Behind the scenes: An examination of student L1 use

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study was to gain a better understanding of student L1 use in EFL classes by analyzing an audio-recording of Japanese learners. The study found thatthere were many instances of low-volume(volume of spoken output)L1use. Volume and code choice mark student exchanges as private, and Hancock (1997) labels such exchanges off-record. Not all L1 exchanges examined in the present study could be considered off-record as Japanese students expect to be able to use their L1 in class. However, when low-volume L1use did occur, it distinctly marked an exchange as off-record for the purpose of avoiding embarrassment. Natural breaks in the flow of the lesson also enabled students to clarify meaning in Japanese without recourse to low volumeL1 use. Recognizing off-record exchanges is important,teachers need to respect and appropriately deal with classroom discourse whichstudents do not intend for them to overhear.

Promoting L2 Use as a Means of Facilitating TBLT in Japanese Classrooms

“…These problems have been noted before, and a number of solutions have been proposed to tackle them. Many argue for the strategic employment of L1 to aid comprehension (Birch, 2010), while others recommend L1 reduction strategies. Hancock (1997) and Satake (2011) encourage awareness-raising activities, in which the students are made aware of their own level of L1 use in order to encourage a voluntary L1 reduction among learners.…”