Abstract:
This paper is a study dealing with code switching in the beginner Spanish classroom. The
aim of the study was to explore teachers’ attitudes and practices regarding the use of code
switching in beginner Spanish classes in Lebanon. The study attempted to explore the
benefits of the use of the students’ native language in beginner Spanish courses in different
contexts in Lebanon. It also explored on a small scale the students’ attitudes on code
switching, as this provided a more holistic understanding on the subject. Twelve teachers
from different nationalities teaching at different educational institutes in Lebanon were
randomly chosen. All of them were interviewed and were asked to fill in a questionnaire.
Four of them were observed while teaching. The results of the study supported the current
research that encourages the use of the native language when needed in the beginner
language classroom as a tool to enhance the process of teaching and learning. The study also
supported previous findings that state that code switching must not be considered as a fault
of the teacher but rather a strategy that must be carefully employed; and that code switching
should be allowed when necessary with some learners and in certain learning situations.
