The Use of L1 in Saudi Intermediate EFL Classrooms

Abstract

For decades there has been a debate on whether the mother tongue should be used or excluded altogether from EFL classrooms. The use of L1 is also very controversial and has even been banned in some schools in Saudi Arabia, especially the international ones. The use of L1 in Saudi classrooms is quite common; probably not among all teachers, but it is common among most students. Understanding the extent of L1 use and the attitude of teachers and students towards it can create a clear picture of the context of intermediate EFL public schools in Saudi Arabia. This dissertation examined the uses of L1 in English language teaching classes by the students and the teachers in terms of the purposes, reasons, and mount. The participants of the study are 49 intermediate female Saudi students and three teachers. The study employed qualitative and quantitative methods using a questionnaire for the students and a semi-structured interview for the teachers. The results of the study showed that most of the students use L1 in the classroom mostly in peer work. Teachers also use L1 in the classroom, especially with low achievers. The main domains that teachers use L1 with are vocabulary, grammar, and difficult concepts. Even though the results showed that both teachers and students use L1 in the classroom, they seemed to be aware that it has to be used moderately and only when needed.