Date Approved
2018
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department or School
World Languages
Committee Member
Zuzana Tomaš, Ph.D., Chair
Committee Member
Cynthia Macknish, Ed.D.
Committee Member
Elizabeth Morgan, Ph.D.
Abstract
This survey-based research investigates the perspectives on first language (L1) use by adult students of English as a second language (ESL) in three ESL community-based programs in Michigan, United States. The study focuses on community-based programs because, even though it offers a variety of social, educational, and language backgrounds, this setting has been underrepresented in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) research on L1 inclusion in ESL classes. The key findings of this study demonstrate that students use their L1 regardless of their English proficiency and lack of encouragement by teachers. In addition, students believe specific L1 uses (e.g., translating vocabulary and taking notes) can help them learn English. Overall, the findings suggest that strategic use of L1 has the potential to benefit community-based learners across different proficiency levels by fostering their second language (L2) acquisition as well as affirming their identity as multilingual and multicultural individuals.
Recommended Citation
Carvalho, Fernanda da Silva, "Examining students' perspectives on the use of first language in community-based English as second language classrooms" (2018). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 899.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/899