Abstract:
This exploratory study investigates EFL teachers’ and students’ perceptions of the use of L1 in EFL classrooms. The purpose of the study is to comprehend perceptions, practices, and beliefs about the inclusion of L1 in the teaching and learning of EFL. Although there is a general tendency in favour of using the target language only in EFL teaching and learning, there are studies which indicate that L1 can have some positive roles in EFL classrooms. Accordingly, this exploratory study investigates first year students’ and teachers’ perceptions on the use of L1 in EFL classrooms, at the department of English, university of Bejaia. To acheive the aim of this study, a mixed methods research design is opted for, in that both qualitative and quantitave data were collected through the use of the students’ questionnaire, the teachers’ questionnaire, and the teacher’s use of L1 observation chart. The obtained data was analysed through descriptive statistics and contetnt analysis.
