The Role of L1 in the ELT Classroom: Resources and Reflections by Ixchel Flores Hernández

Video: When and How to Use L1 in an EFL Class

ixchelflores2908 — 2025-05-05 03:48:59 UTC

This educational video provides concrete examples of when and how L1 can be used effectively in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. It explores classroom scenarios where L1 helps clarify instructions, manage behavior, and build emotional connections with learners. It also addresses when to avoid L1 to ensure adequate L2 exposure.

Podcast: The Role of L1 in Language Learning – TEFLology Podcast

ixchelflores2908 — 2025-05-05 03:54:10 UTC

In this episode, TEFL experts discuss the role of the first language from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Topics include positive and negative transfer, interlanguage, and shared code systems. The podcast also presents research-backed situations where L1 can support L2 development, especially for beginners or in metalinguistic tasks.

PowerPoint: L1 Use in the L2 Classroom

ixchelflores2908 — 2025-05-05 03:57:58 UTC

This presentation offers a historical and critical overview of the use of L1 in the L2 classroom. It examines approaches from the grammar translation method to communicative teaching, and raises key questions about how and when to use L1 strategically.

PDF: The Mother Tongue in the Classroom: A Neglected Resource?

ixchelflores2908 — 2025-05-05 03:59:58 UTC

This influential academic article challenges the traditional belief that the use of the mother tongue (L1) should be avoided in English language classrooms. Atkinson presents three key arguments in favor of limited L1 use: as a natural learning strategy for students, a humanistic tool that reduces frustration, and a practical way to save time when explaining complex concepts.

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

ixchelflores2908 — 2025-05-05 04:09:16 UTC

This article, accompanied by a video, explores three key reasons for using L1 in the English classroom: facilitating comprehension, reducing student anxiety, and encouraging active participation. It provides practical examples and strategies for effectively integrating L1 without compromising target language immersion.

REFERENCES

ixchelflores2908 — 2025-05-05 04:51:35 UTC

1. Atkinson, D. (1987). The mother tongue in the classroom: A neglected resource? ELT Journal, 41(4), 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/41.4.241

2. Cambridge English. (2023, February 19). When is it OK to use students’ L1 in the English classroom? Cambridge English Blog. https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2023/02/19/when-to-use-students-l1-english-classroom/

3. Pemberton, R. (n.d.). L1 use in the L2 classroom [Presentation slides]. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/l1-use-in-the-l2-classroom/6912161

4. TEFLology Podcast. (n.d.). The TEFLology Podcast [Podcast]. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/show/5hCkP3AeX2YTwDLlLL6iqI

5. Cambridge English. (2022). When to use students’ L1 in the English classroom [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZJTQnR6Ntk