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DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrhs.net.v13.i8.2
Dr. Gaurav Raj
SSET
Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
er.gaurav.raj@gmail.com
Abstract
This study offers a comprehensive analysis of language hierarchies and code-switching practices within Indian government school classrooms, highlighting the intricate ways in which linguistic repertoires are mobilized by teachers and students to negotiate meaning, authority, and identity. Grounded in sociolinguistic and educational theory, the research examines the interplay among English, Hindi, and regional languages across instructional and interpersonal contexts. Leveraging a mixed-methods design, data were collected from a purposive sample of 200 participants—comprising 120 students (grades 8–10) and 80 teachers—from four government schools in both rural and urban districts of Uttar Pradesh. Quantitative measures captured the frequency of language alternation across distinct pedagogical tasks, while a Motivation Scale assessed the reasons for code-switching, including comprehension scaffolding, classroom management, and group identity formation. Qualitative classroom observations provided rich descriptions of interactional moments where language choices indexed power relations and pedagogical strategies. Findings reveal that while code-switching is routinely employed to clarify complex content and maintain classroom discipline, it simultaneously reflects and reproduces English’s prestige status, reinforcing unequal access to educational opportunities. Conversely, strategic deployment of Hindi and local languages facilitates learner comprehension and affirms cultural belonging. The study concludes by proposing a set of policy and practice recommendations—such as formalizing multilingual pedagogies, enhancing teacher training in bilingual instruction, and elevating the status of regional languages—to foster more inclusive, equitable learning environments in government schools.
Keywords
Language Hierarchies, Code-Switching, Government Schools, Multilingual Education, India
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