The mother tongue in teaching and learning English Language: its beliefs and use

This work investigated the beliefs and the use of mother language in the teaching of English language. Cook (2001), Auerbach (1993), Atkinson (1987) suggest that the mother language should be used to facilitate the foreign language learning in a moderate way. This work had the objective of identifying the beliefs of students and teachers about the use of mother language and the circumstances in which it was used. This research was conducted through questionnaires, narratives, observation and recording classes. The results suggest that the mother language should be used as a last resource to assist the foreign language learning.