Effects of English-Chinese Code-Switching on Writing Anxiety in Chinese as a Second Language Learners

Authors

  • Yunlu Zhao

    Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
  • Fong Peng Chew

    Department of Language and Literacy Education, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
  • Teng Teng Yap

    Department of Malaysian Languages & Applied Linguistics, Faculty of Language and Linguistics, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i6.9511
Received: 14 April 2025 | Revised: 13 May 2025 | Accepted: 18 May 2025 | Published Online: 6 June 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of English-Chinese code-switching (CS) on writing anxiety and writing performance in learners of Chinese as a second language (CSL), using a quasi-experimental design. A total of 178 beginner-level CSL learners were purposively selected based on their course materials and class hours, with 67 assigned to the control group and 111 to the experimental group. Over a period of approximately four months, the experimental group was encouraged to apply CS in their writing exercises, while the control group was required to write exclusively in Chinese. Writing anxiety was assessed using a standardized second language writing anxiety questionnaire, and writing performance was measured through a short self-introduction task. The results revealed that the experimental group experienced a significant reduction in writing anxiety, whereas the control group showed an increase in anxiety over time. In addition, the writing performance of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group. These findings suggest that CS can effectively reduce CSL writing anxiety and enhance writing performance in beginner CSL learners. The results provide empirical support for integrating CS strategies in second language writing instruction, especially for learners who may struggle with linguistic confidence and emotional barriers in the early stages of acquisition.

Keywords:

Chinese as a Second Language; Chinese Writing; Code-Switching; Writing Anxiety

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How to Cite

Zhao , Y., Chew, F. P., & Yap, T. T. (2025). Effects of English-Chinese Code-Switching on Writing Anxiety in Chinese as a Second Language Learners. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(6), 554–567. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i6.9511

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Vol. 7 , Iss. 6 (July 2025)

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Article

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Copyright © 2025 Yunlu Zhao , Fong Peng Chew, Teng Teng Yap

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.