The use of the mother tongue in the teaching/learning of a foreign language (L2)

Abstract

This research aims to study the use of the mother tongue (Arabic) in teaching French in M’Sila, Algeria. We examined the situation of foreign language teaching, particularly French, through a questionnaire administered to students at Mohamed Boudiaf University. A preliminary test (French proficiency test) was given to students from two groups selected within the same university.

After implementing a program that included basic French language concepts using the mother tongue (Arabic), a final test was administered. This experiment demonstrated the importance of the mother tongue in the foreign language classroom in M’Sila.

We also found that the mother tongue serves as a means of communication between the teacher and the learner, facilitating the transfer of skills that contribute to the development of foreign language competence.