This document discusses the debate around using students' first language (L1) in the second language (L2) classroom. It provides an overview of research that both supports and cautions the use of L1. References are included from prominent scholars in the field such as Cook, Swain, and Turnbull. The document also lists additional readings and resources on using L1 in tasks, translation activities, and teacher forums for continuing the discussion.

1. MA TESOL ‘Current Issues in TESOL’ Module 2010-11<br />To what extent should we use L1 in the L2 classroom?<br />References (useful starting points in bold)<br />Atkinson, D. 1987. The mother tongue in the classroom: a neglected resource? ELT Journal 41(4): 241-247.<br />Brooks-Lewis, K.A. 2009. Adult learners’ perceptions of the incorporation of their L1 in foreign language teaching and learning. Applied Linguistics 30(2): 216-235.<br />Butzkamm, W. 2003. We only learn language once. The role of the mother tongue: death of a dogma. Language Learning Journal 28(1): 29-39.<br />Carless, D. 2008. Student use of the mother tongue in the task-based classroom. ELT Journal 62(4): 331-338. <br />Cook, V. 2001. Using the first language in the classroom. Canadian Modern Language Review 57(3): 402-423.<br />Cook, V. 2008. (4th ed) Second Language Learning and Language Teaching. London: Hodder Education. [Section 10.3]<br />Edstrom, E. 2006. L1 use in the L2 classroom: one teacher’s self-evaluation. Canadian Modern Language Review 63(2): 275-292.<br />Harbord, J. 1992. The use of the mother tongue in the classroom. ELT Journal 46(4): 350-355. <br />Harmer, J. (4th ed) 2007. The Practice of English Language Teaching. Harlow: Longman [Chapter 7, section D]<br />Kim, S.H.O. & Elder, C. 2005. Language choices and pedagogic functions in the foreign language classroom: a cross-linguistic functional analysis of teacher talk. Language Teaching Research 9(4): 335-380.<br />Littlewood, W. & Yu, B. 2011. First language and target language in the foreign language classroom. Language Teaching 44(1): 64-77.<br />Liu, D., Ahn, G-S., Baek, K-S. & Han, N-O. 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.<br />McDonough, J. 2002. The teacher as language learner: worlds of difference? ELT Journal 56(4): 404-411.<br />Polio, C.G. & Duff, P.A. 1994. Teachers’ language use in university foreign language classrooms: a qualitative analysis of English and target language alternation. Modern Language Journal 78(3): 313-326.<br />Swain, M. & Lapkin, S. 2000: Task-based second language learning: the uses of the first language. Language Teaching Research 4(3): 251-274.<br />Turnbull, M. and Arnett, K. 2002. Teachers’ uses of the target and first languages in second and foreign languages classrooms. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics 22: 204-218.<br />Widdowson, H.G. 2003. Defining Issues in English Language Teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press. [Chapter 11]<br />Further Reading<br />Atkinson, D. 1993. Teaching Monolingual Classes: Using L1 in the Classroom. London: Longman.<br />Auerbach, E. 1993. Reexamining English only in the ESL classroom. TESOL Quarterly 27(1): 9-32.<br />Auerbach, E. 1994. Author’s response to Polio, C. Comments on Elsa Roberts Auerbach’s “Reexamining English only in the ESL classroom” – a reader reacts. TESOL Quarterly 28(1): 157-61.<br />Bradley, C.J. 2003. A diglot-weave experience with EFL university students. Humanising Language Teaching 5(1). http://www.hltmag.co.uk/jan03/mart3.htm. Accessed: 7 February 2011.<br />Eldridge, J. 1996. Code-switching in a Turkish secondary school. ELT Journal 50(4): 303–311.<br />Mattioli, G. 2004. On native language intrusions and making do with words: linguistically homogeneous classrooms and native language use. English Teaching Forum 42(4). http://eca.state.gov/forum/vols/vol42/no4/p20.htm. Accessed: 7 February 2011.<br />Owen, D. 2003. Where’s the treason in translation? Humanising Language Teaching 5(1). http://www.hltmag.co.uk/jan03/mart1.htm. Accessed: 7 February 2011.<br />Polio, C. 1994. Comments on Elsa Roberts Auerbach’s “Reexamining English only in the ESL classroom” – a reader reacts. TESOL Quarterly 28(1): 153-7.<br />Turnbull, M. 2001. There is a role for the L1 in second and foreign language teaching, but… Canadian Modern Language Review 57(4): 531 -540.<br />Ideas for Teaching<br />Clanfield, L. & Foord, D. 2003. Using L1 in the classroom. http://www.hltmag.co.uk/jan03/mart2.htm. Humanising Language Teaching 5(1). Accessed: 7 February 2011.<br />Deller, S. & Rinvolucri, M. 2002. Using the Mother Tongue: making the most of the learner’s language. Peaslake: Delta Publishing.<br />Kaye, P. 2009. Translation activities in the language classroom. Teaching English. British Council/BBC. http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/print/4726. Accessed: 7 February 2011.<br />Prodromou, L. 2002. From mother tongue to other tongue. Teaching English. British Council/BBC. http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/print/417. Accessed: 7 February 2011.<br />Discussions in Teacher Forums<br />For secondary school teachers only (sorry). 2008. Teaching English. British Council/BBC. http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/forum-topic/secondary-school-teachers-only-sorry. Accessed: 7 February 2011.<br />Using L1 in the ESL classroom. 2009. Teaching English. British Council/BBC. http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/forum-topic/using-l1-esl-classroom. Accessed: 7 February 2011. <br />