Exploring the use of L1 (Afan Oromo) in English As A Foreign Language (Efl) Classes In Shambu Town Primary Schools: Grade 8 In Focus.
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Date
2023-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The present study was designed to explore the use of L1 (Afan Oromo) in the EFLclassroom. It specifically explored English teachers'and students' perceptions about,as well as the amount and reasons for L1 use in EFL classes. To attain the purpose, a mixed-methods research approach was used.This means that the study was conducted using a qualitative-dominant exploratory sequential design. Eighty students and 5 English teacher from two primary schools were selected to participate in the study. Aconvenient sampling technique was used in the selection of the study participants.Three data collection instruments, namely, Interview, Classroom observation, and Questionnaire were used. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data analysis, which was performed through data identification, analysis, and interpretation. In SPSS version 24, frequency, percentage,means,standard deviation,and a one-sample t-test were employed for quantitative analysis. The findings of the study disclosed that both teachers and students had positive beliefs about the use ofL1 in the English teaching-learning process. The participants recognized and ten ded to believe that using L1 sparingly facilitates L2 teaching and learning. Furthermore,the teachers reported using L1 to do various English classroom functions. Explaining difficult concepts in reading lessons and grammar rules, defining new vocabulary,encouraging student participation, and executing routine classroom administrativeduties during lessons were among the functions where the teachers reported using L1.Evidence of the benefits of L1 use for the learners in the study has also been noted inthe findings of this study. Teachers and students use Afan Oromo as a defaultstrategy, particularly in vocabulary and grammar lessons. They seem to have just anintuitive awareness about when, how much and how often to use L1. A study is neededto make a more systematic search into the notion of a limited use of L1 in L2 classes,however. A rigorous experiment-based research may be needed in this connection to inform the field of second/foreign language teaching what constitutes effective L1 usein L2 classes.Keywords: L1 (Afan Oromo), L2 (English), teacher beliefs, student perceptions,judicious use,
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Afan Oromo