PKPG TESL teachers’ perceptions on the usage of L1 in the ESL lesson

It is assume that-only English language is used in the teaching and learning of English language classroom in our country. However there are some English teachers who tend to use Bahasa Malaysia in the lesson for many different reasons. Therefore, this study is conducted to find out the perceptions of the English language teachers on the issue. Secondly, the study also identified the various reasons on the use of Bahasa Malaysia by the English language teachers. The study was conducted in a university where the subjects were experienced English language teachers (PKPG) who are undergoing their Teaching English as a Second Language degree education. The subjects or the respondents were of different demographics background and but rich in teaching experience. The method adapted for this study is the survey method where questionnaire is adapted as the instrument. The results of the finding were analysed and the study found out that the perceptions of the respondents varies. Some of them are in favour on the use of LI in the English language lesson and some are in opposition. But, during the lesson of English language in the classroom, many respondents tend to view the use of Bahasa Melayu or LI as beneficial to students in certain conditions. Nevertheless, on the use Bahasa Malaysia in the English Language classroom, the perceptions of the respondents on the issue is clear; majority of them do not support the use of LI in the English Language lesson.