Student and teacher attitudes towardrs the use of the mother tongue in English language classes

Along with the globalized world the interest in foreign language education is increasing day by day. No doubt, this interest is also valid for our country which has an important place in many respects. Turkish education system, adopts the principle of teaching at least a foreign language to all students. For a long time people have been trying many methods to teach and learn foreign languages. The English teachers also deal with all aspects influencing effective language teaching and learning. This study includes the findings regarding in what cases do English teachers use L1 in English classes and what are the students' opinions about using L1 in English classes. The study conducted in eight different departments in Muş Alparslan University and 173 students and 15 teachers participated in the study. The datas about in what cases do English teachers and students use mother tongue in English classes and students' opinions about using mother tongue in English classes were collected through questionnaires, observations in the classrooms and teachers' interviews. This study revealed that in many cases both teachers' and students' use of mother tongue in L2 classes at a reasonable level has a favorable effect on foreign language teaching learning. Key Words: Mother Tongue, Foreign Language, Method.