ISSN: 2782-893X
eISSN: 2799-0664
—— As both language teachers and learners have not been certain about the role of bilingualism on language learning and teaching process, most language educators are completely against the use of native language in language classrooms. However, the other teachers and mostly students hold a different opinion on this issue. This study attempted to determine the perceptions of Grade 10 learners of Osmeña Colleges in using ‘Minasbate’ or their first language in learning English. A total of 214 learners were made subjects of this study. The main instruments used in gathering the data needed for the study consisted of a questionnaire and a rating scale. Part one was a questionnaire on the reasons and attitudes of Grade 10 students in using their first language in learning English, where the students need to indicate the extent of their reasons and attitudes on the given situation. Part two was a rating scale to determine the degree of agreement and frequency of using Minasbate in English classroom. The statistical tools that were used include weighted mean and Pearson Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation, hence purposive sampling was used. The result adhered that participants use Minasbate to make a bridge between their first language linguistic backgrounds and the linguistic culture of the Target language. Hence, Grade 10 learners preferred teachers who could communicate in Minabate. While participants attitude on the monolingual approach, which focuses on an “English-only” policy is remain to be neutral among English learners. Keywords — First Language, Minasbate, Reasons, Perceptions