Fostering Multilingual Spaces in Second and Foreign Language Classes: Practical Suggestions

Abstract

In this globalized world, second and foreign language classrooms are becoming increasingly linguistically and culturally diverse. Despite the numerous benefits of including learners’ L1(s) in language teaching, common approaches to language teaching (e.g., CLT) are based on the idea that languages need to be kept separate in order to be learned. This article begins with an overview of the benefits of using the L1 in second and foreign language learning, including encouraging cross-linguistic transfer of skills and motivating and engaging learners. It then provides practical teaching suggestions for fostering multilingual spaces that teachers can use with groups of students who do or do not share the same L1.