THE ROLE OF FIRST LANGUAGE IN A BILINGUAL
PRE SCHOOL: A STUDY IN LITTLE STAR SCHOOL
Ardian Krisprasetyama 112008028
ABSTRACT
This study discusses the role of first language in a bilingual preschool. This study uses qualitative data. Collecting qualitative data based on interviews and observations. Interviews were conducted with two teachers as sample and observations used is classroom observations. There are five roles of first language that would be explored more in this study related to the literature review on the use of first language. These five roles show that roles of the first language is very useful for the students to understand the target language. The five roles are: 1) explaining the differences between L1 and TL, 2) giving instruction, 3) classroom management, 4) explain new words and 5) reduce student’s language anxiety. The results showed that the use of the first language, Indonesian, increases understanding of the target learning English. Indonesian has a very important role in the bilingual schools as the language of instruction for the students to understand the English.
