The use of the first language in major ELT Methodologies

الملخص EN

One of the hotly debated issues in the field of teaching English as a second or foreign language today in the Arab world is whether Arabic has a role in teaching English, the use of Arabic is anathema to other teachers of English.

The aim of this paper is to seek a middle ground solution to this perennial issue in English language teaching.

It begins with a review of the role of the first language or mother tongue in major English language teaching methods.

It then moves to reasons for using the first language.

It is a guide in developing and selecting the techniques and strategies and language teaching and it is established on the basis of the selected approach.

The term (technique) refers to such activities and instructional practice which the teacher actually adopts in a specific classroom ; in order to achieve better results of his instruction.

Finally the paper presents the views of Arab teachers of English on the use of Arabic in English language teaching.