Using of the First Language in English classroom as a way of scaffolding for both the students and teachers to learn and teach English

ABSTRACT: This paper starts with the assumption that using the mother tongue when applied adequately and effectively, can be used as a means of language learning and language teaching. Despite the controversy of the adequacy or inadequacy of using the mother tongue in the teaching of a foreign language, this paper argues that analytical and descriptive studies along with teachersʹ observations have revealed valuable additional information about the validity of using the mother tongue as a tool for language learning and/or language teaching. So the use of L1, if used properly and judiciously, is a needful, and worthy, pedagogical ally in the teaching and learning of English as language. Therefore, those who believe that L1 has a minimal role to play in the teaching of a foreign language are invited to think again of its role and contributions it makes to the fields of language learning and teaching.