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Type: Video

Platform: YouTube

Link: Using Learners' First Language (L1) in the English Classroom

APA Reference:
Gakonga, J. (2019, June 15). Using learners' first language (L1) in the English classroom [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-R6cD39jEg

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In this video, Jo Gakonga discusses the benefits and potential drawbacks of using the learners' first language (L1) in the English classroom. She emphasizes that L1 can be used strategically to clarify difficult concepts, confirm understanding, and reduce anxiety for beginners. The video also addresses how teachers can balance L1 and L2 use to optimize language learning, highlighting that L1 should not be used excessively, but can serve as a valuable tool when needed.

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Using Learners' First Language (L1) in the English Classroom

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Type: PDF Article

Platform: Semantic Scholar

Link: The Role of the First Language in Second Language Learning

APA Reference:
Ellis, R. (2017). The role of the first language in second language learning [PDF]. Semantic Scholar. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e10d/e0752ec2da9ea1a5abddda1f195be7440601.pdf

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Type: Podcast

Platform: TEFLology Podcast

Link: Code-switching and the Language Classroom

APA Reference:
TEFLology Podcast. (2020, July 15). Code-switching and the language classroom [Audio podcast]. TEFLology. https://teflology.libsyn.com/episode-212-code-switching-and-the-language-classroom

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Type: Video

Platform: YouTube

Link: Bilingualism

APA Reference:
Eppard, J. (2015, October 10). Bilingualism [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CAv7S5NiNY

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A Podcast about Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING IN BILINGUAL METHOD IN PERSPECTIVE OF YOUTUBE CHANNELS

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This document introduces different language teaching approaches with English as a basis in different cultures and environments, as well as disabled students. CLIL is included as one of the latest and the most common bilingual education systems

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This article by Rod Ellis discusses the complex relationship between a learner’s first language (L1) and second language (L2) acquisition. It examines how L1 can both help and hinder L2 learning, depending on how it is used. The article reviews various theoretical perspectives, including the transfer theory, which suggests that similarities between L1 and L2 can enhance learning, and the interference theory, which points out that differences may lead to errors. Ellis advocates for a balanced approach, recognizing that L1 can be a resource but should not dominate the language learning process.

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This podcast explores the concept of code-switching, which refers to the practice of switching between two or more languages or dialects within a conversation. The episode discusses how teachers use code-switching in the classroom, both intentionally and unintentionally, to facilitate understanding, clarify meaning, and encourage communication. It examines the role of code-switching in bilingual and multilingual classrooms and its potential benefits for language learners, particularly in promoting engagement and reducing language barriers.

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In this video, Jenny Eppard provides an overview of bilingualism, addressing the different types of bilingualism (e.g., simultaneous and sequential) and the cognitive and social benefits of being bilingual. She discusses how bilingual individuals can switch between languages based on context and how this ability enhances their linguistic and cognitive flexibility. Eppard also touches on the impact of bilingualism in education, emphasizing how bilingual learners can benefit from various instructional strategies that draw on both languages.

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Sometimes, when you're learning English, you might get stuck or not understand something. That's where your first language (L1) can come in handy! For example, if you're trying to understand the word "uncertain," and you don’t know what it means, your teacher might use your first language to quickly explain it, saying something like, "It means 'no seguro' in Spanish." This helps you understand the word faster. But we don’t want to use L1 all the time, because the goal is to practice thinking in English as much as possible. So, your teacher might say, "Okay, now let's practice using 'uncertain' in a sentence in English." This way, your first language helps you understand, but you're still using English for learning.

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Your first language can help you learn English in some ways. For example, if you're learning English and your first language is Spanish, you already know some words that are similar in both languages, like “information” in English and “información” in Spanish. These words are called cognates, and they make learning easier! But sometimes, the first language can also cause confusion. For example, in Spanish, you say "I have 15 years," but in English, you need to say "I am 15 years old." This is a mistake that happens because of the difference in grammar between the two languages. So, your first language can help you in some ways, but it can also make you make mistakes if you’re not careful.

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Have you ever noticed how sometimes, when you're speaking with someone who speaks both English and your first language, you might switch from one language to another in the same conversation? That’s called code-switching. For example, you might say, “I didn’t understand the word ‘resilient’ in class, can you explain it to me?” And your friend might say, “Oh, it means 'resistente' in Spanish.” Teachers sometimes do this too! When you don’t understand a word or a concept in English, your teacher might switch to your first language for a moment to explain it. This is helpful because it helps you understand quickly. However, the teacher will switch back to English as soon as possible to keep you practicing the language.

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Being bilingual means you can speak and understand two languages. Some people grow up speaking two languages, like a child in Mexico who speaks both Spanish and English. This is called simultaneous bilingualism because they learn both languages at the same time. Other people might learn a second language later in life, like when you start learning English in school. This is called sequential bilingualism. Being bilingual has many advantages. For example, bilingual people are often good at solving problems and thinking in different ways because their brain gets practice switching between two languages. You might notice yourself switching between English and your first language, depending on who you’re talking to or the situation. For example, if you're at home with family, you might speak Spanish, but at school, you use English.