Liswani Simasiku1, Choshi Kasanda2, Talita Smit3
(1. Department of Communication and Study Skills in English, Language Centre, University of Namibia;
2. Department of Mathematics, Science & Sport Education, Faculty of Education, University of Namibia;
3. Department of Language & Literature, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Namibia)

 

 

Abstract: Grade 10 learners in the year-end examinations in the Caprivi Educational Region, Namibia perform poorly. This study aimed to learn from the English Second Language (ESL) teachers whether the use of Mother tongue in the English medium classrooms could enhance the learning of English Second Language in the Namibian schools. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of mother tongue in English medium classrooms enhanced the learning of the target language (English Second Language). The study investigated 12 ESL teachers at 12 schools in the Caprivi Educational Region. The study found that ESL teachers agreed that Code Switching enhanced the learning of the English language, improved the way learners answered questions, and that it enhanced teaching and learning of English as a Second Language. It is believed that the more difficult English language concepts are better understood by learners when explained in the learners’ mother tongue.

 

 

Key words: Code Switching, target language, English for specific purpose context