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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 17. Number 1, March 2026 Pp. 66-81
Department of English, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates,
Department of Civil Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Department of English, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
This study examines how peer tutors in a multilingual university writing center in the UAE use code-switching during Arabic-English interactions. We explore why tutors code-switch in tutorials and challenge the idea that it is a barrier to learning English. Instead, we show how it can encourage more inclusive and cultural awareness practices. We used audio recordings, stimulated recall, and interviews with Arabic-speaking tutors to understand the reasons for and value of code-switching. We focused on three tutors and three sessions. Our findings show that tutors code-switch to build rapport, lower anxiety, clarify ideas, and respond to cultural expectations. They also switch between Arabic dialects to improve understanding and connection. The results suggest that code-switching is not a problem in tutorials; rather, it is a useful tool that helps students participate and aligns with translanguaging theory. Tutors report that this approach enables students to draw on their full linguistic repertoire, promotes collaboration, and creates a more comfortable learning environment. By considering both teaching and cultural aspects, this study shows how code-switching supports inclusive and supportive writing center sessions. The findings offer practical advice for tutor training and highlight the need to help tutors use language in ways that support communication and respect students’ linguistic identities.
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Maria Eleftheriou is Assistant Professor in the Department of English at the American University of Sharjah, where she also heads the Writing Center. She holds degrees from McGill University and a doctorate in TESOL and Applied Linguistics from the University of Leicester. Her research focuses on writing centers, peer tutor training, multilingual education, online writing instruction, AI in academic contexts, and writing assessment. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5453-0590
Hussain Al Kadhim is a consultant with a background in civil engineering and sustainable mobility. He earned his BS in Civil Engineering from the American University of Sharjah and an MSc in Transport Planning and the Environment from the University of Leeds. At AUS, he served as a writing center tutor, mentor, and fellow. He now works on transport advisory projects that link urban planning, environmental impact, and community needs. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7096-9917
Laurence Craven is Senior Instructor at the American University of Sharjah with a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Essex. He has taught academic writing and communication in Japan, Spain, and the UAE. His research interests include corrective feedback, teaching writing and speaking, and Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL).
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0739-2871