Effect of L1 Use on Students’ Essay Writing Performance (EWP) in English Language Classroom

This study examined the effects of first language (L1) use on students’ EWP in an English language (L2) classroom. Utilizing an experimental design, data was collected through pretests, posttests, and interviews. The participants were second-year undergraduate students majoring in Dawro Doonaa and enrolled in a Sophomore English course. Originally, all sixty-eight students were in one section, divided into two sections for this study. To establish similar baseline levels, a pretest was administered, and students were grouped based on their scores. Their EWP was evaluated through a posttest, and interviews with two instructors provided insights into their views on L1 use in student’s writing. The data analyzed with a t-test in SPSS version 26 showed that students who were allowed to use their L1 in the English classroom performed significantly better than those in an English-only setting. Thus, it is suggested that L2 teachers in bilingual environments should consider a strategic and optimal use of students’ L1.