The use of Native Language when teaching English Grammar to Beginners at Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) in Guanacaste

The current study examines the use of the native language (Spanish) when teaching grammar in English language to beginners at the Universidad Tecnica Nacional in Costa Rica, Guanacaste province. The purpose of this research is to analyze the students´ perception about the use of the mother tongue in second language learning as it has always been a point of divergence among academic institutions and facilitators as well, and in which situations students require assistance in their mother tongue. 55 participants range ages between 17 to 37 responded to a questionnaire about their perception on their English proficiency level and about the use of Spanish when learning English. Results show that more than 65%, learners have a positive perception about the implementation of their native language (Spanish) when learning English as a foreign language for it represents a way to improve their understanding, and therefore their skills in this subject. Nevertheless, information about when to use it and the right amount of L1 is still debatable and further research will provide guidance to facilitate the whole process of learning a new language.