THE USE OF LANGUAGE IN A SECOND LANGUAGE CLASSROOM

Abstract

Language use in the classroom (especially in a second language classroom) is crucial to the overall success of the teaching and learning process. This paper therefore examined the use of language in second language classrooms. Learning a second language is quite different from learning a first language and this requires certain specialty. This is a position that highlights the types of classroom language and the roles of the teacher in a second language classroom. The type of classroom language discussed includes: Instructional talks, management talks and Interaction talks. The roles of the teacher include but not limited to being a manager, a facilitator and a resource person. Teachers’ use of language in the classroom performs various functions which include explanation of the teaching content and regulation of behaviour among others. It is concluded that the way the teacher uses language is crucial to the success or failure of the teaching and learning process. It is recommended that teachers should use classroom language in every lesson taught and when used it will aid and students vocabularies.