The Use of Creolized English in FL Classes in Barbados

Abstract

One of the most controversial issues in the teaching of modern languages throughout the 20th century has been without a doubt the debate on the use of students' first language in foreign language classrooms. In that regard, there have been many and varied arguments for and against this. In this chapter there is a review both of the reasons that have been discussed to reject the presence of L1 in the foreign language class and those in favor of including this language. In addition, the findings of research on Caribbean foreign language students' opinions and beliefs on the use of L1/HL in their language classes are presented. The chapter considers the students' views on the specific classroom contexts in which they consider the L1/HL useful in their process of learning the foreign language.