L1 and L2 use in the classroom: A systematic approach

Nations Summary









Author: Mara Jos Acua Contreras
Pamela Humeres Barros
Teacher: Roxana Correa


March, 2014
This article looks at the problems and benefits of the use of the L1 on a L2 class and how this may
affect the language learning goals of the students.
The article suggests two main principles:
- Teachers should try to solve classroom problems through the application of pedagogical
skills rather than through administrative or disciplinary procedures. (Nation, 1997)

- Most problems have a variety of causes, which to some degree reflects the variety of
individuals in a class. (Nation, 1997)
The main topic of this article is in relation with encouraging the use of the L2 by considering the
causes of L1 use under the major categories
Matching the demands of the task and the learners proficiency
There are several ways of systematically bridging the gap between the demands of a task and the
learners proficiency (Nation, 1990)
One of them is to create tasks that go according to learners previous experiences.
Learners can learn from each other in activities in which the information is divided equally among
the participants.
Changing the circumstances of the task
Create situations in which the use of L2 might seem more natural. This can help learners to avoid
the use of the L1 during speaking activities.
Changing learners attitudes to using English
In order to deal with the negative attitude of learners towards the use of English, it is important to
show them the benefits of using English during the tasks.
For example by :
- Inform learners of the learning goal
- Show the benefits of using English.
- Discuss the problem of lack of use of English and seek a solution.
- Set up a monitoring system.
- Use non-threatening tasks.
Approaching the problem systematically
The problem can be approached by a combination of proficiency, attitude and circumstances-
based solution (Acton, 1984)
Using the first language can help learning
The article is not asking to eliminate the use of L1 in L2 English activities. Teachers should use the
first language as an advantage and not as a disadvantage.
This article proposed a variety of methods to encourage the use of L2 on the classroom in order to
increase the speaking abilities on L2 and to use L1 on the class context as a support on the
development of the L2 skills.
Bibliography
Nation, P. (1997). L1 and L2 Use in the Classroom: A Systematic Approach. TESL Reporter , 19-27.