Does the L1 have a role in the foreign language classroom? A review of the literature

Abstract

Recently, the powers that be at the English language school where I work posted signs in every classroom, advising that only English is to be spoken there. The signs feature a menacing-looking Uncle Sam, wearing a patriotic top hat and a scowl. His outstretched index finger points accusingly at the viewer and his catch phrase is altered to read, "I want YOU to speak English at (name of school)" The background of these signs is an ominous black, and above the image of Uncle Sam is a warning: "Caution: English Only Zone."