Target Language Use during English Lessons for Young Language Learners

Abstract: One of the subjects in Swedish schools that has become increasingly important is the English subject. This study aimed to analyse what language teachers use in different situations in an English lesson. The study’s purpose was also to find out what reasons teachers gave for their choice of language use during English lessons. The method chosen for this study was a survey. The survey was published in Facebook groups intended for teachers. The results of the survey showed that when asking questions to pupils most teachers chose to use English whereas Swedish was mostly used when helping the students during exercises. The results also showed that teachers’ own experience was the main determining factor when teachers planned the lessons and what language to use.