|  e-ISSN: 2717-6886

Original article | International Journal of Language and Education Research 2023, Vol. 5(1) 25-45

The Role of L1 in EFL and ESL Classes: A Literature Review

Burcu Karafil & Özlem Uysal Ilbay

pp. 25 - 45   |  DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/ijler.2023.590.2   |  Manu. Number: MANU-2308-18-0001

Published online: April 15, 2023  |   Number of Views: 32  |  Number of Download: 233


Abstract

The use of the first language (L1) in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom can serve various purposes to facilitate language learning. Accordingly, the role of L1 in EFL and ESL classes has been debated in the history of English Language Teaching (ELT) and Second Language Acquisition (SLA) for many decades. However, employing L1 as a teaching tool in language classrooms is often discouraged. This article aims to explore the role of L1 in EFL and ESL education, drawing upon an extensive body of empirical evidence. It seeks to illustrate how teachers can strategically leverage learners’ L1 as a pedagogical resource within the classroom setting, as well as explore the different functions that L1 can serve or can potentially serve in language classrooms. Additionally, the study briefly addresses the concerns raised by researchers regarding the potential negative impacts of using L1.

Keywords: L1 use, EFL classes, ESL classes, Language learning


How to Cite this Article?

APA 6th edition
Karafil, B. & Ilbay, O.U. (2023). The Role of L1 in EFL and ESL Classes: A Literature Review . International Journal of Language and Education Research, 5(1), 25-45. doi: 10.29329/ijler.2023.590.2

Harvard
Karafil, B. and Ilbay, O. (2023). The Role of L1 in EFL and ESL Classes: A Literature Review . International Journal of Language and Education Research, 5(1), pp. 25-45.

Chicago 16th edition
Karafil, Burcu and Ozlem Uysal Ilbay (2023). "The Role of L1 in EFL and ESL Classes: A Literature Review ". International Journal of Language and Education Research 5 (1):25-45. doi:10.29329/ijler.2023.590.2.

References

    Algazo, M. (2022). Teachers’ perspectives on the role of L1 in Jordanian EFL classes. Education and Linguistics Research8(1), 28-42.

    Auerbach, E, R. (1993). Reexamining English Only in the ESL Classroom. Tesol Quarterly, 27(1)1-4.

    Bateman, B. E. (2008). Student teachers’ attitudes and beliefs about using the target language in the classroom. Foreign Language Annals, 41(1), 11-28. doi:10.1111/j.1944-9720.2008.tb03277.x

    Boustani, K.  (2019).  The correlation between translation equivalence, as a vocabulary learning strategy, and Tunisian EFL learners’ speaking anxiety. Languages, 4(19), 1-24.

    Brown, H. D. (2014). Principles of language learning and teaching. Pearson Education.

    Bruen, J., & Kelly, N. (2014). Using a shared L1 to reduce cognitive overload and anxiety levels in the L2 classroom. Language Learning Journal, 45(3), 1–14. doi:10.1080/09571736.2014.908405

    Bruen, J., & Kelly, N. (2017). Using a shared L1 to reduce cognitive overload and anxiety levels in the L2 classroom. The Language Learning Journal, 45(3), 368-381. doi:10.1080/09571736.2014.908405

    Carson, E., & Kashihara, H. (2012). Using the L1 in the L2 classroom: The students speak. The Language Teacher, 36(4), 41-48.

    Carson, E. (2014). Teachers and students: At L1 odds in the EFL class. In N. Sonda & A. Krause (Eds.), JALT2013 Conference Proceedings. Tokyo: JALT.

    Çelik, M. 2003. Teaching vocabulary through code-mixing. English Language Teaching Journal. 57(4), 361-369.

    Çelik, H. (2020). Integrating L1 into grammar teaching as a remedy for learners’ unresponsiveness in an ESP classroom:  An action research. International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research, 7(2), 212-225. doi: https://doi.org/10.33200/ijcer.704576

    Centeno-Cortes, B., & Jimenez, A. (2004). Problem-solving tasks in a foreign language: the importance of the L1 in private verbal thinking. International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 14(1), 7-35. doi:10.1111/j.1473- 4192.2004.00052.x

    Cook, V. (2001). Using the first language in the classroom. Canadian Modern Language Review, 57(3), 402-423. https://doi.org/10.3138/cmlr.57.3.402

    Cook, V. J. (2008). Second language learning and language teaching. Hodder Education.

    Copland, F. & Neokleous, G. (2011). L1 to teach L2: complexities and contradictions. English Language Teaching Journal. 65(3), 270-280.

    Cummins, J. (2007). Rethinking monolingual instructional strategies in multilingual classrooms. Canadian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 10(2), 221-240.

    De La Campa, J. C., & Nassaji, H. (2009). The amount, purpose and reasons for L1 use in L2 classrooms. Foreign language annals, 42(4), 742-759.

    Deller, S., & Rinvolucri, M. (2002). Using mother tongue. Making the most of the learner's language. Baskerville Press Ltd.

    Dodson, C. J. (1967). Language teaching and the bilingual method. Pitman.

    Dörnyei, Z., & Ushioda, E. (2013). Teaching and researching motivation (3rd ed.). Routledge.

    Edstrom, A. (2006). L1 use in the L2 classroom: One teacherʼs self-evaluation. Canadian Modern Language Review, 63, 275-292. doi:10.3138/cmlr.63.2.275

    Ellis, R. (2008). The study of second language acquisition (2nd ed). Oxford University Press.

    Farzana, N. (2017). Teachers’ perceptions about the use of L1 in secondary EFL classroom in Bangladesh. MA thesis, BRAC University Dhaka.

    Gaebler, P. (2014). L1 use in FL classrooms: Graduate students’ and professors’ perceptions of English use in foreign language courses. CATESOL Journal, 25(1), 66-94.

    García Mayo, M. P., & Hidalgo, M. A. (2017). L1 use among EFL mainstream and CLIL learners in task-supported interaction. System, 67, 132-145. doi:10.1016/j.system.2017.05.004

    Gass, S. M., & Selinker, L. (2008). Second language acquisition: An introductory course (3rd ed.). Routledge.

    Hanif, H. (2020). The role of L1 in an EFL classroom. The Language Scholar8(2), 54-62.

    Jadallah, M., & Hasan, F. (2011). A review of some new trends in using L1 in the EFL classroom. Al-Quds Open University, 5 (3), 1-10.

    Jenkins, S. (2010). Monolingualism: an uncongenial policy for Saudi Arabia’s low-level learners. English Language Teaching Journal. 64(4), 459-461.

    Jingxia, L.  (2010).  Teachers’ code-switching to the L1 in EFL classroom. The Open Applied Linguistics Journal, 3,10-23.

    Kavaliauskiene, G. (2009). Role of mother tongue in learning English for specific purposes. ESP World, 8(1), 2–8.

    Kohi, M. & Suvarna Lakshmi, G. (2020). Use of L1 in ESL/EFL classroom: Multinational teachers’ perceptions and attitudes. International Journal of English language & translation studies. 8(3). 88-96.

    Larsen- Freeman, D., & Anderson, M. (2011). Techniques and principles in language teaching. OUP.

    Liao, P. (2006). EFL learners’ beliefs about and strategy use of translation in English learning. RELC, 37(2), 191-215.

    Littlewood, W., & Yu, B. (2011). First language and target language in the foreign language classroom. Language Teaching, 44(1), 64-77. doi:10.1017/S0261444809990310

    Liu, D., Ahn, G. & Baek, K. (2004). South Korean high school English teachers’ code-switching: questions and challenges in the drive for maximal use of English in teaching. TESOL Quarterly. 38(4), 605-638.

    Macaro, E. (2001). Analyzing student teachers’ codeswitching in foreign language classrooms: Theories and decision making. The Modern Language Journal, 85(4), 531-548.

    Mohammadi Darabad, A., Abbasian, Gh. R., Mowlaie, B., & Rostami Abusaeedi, A. A. (2021). L1-based elicitation as a valid measure of L2 classroom performance assessment. Issues in Language Teaching, 10(1), 1–36. https://doi.org/10.22054/ilt.2021.52989.507

    Nation, P. (2003). The role of the first language in foreign language learning. Asian EFL Journal, 5(2). 1-8.

    Oga-Baldwin, W. & Nakata, Y. (2013). Optimizing new language use by employing young learners’ own language. English Language Teaching Journal, 68(4), 410-421.

    Pan, Y., Pan, Y. (2010). The use of L1 in the foreign language classroom. Colombian Applied Linguistics, 12(2), 87–96.

    Prabhu, N. S. (1990). There is no best method – Why? TESOL Quarterly, 24(2), 161-176.

    Richards, J. C., & Rogers, T. S. (Eds.). (2001). Approaches and methods in language teaching. Cambridge University Press.

    Rolin-Ianziti, J., & Varshney, R. (2008). Students’ views regarding the use of the first language: An exploratory study in a tertiary context maximizing target language use. The Canadian Modern Language Review, 65(2), 249-273. doi:10.3138/cmlr.65.2.249

    Sampson, A. (2012). Learner code-switching versus English Only. English Language Teaching Journal, 66(3), 293-303.

    Saville-Troike, M. (2012). Introducing second language acquisition (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

    Saruwatashi, S. L. (2020). Principal reasons for using L1 in the L2 classroom. Junshin Journal of Studies in Humanities26, 77-87.

    Storch, N., & Wigglesworth, G. (2003). Is there a role for the use of the L1 in an L2 setting?. TESOL Quarterly, 37(4), 760-770.

    Swain, M., & Lapkin, S. (2000). Task-based second language learning: The uses of the first language. Language Teaching Research, 4(3), 251-274. doi:10.1177/136216880000400304

    Taner, G., & Balıkçı, G. (2022). EFL Teachers’ opinions on the use of L1 in L2 classrooms: Role of experience and context. Focus on ELT Journal4(1), 74-90.

    Taşçı, S. & Aksu Ataç, B. (2020). L1 use in L2 teaching: The amount, function, and perception towards the use of L1 in the Turkish primary school context. International Online Journal of Education and Teaching, 7(2), 655-667. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1250581

    Timuçin, M., & Baytar, I. (2015). The functions of the use of L1: insights from an EFL classroom. Kastamonu Eğitim Dergisi, 23(1), 241-245.

    Tunçay, B. (2014). Teachers’ attitudes towards and practices of L1 use in EFL classroom (Doctoral dissertation), Bilkent University, Türkiye.

    Turnbull, B. (2018). Examining pre-service ESL teacher beliefs: perspective on first language use in the second language classroom. Journal of Second Language Teaching and Research, 6(1), 1-27.

    Turnbull, M. (2001). There is a role for the L1 in second and foreign language teaching, but ... The Canadian Modern Language Review, 57(4), 531-540. doi:10.3138/cmlr.57.4.531

    Usadiati, W. (2009). Contribution of L1 in EFL teaching. Kata, 11(2), 171-184

    Yavuz, F. (2012). The attitudes of English teachers about the use of L1 in the teaching of L2. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 46. 4339-4344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.06.251.