Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 12. Number4 December 2021 Pp.349 -365
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no4.23
Mother Tongue Use in Beginner EFL Grammar Classes in Saudi Arabia: A Case Study
Khulud Ali Tubayqi
Female Art and Humanity College, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
Mazeegha Ahmed Al Tale’
Faculty of Languages and Translation, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia
Corresponding author: maltale@kku.edu.sa
Received: 8/23/2021 Accepted: 11/22/2021 Published: 12/15/2021
Abstract:
Using the mother tongue (MT) in English as a foreign or second language (EFL/ESL) classrooms is indispensable, especially in beginner classes. This paper aims to add to the present literature on this issue by highlighting the attitudes of both students and teachers towards MT use in English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom, the justifications for its use, and some of the actual interaction practices in grammar classes. It investigates the attitudes of 110 Saudi EFL female beginners and their two teachers toward using the Arabic language in EFL grammar classes at Jazan University. It also investigates the students’ reasons for using or avoiding their MT. Moreover, it presents some of the functions that MT serves in EFL grammar classes. To collect the data, the researchers used two questionnaires and classroom observations. For data analysis, they used Microsoft Excel and thematic content analysis. The results indicated that, although both students and teachers generally have positive attitudes toward using the MT in EFL classes, they are also aware of the adverse effects of its overuse. The results also revealed that the teachers and students use MT in EFL classes to serve different classroom functions that ease the teaching and learning processes. Based on these findings, the study provided recommendations for teachers, curriculum designers, and future researchers.
Keywords: Arabic, attitudes, English as a foreign language (EFL), functions, grammar, mother tongue (MT), reasons, Saudi Arabia context
Cite as: Tubayqi, K. A., & Al Tale’, M. A. (2021). Mother Tongue Use in Beginner EFL Grammar Classes in Saudi Arabia: A Case Study.
Arab World English Journal, 12 (4) 349 -365.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no4.23
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