Using L1 in the L2 Classroom is Not a Detriment to ESOL Students

This is the third article in my three part series which explores the proper use of L1 in the L2 classroom. For those who may be new to this subject L1 is a term that describes the student's native language and the term L2 describes the target language which the students are trying to learn.

Using both the L1 and the L2 in the classroom facilitates the mastery of code-switching. Code-switching is the process that occurs in the brain when we switch back and forth from one language to another. Students seriously studying an L2 have the ultimate goal of becoming bilingual. Being bilingual and communicating with others who speak the same languages as we do naturally engages the brain in a code-switching process. This is because when people have two languages in common they tend to use both when having conversations with each other.

In the ESOL classroom, students employ code-switching most often during small group activities. Students use the L1 to explain the assignment and concepts to their fellow students. Many teachers see this as a problem because the Immersion Model is not being strictly followed. However, if we as ESOL teachers are striving for authenticity in the classroom, "Why then is it inappropriate for students to practice code-switching in the classroom?"

Additionally on the subject of authenticity in the classroom: ESOL students in the United States often provide translation services to their parents and therefore need to become a code-switching expert. Immigrant parents who do not speak English need assistance from their English speaking children to navigate many day to day tasks including: shopping, bill payment, service calls and dealing with the landlord (or for homeowners the city or county government). Taking that situation into consideration, code-switching is a skill these students will need in their daily lives. Why not practice that skill in the classroom?

"Bringing the LI back from exile may lead not only to the improvement of existing teaching methods but also to innovations in methodology" (Cook 2001). As a teacher you want to have as many tools in your bag as possible. Using L1 is not a taboo to feel guilty about but is a classroom tool that can be used to make lesson plans more efficient regarding both time and pedagogy. I am going to stop feeling guilty about using L1 in the L2 classroom and you should too. The important thing is that you use the L1 sparingly and you are conscious of your intentions.

*If you enjoyed this interesting and informative article L1 in the L2 classroom,, please view my other articles in this 3 part series by clicking on my name "Tesl Goddess" to read more of my expert advice.

Reference:

1) Cook, V. 2001. Using the first language in the classroom. The Canadian Modern Language Review, 57, 3, 402-423.