambridge University. She has worked as a freelancer at many places, such as an English instructor at the AUC (American University in Cairo) and the British University in Egypt (BUE). Ola has been teaching general English, academic English and ESP for more than 14 years. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7482-9535