Utilizing Native Languages in the ESL Classroom

"I now firmly side with the small minority of ESL Instructors who favor utilizing native languages in the classroom. Though, I do agree, it should be for a limited time period, and then after that, only used to clear up a serious misunderstanding of certain vocabulary.

The bottom line is that it makes the students feel more comfortable. They know that their instructor has an appreciation for their native language and culture which leads to a more accomodating classroom and ultimately greater retention." -  Eric Dondero R. 2002

Eric Dondero R. is a Certified Language Instructor and Multilingual Interpreter in Houston, Texas. He is author of the Worldwide Multilingual Phrase Book: Survival Skills for Over 40 Languages. PortsideLanguages.com