There is a Role for the L1 in Second and Foreign Language Teaching, But…

Abstract

This article continues the debate sparked by Cook (2001) in the most recent issue of the Canadian Modern Language Review examining when and how much the target language (TL) should be used in second language (SL) and foreign language (FL) teaching, and why. In this paper, I agree with Cook that SL or FL teachers should maximize their use of the TL; I also argue that doing so benefits students' TL proficiency. Aside from agreeing with Cook that there is indeed a place for the teacher to use the students' L1 in SL and FL teaching, I also highlight some disadvantages when teachers rely too extensively on the L1. I also call into question what 'maximize' really means in terms of an optimal or acceptable amount of TL and L1 use by teachers.