The impact of using l1 (native language) in an English medium classroom in the upper basic level (primary 4 to JHS 3). a study at St. Aidan’s Anglican Basic School in the Wa Municipality

Abstract

This study was set to address the impact of using L1 (mother tongue) as medium of instruction in an L2 (English language) classroom in the upper basic level of St Aidan’s Anglican Basic School in Wa, the upper West Region of Ghana. The study focused on the reasons and effects of using L1 as a medium of instruction in L2 classrooms. The study adopted the qualitative research approach and used interviews and observation as tools in collecting and analyzing the data. In all, twenty-six (26) people were interviewed. Six (6) teachers and twenty (20) pupils. The findings showed that teachers used L1 (Waali) where, necessary, especially when clarifying meaning, correcting errors and explaining difficult concepts. The study also identified that the use of L1 (Waali) was useful for effective learning and better understanding. The study recommended that, there should be a balanced use of first language. (L1) and second language (L2) in the classroom and that the L1 can be a useful tool to building a relationship between teachers and pupils in the classroom.