The Effect of the Use versus Non-Use of the Native Language on Pupils Comprehension and Conversation

The purpose of the research was to compare the effect of the use versus non-use of Arabic in teaching English on the pupils comprehension and conversation using a quasi-experimental design. To achieve the aim of the present research, two null hypotheses were posed. To verify the hypotheses, two classes from two secondary schools for boys were randomly selected. The research sample consisted of 52 pupils: Twenty-seven pupils in the first experimental group , while 25 pupils were in the second experimental group . The first experimental group was taught English by using Arabic as well as English, while the second experimental group was taught by using only English. The matching procedures were used in equating the two groups in several non-experimental variables. Two instruments were constructed, viz. a comprehension test and a conversation test , to measure the two dependent variables of the research. The researcher himself taught both groups for 12 weeks. The results confirmed the first null hypothesis, but disconfirmed the second one and in favour of the second experimental group. It was concluded that the use and non-use of Arabic in teaching English did not affect the pupils comprehension, Whereas the use of Arabic in teaching English conversation had negative effects on the speaking performance of the pupils. Recommendations, based on the findings, were made