The DOI matches its Crossref record; 250 of the 256 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
Own-language use in language teaching and learning
Abstract
Until recently, the assumption of the language-teaching literature has been that new languages are best taught and learned monolingually, without the use of the students’ own language(s). In recent years, however, this monolingual assumption has been increasingly questioned, and a re-evaluation of teaching that relates the language being taught to the students’ own language has begun. This article surveys the developing English language literature on the role of students’ own language(s) in the language classroom. After clarifying key terms, the paper charts the continuing widespread use of students’ own languages in classrooms around the world and the contemporary academic and societal trends which have led to a revival of support for this. It then explores key arguments which underpin this revival, and reviews a range of empirical studies which examine the extent and functions of own-language use within language classrooms. Next, the article examines the support for own-language use that a range of theoretical frameworks provide, including psycholinguistic and cognitive approaches, general learning theory and sociocultural approaches. Having explored the notion of ‘optimal’ in-class own-language use, the article then reviews research into teachers’ and students’ attitudes towards own-language use. It concludes by examining how a bilingual approach to language teaching and learning might be implemented in practice.
Overview
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
In the citing paper
“In the past 100 years or so the central doctrine of the late 19th century Reform Movement in additional language education with its advocacy for monolingual teaching, i.e. teaching the focal language through that language exclusively, has held sway in the foreign/second language education thinking (see Cook, 2010: Chapter 1; Cummins, 2007; Hall and Cook, 2012).”
From Translanguaging and the Transdisciplinary Framework for Language Teaching and Learning in a Multilingual World (2019) · cites this paper as Hall and Cook, 2012
Citations
Cites
(1978) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 53,488
(1999) · Cited by 28,356
Communities of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity
Wenger, E. (1998) · doi:10.1017/cbo9780511803932 · Cited by 23,500
DEWEY, J. M. (1986) · The Educational Forum · doi:10.1080/00131728609335764 · Cited by 13,872
(1999) · Cited by 12,812
The Role of Consciousness in Second Language Learning1
SCHMIDT, R. W. (1990) · Applied Linguistics · doi:10.1093/applin/11.2.129 · Cited by 5,435 · cited 2×
“Although, as noted (section 1), ‘mainstream’ SLA has shown remarkably little interest in the ways learners’ own languages might positively influence new language learning, there are clear links between Cummins’ discussion (2007) of the way teachers might draw learners’ attention to the similarities and differences bet…”
BackgroundPrinciples and Practice in Second Language Acquisition
Higgs, T. V., & Krashen, S. D. (1983) · Modern Language Journal · doi:10.2307/328293 · Cited by 5,375
Sociocultural Theory and Second Language Learning
Lantolf, J. P. (2013) · Cited by 3,852
Fishman, J. A., & Phillipson, R. (1993) · Modern Language Journal · doi:10.2307/329140 · Cited by 3,735
3. English as a Global Language
Pinner, R. S. (2016) · Multilingual Matters eBooks · doi:10.21832/9781783095681-004 · Cited by 3,344
Research works printed but not linked: 24
- House, 2009, Translation
- Deller, 2002, Using the mother tongue
- Cohen, Language learning psychology: Research, theory, and pedagogy
- Burden, 2000, The use of the students’ mother tongue in monolingual English ‘conversation’ classes at Japanese universities, The Language Teacher, 24, 1
- Fabrício, 2006, (Re)locating TESOL in an age of empire, 65
- Davies, 1995, Principle and practice in applied linguistics, 145
- Duff, 1989, Translation: A resource book for teachers
- Cook, 2008, Second language learning and language teaching
- Behan, 1997, The proficiency gap in late immersion (extended French): Language use in collaborative tasks, Le journal de l'immersion, 20, 41
- Adendorff, 1996, Voices from the classroom: Qualitative research in second language learning, 388
- Nasrin, 2005, A justification for using a grammar-translation method in ELT classrooms in Bangladesh: 39th Annual IATEFL Conference
- Turnbull M. & Dailey-O'Cain J. (2009). Concluding reflections: Moving forward. In Turnbull M. & Dailey-O'Cain J. (eds.), 182–207.
- Soars, 1986, Headway intermediate.
- 10.1093/eltj/44.2.97 · DOI
- Malmkjær, 1998, Translation and language teaching: Language teaching and translation
- Mattioli, 2004, On native language intrusions and making do with words: Linguistically homogeneous classrooms and native language use, English Teaching Forum, 42, 20
- 10.3138/cmlr.62.1.161 · DOI
- Nagy K. & Robertson D. (2009). Target language use in English classes in Hungarian language schools. In Turnbull M. & Dailey-O'Cain J. (eds.), 66–86.
- Graddol, 2006, English next
- Stiefel L. (2009). Translation as a means to intercultural communicative competence. In Witte A. , Harden T. & Ramos de Oliveira Harden A. (eds.), 99–118.
- MacDonald, 1993, Using the target language
- ICRJ. International CLIL Research Journal (2008) onwards). University of Jyväskylä, Finland. www.icrj.eu/
- van Lier, 2000, Socio-cultural theory and second language learning, 245
- Lado, 1957, Linguistics across cultures: Applied linguistics for teachers
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Items 301–400 of 465
The role of translanguaging in shaping L2 motivation
Özkaynak, O., & Peker, H. (2025) · Translation and Translanguaging in Multilingual Contexts · doi:10.1075/ttmc.00177.ozk · Cited by 1
The Use of Parallel Text in Learning and Comprehension of L-2
Mathur, S. (2022) · Journal of English Language Teaching · doi:10.66121/j3kz4e95 · Cited by 1
Translanguaging as a Scaffold for Multilingual Students in English Class: Indonesian Students’ Case
Abdurahman, N. H., & Mutiaraningrum, I. (2026) · Changing English · doi:10.1080/1358684x.2026.2630933 · Cited by 1
Karim, A., Rahman, M., & Osmani, T. (2026) · Ampersand · doi:10.1016/j.amper.2026.100276 · Cited by 1
Elevers gränsöverskridande framträdande på sociala nätverksplatser i ett utbildningssammanhang
Vigmo, S., & Lantz-Andersson, A. (2013) · Bulletin Monumental · Cited by 1
Placement of former english language learners in middle schools: general education or dual language?
Torff, B., & Murphy, A. F. (2018) · International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism · doi:10.1080/13670050.2018.1494697 · Cited by 1
What Pupils Say about Transition (KS2–3) and What This Might Mean for CLIL
Chambers, G. N. (2020) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108687867.006 · Cited by 1
Task-Based Testing and Assessment
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.014 · Cited by 2
Questions, Challenges and the Future
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.020 · Cited by 1
How Best to Use Audio/Subtitle Combinations in the Use of Films for Nonnative Learners of English
Zengin, B. (2021) · Advances in educational technologies and instructional design book series · doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-7876-6.ch003 · Cited by 1
Sargsyan, M., & Zimina, E. V. (2021) · Folia linguistica et litteraria · doi:10.31902/fll.35.2021.7 · Cited by 1
Evaluate the Importance of Translanguaging in Language Learning Classes
Liu, W. (2022) · Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research/Advances in social science, education and humanities research · doi:10.2991/assehr.k.220131.081 · Cited by 1
A nyelvtanulás támogatása szótárak segítségével: három kétnyelvű szótár kritikai összehasonlítása
Fajt, B. (2022) · Modern Nyelvoktatás · doi:10.51139/monye.2022.1-2.36.50 · Cited by 1
Learning English for Bilingual Primary Students in Indonesia: The Use of Own-language
Susanto, I., & Jelimun, M. O. (2023) · International Conference on Education, Humanities, Health and Agriculture (ICEHHA) · doi:10.4108/eai.21-10-2022.2329634 · Cited by 1
Chen, N., & Dervin, F. (2023) · Future in Educational Research · doi:10.1002/fer3.11 · Cited by 1
Mentoring ELT pre-service teachers: To use or not to use L1 in language classroom
Özkanal, Ü., & Yüksel, İ. (2023) · Journal of Pedagogical Research · doi:10.33902/jpr.202321853 · Cited by 1
Teaching Translation into Spanish Asynchronously: Assessment and Engagement in the Times of COVID
Perez-Nieto, N. (2023) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-35855-5_5 · Cited by 1
Using Nearpod for Pronunciation Training in Elementary Spanish Courses
Álvarez, C. E. H. (2024) · Mester · doi:10.5070/m352160037 · Cited by 1
Translanguaging as a Dynamic Pedagogical Strategy in English Teaching for EFL Learners
Ali, N., Rodriguez, S., & Park, D. S. (2023) · Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning · doi:10.62583/rseltl.v1i2.14 · Cited by 1
Entezari, M., & Tadayonifar, M. (2023) · TASK Journal on Task-Based Language Teaching and Learning · doi:10.1075/task.22008.ent · Cited by 1
Skopečková, E. (2024) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-54541-2_4 · Cited by 1
Kambey, L. I., & Vuzo, M. S. (2023) · Huria Journal of the Open University of Tanzania · doi:10.61538/huria.v29i1.1237 · Cited by 1
Translating EU Texts in the English BA Programme: Exploring Teachers’ Views and Practices
Károly, A. (2014) · Working papers in language pedagogy · doi:10.61425/wplp.2014.08.62.79 · Cited by 1
Use of First Language in English Language Teaching: EFL Teachers’ Perspectives
Tiwari, H. P. (2024) · Jo-ELT (Journal of English Language Teaching) Fakultas Pendidikan Bahasa & Seni Prodi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris IKIP · doi:10.33394/jo-elt.v11i1.11357 · Cited by 1
Language Education Policy of Distance Learning Classes of Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Alomaim, T. I. (2024) · Theory and Practice in Language Studies · doi:10.17507/tpls.1408.17 · Cited by 1
Motivational Benefits of Translanguaging for EFL Learners
Masoudi, H. A. (2025) · Theory and Practice in Language Studies · doi:10.17507/tpls.1505.35 · Cited by 1
Continua of Multilingualism and Multiliteracy Across English Language Teaching Settings
Leung, C. (2025) · TESOL Quarterly · doi:10.1002/tesq.70009 · Cited by 1
Lloyd, B. M. (2016) · ScholarsArchive (Brigham Young University) · Cited by 1
Kang, J.-J. (2016) · 한국교원교육연구 · doi:10.24211/tjkte.2016.33.4.93 · Cited by 1
La qualité de l’enseignement des langues-cultures étrangères
Wokusch, S. (2017) · Recherches en didactique des langues et des cultures · doi:10.4000/rdlc.1900 · Cited by 1
Exploring the Motivational Strategies in Second Language Teaching
Cacho, R. M., & Frondoso, L. (2018) · Dil Eğitimi ve Araştırmaları Dergisi · doi:10.31464/jlere.444446 · Cited by 1
How Can Learners Be Motivated in a Context of Demotivation for Foreign Language Learning?
Bower, K. (2020) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108687867.004 · Cited by 3
Fakayode, O. I. (2021) · Journal for Translation Studies in Africa · doi:10.38140/jtsa.2.4275 · Cited by 1
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.011 · Cited by 1
Rye, K. H. (2014) · NORA - Norwegian Open Research Archives · Cited by 1
Bukhari, S. M. A. (2017) · ERA · Cited by 1
Alfotais, A. (2019) · Open Access at Essex (University of Essex) · Cited by 1
Ithindi, S. N. (2019) · UpSpace Institutional Repository (University of Pretoria) · Cited by 1
Bilingualism and Second Language Learning
Bhatia, T. K. (2024) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-95504-1.00281-7 · Cited by 1
Translanguaging, EMI, and Language‐of‐Instruction Policies and Practices
Rajendram, S., & Mendoza, A. (2025) · doi:10.1002/9781394227167.ch15 · Cited by 1
Manning, S. J. (2014) · Open Access Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka (Figshare) · doi:10.26686/wgtn.17007418.v1
Ellis, R. (2012) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118271643.ch3
Károly, A. (2015) · Eger Journal of English Studies
Profession-related language competence profile for foreign language teachers at primary level
Kuster, W., Cuenat, M. E., Klee, P., Roderer, T., & Zappatore, D. (2014)
Introduction to Some of the Terminology
Üstünel, E. (2016) · Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks · doi:10.1057/978-1-137-55844-2_1
Kuster, W., Cuenat, M. E., Klee, P., Roderer, T., & Zappatore, D. (2014)
The aspiration of voiceless stops by Brazilian learners in contexts of authentic communication
Neto, T. N. (2016) · CHIMERA Revista de Corpus de Lenguas Romances y Estudios Lingüísticos · doi:10.15366/chimera2016.3.2.007
EXAMINING A SPEAKING SYLLABUS AT TERTIARY LEVEL
Susiati, S. P. (2017) · Jurnal Penelitian Humaniora · doi:10.23917/humaniora.v18i2.5193
Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem.
Geva, E. (2017) · Biographies | European Encyclopedia of Law
The Medium and the Object: Foreign Language Classroom Discourse
Riordan, E. (2018) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-71005-1_4
Inada, T. (2017) · Birkbeck Institutional Research Online (BiRO) - Theses · doi:10.18743/pub.00040333
Recurring patterns of language alternation practices by EFL novice teachers in Vietnam
Lam, H. T. G. (2018) · Pragmatics & beyond. New series · doi:10.1075/pbns.295.08gia
Holst, H. (2018) · NORA - Norwegian Open Research Archives
Use of Languages Across the Curriculum
Turner, M. (2019) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-21591-0_3
Khuong, T. B. D. (2017) · Research Online (University of Wollongong)
Bi/Multilingualism and the history of language learning and teaching
Mairs, R., & Smith, R. (2019) · Language & History · doi:10.1080/17597536.2019.1641932
CONSCIOUS USE OF CODE-SWITCHING TO IMPROVE FLUENCY IN SPOKEN ENGLISH OF BANGLADESHI STUDENTS
Eiten, E. U. H., Parvez, M. H., & Khan, K. Q. (2019) · Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews · doi:10.18510/hssr.2019.7645
Using translation in foreign language teaching
Wróbel, A. (2016) · RepoS (Uniwersytetu Przyrodniczo-Humanistycznego w Siedlcach)
Responding to the Critics of Task-Based Language Teaching
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.019
Creating Space for Dynamic Language Use
Neokleous, G., Park, K., & Krulatz, A. (2020) · Advances in educational technologies and instructional design book series · doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-2722-1.ch028
Yeh, E., Wan, G., & Scott, M. R. (2020) · European Journal of English Language Teaching · doi:10.46827/ejel.v5i4.3157
Bower, K. (2020) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108687867.008
Tale’, M. A. A. (2020) · Scientific Journal of King Faisal University Humanities and Management Sciences · doi:10.37575/h/lng/2337
Mogi, Y. (2020) · UCL Discovery (University College London)
Intercultural Connections: Chinua Achebe’sThings Fall Apart in Language Classrooms
Mkenda, B., & Rotich, A. (2020) · African histories and modernities · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-50797-8_10
Howlader, M. R. (2017) · International Journal of Literacy Culture and Language Education · doi:10.14434/ijlcle.v5i0.26939
Full Volume 5: Working Papers in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education (WPLCLE)
Coronel-Molina, S. M., McNabb, M., & Panos, A. M. (2017) · International Journal of Literacy Culture and Language Education · doi:10.14434/ijlcle.v5i0.26946
Teixeira, J. (2020) · Revista da Associação Portuguesa de Linguística · doi:10.26334/2183-9077/rapln7ano2020a20
‘My language is part of your country’
Bastian, A. (2018) · Scenario A journal for performative teaching learning research · doi:10.33178/scenario.12.1.2
Essential Elements for the Formation of a Polyculturally Educated Individual: a Problem of Statement
Besedina, E., Kuzmich, I., & Shamina, E. A. (2021) · Discourse · doi:10.32603/2412-8562-2021-7-1-140-152
Park, H. (2026) · Warwick Research Archive Portal (University of Warwick) · doi:10.82444/warw.33822616
A REVIEW ON THE USE OF L1 IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOMS
Zilian, P. (2021) · European Journal of Literature Language and Linguistics Studies · doi:10.46827/ejlll.v5i1.257
Investigating Task-Based Programmes
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.015
Handlungsorientiert Unterricht planen und durchführen
Abendroth-Timmer, D., & Gerlach, D. (2021) · J.B. Metzler eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-476-05826-3_6
Barreng, R. L. S. (2021) · NORA - Norwegian Open Research Archives
VBL Implementation of Flipped Learning at Binus University: Failures Experienced by Students
Pawestri, N., Aryusmar, A., Sela, S. T., & Luke, J. Y. (2021) · Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research/Advances in social science, education and humanities research · doi:10.2991/assehr.k.211020.107
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.022
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Task-based language teaching · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.021
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.016
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Task-based language teaching · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.002 · Cited by 1
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.018
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Task-based language teaching · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.001
Bower, K., Coyle, D., Cross, R., & Chambers, G. N. (2020) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108687867.002
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.005
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.003 · Cited by 3
Corrective Feedback in the EFL Classroom: Grammar Checker vs. Teacher’s Feedback.
Puertas, T. H. (2022) · Tesis Doctorals en Xarxa (Consorci de Serveis Universitaris de Catalunya) · doi:10.6035/14110.2022.149225
The L1 Semantic Retrieval of L2 Words: Evidence from Advanced L2 Learners’ Reaction Times
Alshehri, A. A. (2022) · World Journal of English Language · doi:10.5430/wjel.v12n1p334
Remarks on Italian and Hungarian Verb System in Contrastive Approach
Domokos, G. (2016) · XLinguae · doi:10.18355/xl.2016.09.01.24-29
Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108643689.023
Graduate Education Students’ Perceptions. (c2021)
Noureddine, R. (2021) · doi:10.26756/th.2022.213
Cots, J. M. (2021) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9781003169123-2
BEYOND MONOLINGUALISM: A VIEW FROM THE PAST
Nava, A. K. (2023) · Italiano LinguaDue · doi:10.54103/2037-3597/19612
VISUALIZZA O SCARICA IL VOLUME COMPLETO
di Convegno, A. (2023) · Italiano LinguaDue · doi:10.54103/2037-3597/19706
Optimizing Teacher Questioning Strategies for Enhanced Reading Comprehension in EFL Classrooms
Masduki (2022) · Script Journal Journal of Linguistic and English Teaching · doi:10.24903/sj.v7i2.1301
Cuenat, M. E. (2014) · BzL - Beiträge zur Lehrerinnen- und Lehrerbildung · doi:10.36950/bzl.32.2014.9601
Teacher and Learner Language Use
Krulatz, A., & Christison, M. (2023) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-17335-6_9
Metadata
- Authors
- Hall, G., & Cook, G.
- Affiliations
- Northumbria University (GB)
- King's College London (GB)
- Venue
- Language Teaching
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Published
- 2012-06-15
- Volume
- 45
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 271-308
- ISSN
- 0261-4448 (ISSN-L)
- 1475-3049
- OpenAlex
- W2164873736
- Cited by
- 466
- References
- 256
- Citations by year
- 2026: 20 · 2025: 31 · 2024: 42 · 2023: 49 · 2022: 38 · 2021: 38 · 2020: 47 · 2019: 49 · 2018: 51 · 2017: 27 · 2016: 31 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 18 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 100.27
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Language Teaching (publishedVersion)
- Research Portal (King's College London) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Language and Linguistics › EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning
- Social Sciences › Linguistics and Language › Multilingual Education and Policy
- Social Sciences › Linguistics and Language › Second Language Learning and Teaching
- Keywords
- second language acquisition, language classroom, psycholinguistic approach, cognitive approach, sociocultural approach, teacher attitudes, student attitudes, English language teaching
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review