The Attitudes of Undergraduate Students and Instructors Towards the Use of L1

This book was born out of a growing academic interest in the role of the mother tongue in foreign language teaching, particularly in EFL classrooms where English is taught as a foreign language to students who share the same native language. During my experiences as both a student and a lecturer, I repeatedly encountered questions and challenges regarding the use of L1 in the language learning process. These observations, combined with an evident gap in research focusing on students and instructors in similar sociolinguistic contexts, inspired me to pursue this study. The research process was shaped by the need to better understand and document the actual attitudes and practices concerning the use of L1 at the tertiary level. The decision to focus on the Departments of English Language and Literature and Translation and Interpreting at Kafkas University was grounded in the unique linguistic environment of these departments, where theoretical approaches and pedagogical practices often intersect in dynamic and sometimes conflicting ways. This work aims not only to contribute to academic literature but also to provide practical insights for instructors, curriculum developers, and language education policymakers who seek to understand when and how the mother tongue can be effectively integrated into foreign language instruction. By examining the attitudes of both students and instructors, the study hopes to foster a more balanced, realistic, and context-sensitive approach to language pedagogy. First and foremost, I would like to express my profound gratitude to my thesis supervisor and book editor, Prof. Dr. Gencer Elkılıç, whose academic insight, unwavering support, and constructive feedback have been invaluable throughout every stage of this book. His guidance not only refined my research but also deepened my understanding of the field. I am privileged to have worked under his supervision. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Burak Büyüktopçu, whose generous efforts in the editorial organization and overall coordination of this work played a significant role in shaping the final structure of this book. His meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to academic quality have been a great source of inspiration for me.