Encouraging L2 use
In classes where learners all share the same first language or national language, teachers
need to use a range of options to encourage learners to use the L2 as much as possible
(Nation 1997). The following range of options is based on the idea that there are several
reasons why learners use the L1 when they should be using the L2. These reasons include
low proficiency in the L2, the naturalness of using the L2 to do certain jobs, shyness in
using the L2, or simply a lack of interest in learning the L2. Here are some of the ways of
dealing with these obstacles to L2 use.