I’ve always supported the role of L1 in apprehending a foreign language, and, when possible, I try to use the...

I’ve always supported the role of L1 in apprehending a foreign language, and, when possible, I try to use the students L1, especially to translate some vocab items. Some student’s books are accompanied by word lists downloadable from the Internet for free, where the students can record the translation of the key vocab of the unit, creating their own, personalized glossaries. Unfortunately the overuse (or misuse) of online dictionaries, easier and quicker, but not always reliable and often misleading, could jeopardize the outcome of the activity.

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  1. Hannah McCullochDecember 16, 2017 at 3:17 AM

    Thanks to your insights on L1, I am really beginning to leave behind the advice I learnt on the CELTA about always using English and this idea that use of L1 is detrimental to learning. I do think it helps to break down barriers between the teacher and students when they realise that we can quickly refer to something in their language to clarify any grey spots. I totally agree with the overuse of dictionaries, too. When I ask students to look up something, the German dictionary will tend to have 10-15 meanings and students choose the incorrect one most of the time.

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