An Analysis of English Classroom Language by EFL Teachers at SMPN 4 Muara Bungo

Most EFL teachers are still unaware of the language they use in the classroom.
Instead of using English, they prefer to use Bahasa Indonesia and their mother tongue
in their class. This present research aims to analyse the English classroom language
used by EFL teachers. It specifically analysed (1) types of English classroom
language used by EFL teachers, (2) amount of English classroom language used by
EFL teachers in the teaching and learning process, and (3) EFL teachers‟ reflections
on their classroom language. The study employed qualitative descriptive research
with the three teachers of SMPN 4 Muara Bungo as the participants. Observation and
Stimulated Recall Interview (SRI) were used to conduct the data, and the data were
analyzed by using Salaberri‟s handbook of classroom language (1995). The result of
this study showed that teachers spoke six types out of 8 types of classroom language
suggested by Sallaberi, namely simple instruction, dealing with the language of
spontaneous situation, the language of social interaction, pair group work, question
types, and dealing with error. However, the average teacher‟s English classroom
language use showed a low percentage, which was only 45,4%. Through a stimulated
recall interview, the teachers admitted that they are still not optimal in providing input
to the students. It was because of two reasons: (1) students‟ proficiency and (2)
teachers‟ proficiency themselves. The results of this study proved that EFL teachers
did not provide comprehensible input to their students.