Mother tongue, foreign language classes, language, educator, teacher, controversy, research, learning, cultural background, socio-cultural factors, mixed languages, student
Scholarly interest in the use of the mother tongue in foreign classrooms has developed considerably over the years. This has been influenced by extensive research studies which have proved that using the mother tongue enhances the teaching and learning of foreign languages. Previously, the use of the mother tongue was opposed by educators believing that it would inhibit the students' learning progress. In this paper, an in-depth analysis of the mother tongue use has been carried out, laying emphasis on the positive aspects of using the mother tongue in a foreign language classroom. Further, the paper also reveals how the use of the mother tongue can be an effective tool for both the teachers and learners of foreign languages. Using evidence from previous research studies, the paper has clearly supported this concept, leaving no doubt regarding its efficacy. However, despite its obvious benefits for both the teachers and learners, researchers have cautioned that the use of the mother tongue should be restricted to specific contexts. Teachers should therefore determine the circumstances in which it would be effective in order to ensure that it does not impede the learning progress. Only then can the learners realize the full benefits of mother tongue use in foreign language classrooms.
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[...] Using their mother tongue therefore helps them to adjust to the language requirements of the target language, which facilitates the learning process (Ferrer & Mora p.126). The use of the mother tongue has also proven beneficial in articulating rules and the requirements of the class. Towards this, research studies in various contexts have proven that the use of the target language is ineffective when enforcing classroom rules. Warnings in the target language for instance have less impact as compared to instances in which they are delivered in a learner's mother tongue. [...]
[...] The other additional advantage of tabulation is the verity that it allows the researcher to analyze data accordingly and avoid other additional information that could be regarded as unimportant (Matthews et al p.11). It is also an easier way to compare variables and make sound inferences over a given research. In the final examination, the students from both groups performed as presented below: Group 1 (English only) Group 2 (English/Japanese) 1. 39 2. 63 3. 83 4. 46 5. 76 6. 73 7. 79 8. 60 9. 55 10. [...]
[...] The Review Study: The Place of Culture in English Language Teaching. US-China Foreign Language, 109-116. Kahraman, A. (2010). The Role of the Mother Tongue in Fostering Affective Factors in ELT. Journal of English as an International Language 107-128. Kecskés, I. & Papp, T. (2000). Foreign language and mother tongue. New Delhi: Taylor & Francis. Matthews, J., Berry, G., & Armitage, H. [...]
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