The case of using mother tongue and target language on learning foreign language at primary school

Purpose: The main purpose of the research is to examine the case of mother tongue and target language on learning foreign language. In the research, 2 class in the primary school in the language learning process, It is aimed to examine how primary students and teachers use the target language and mother tongue, its functions and interactions of the target language and mother tongue. Methodology:72 students and 2 English teachers participated in the research, which was designed as a case study. Qualitative data collection methods were used in the study. The data obtained from observation, semi-structured interview and researcher diary were analyzed using descriptive analysis technique. In the study, 2th class's students and teachers of those classes' views' was investigated about the target language and the use of the mother tongue in the language during learning and teaching language. There are also 3 different 2th grade classes' English lessons o were observed for 3 months and researcher diaries were kept for determining student behavior, classroom management, and language interactions Findings:It has been determined that the target language is used by teachers and students as a tool in language teaching, while the mother tongue is used as a facilitating element in language teaching.In the course of the English Teacher, who can only speak the target language, it has been observed that the students use more target languages in the classroom than the English Teacher whose native language is Turkish. Finally, it was determined that both teachers view should include 5-10% of their mother tongue in their lessons. Keywords: Mother tongue, Target language, Function of target Language and mother tongue, English learning