The L1 in EFL instruction, a beneficial resource or a ‘life vest’? Perspectives of a bilingual NEST and a non-NEST

Abstract

This study examines the differences in teaching behaviour, particularly regarding the amount and reasons behind the use of the L1 by a NEST and a non-NEST teaching adults. The results did not entirely agree with those of similar studies, showing that the NEST made a more extensive use the L1 that the non-NEST. Students’ advanced level and a lack of awareness of the relevance of the L1 influence teachers’ attitudes in this regard. This study highlights the need of raising awareness about the importance of the L1 as a cognitive and social tool in EFL instruction, also when teaching advanced learners.

Keywords

• english as a foreign language, l1, multilingualism, code-switching, nests, non-nests, teachers’ perspectives.