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Re-evaluating the use of the L1 in the L2 classroom: students vs. teachers

  • Dina Tsagari and Christina Nicole Giannikas EMAIL logo

Abstract

The present paper examines the effects of the monolingual and the bilingual approach in the second language (L2) classroom. The outcomes of two Likert type questionnaires and classroom observations have been employed to explore teachers’ and learners’ opinions and actions in order to evaluate how the use of the native language (L1) and the L2 is used by both learners and practitioners. Data analysis shows that there is a place for both languages and, when used in a balanced manner, they can comprise a positive cognitive effect due to the fact that the language learner actively draws in interlanguage development. The present study offers clear direction for further research as there is an evident lack of knowledge of principles of L1 use in similar EFL contexts.

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Published Online: 2018-09-01
Published in Print: 2020-03-26

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