An Analysis of Perspectives on the Use of a Bridge Language in Arabic Language Classrooms

Abstract

There are many different studies and visions about the use of translation in learning and teaching a second/foreignlanguage processthat emerged from different intellectual backgrounds and from different point of views.

From one point of view, some scholars say that using a bridge language is crucial and necessary to acceleratethe learning/teaching process and to show students how what they are learning corresponds to the bridge language. On the other hand, others say that using a bridge language is unnecessary because it affects the teaching process negatively and does not help in creating and making students live in an immersion environment. Whereas, from other perspective, some scholars think that using a bridge language is vital in teaching a second/foreign language, but must not outweigh the teaching/learning process.

There are many perspectives regarding teaching a second/foreign language, however,there are no previous research studies on the different perspectives of using a bridge language. Accordingly, this research’s aims are as the following:

• Examiningthe different point of views of using a bridge language.
• Researching the backgroundsthat different approaches emerged from.
• Studying the bridge language’s role in the classroom.
• Examining alternative strategies that can be used instead of using a bridge language.