Mother
tongue
What
and why?
The
mother tongue plays an important role in all language learning.
Firstly, it is an important tool for the teacher to clarify explanations,
give instructions and provide translations. In many cases, a brief
explanation in the mother tongue can lead to a more efficient use
of classroom time. Secondly, the mother tongue is itself a primary
learning tool. As with all other kinds of learning, a large part
of language learning involves relating what you are learning to
what you already know, in this case the mother tongue. Studies show
that all students, even advanced level students, use the mother
tongue as a resource consciously and subconsciously in language
learning activities and in natural language use. Thus, the tasks
and activities in CEWw provide opportunities for the students
to compare with their mother tongue and at times to plan things
in the mother tongue. Comparison with the mother tongue can help
to ensure that the correct meanings are learned.
Practical
ideas
- Students
may also use the mother tongue because they feel embarrassed about
speaking English in front of the whole class. In these cases,
you can give them time to prepare what they are going to say (see
PROCESSING TIME).
- If
you feel the students use too much of the mother tongue (for example,
in groupwork), you will need to consider why this situation is
arising and what you can do about it. It may be that the task
is too difficult for them, not interesting enough, not clear to
them or too unstructured. You could try to discuss the problem
with them, give clear examples of what they have to do or ask
for suggestions from them.
- From
CEWw 2 onwards, you should be able to use English for most
of your classroom management, and you can encourage (or require)
the students to reply to you in English.
- You
will need to decide when you will use the mother tongue.
You might, for example, limit yourself to explanations of grammar
and vocabulary and to when you are MONITORING
AND GUIDING.
- You
will also need to decide when you will accept the mother tongue
from the students. For example, you may accept use of the mother
tongue in brainstorming activities in which you translate their
ideas and put them on the board.
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