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Using L1 in English-Medium Content-Based Classrooms: A Case Study of Teachers’ Perspectives in Hong Kong

  • Angus Cheng

    Angus Cheng is an English teacher at a secondary school in Hong Kong, China as well as a doctoral candidate at the Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong. His research interests in the field of applied linguistics are discourse analysis, genre-based instruction and second language writing.

Published/Copyright: May 30, 2025
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Abstract

In L2 content-based classrooms, code-switching or translanguaging seem to be a common practice adopted by teachers. There has been growing research discussing the potentials of L1 in these classrooms. Most of the current studies have focused on the analysis of lesson interactions and yet the perception of the content teachers has remained underexplored. This case study investigated the introspective views of a group of content teachers at a secondary school using questionnaires and written accounts. Data analyses showed that these teachers were generally aware of the interpersonal and ideational functions achieved by the use of L1 and they also seemed to have a positive view towards their practices of using L1 in English-medium classrooms. Based on the findings, practical implications for content teachers in relation to making medium of instruction decisions and suggestions for further research are discussed.

About the author

Angus Cheng

Angus Cheng is an English teacher at a secondary school in Hong Kong, China as well as a doctoral candidate at the Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong. His research interests in the field of applied linguistics are discourse analysis, genre-based instruction and second language writing.

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Published Online: 2025-05-30
Published in Print: 2025-04-28

© 2025 BFSU, FLTRP, Walter de Gruyter, Cultural and Education Section British Embassy

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