A study on the use of wolaita language in grade five English classes: Offa woreda and sodo zuria woreda, some selected primary schools in focus

The purpose of this study was investigating the use of Wolayita language (Wolaitatua) in grade five English classes. Basically, the extent to which Wolaitatua isused; reason teachers give for using Wolayita language, and teachers and students attitude towards the use of Wolaitatua in grade five English classes. The study was conducted in Offa woreda and SodoZuria woreda, which are found in Wolaita Zone. The woredas have sixty five primary schools. The researchers randomly selected ten schools as a study sites. From these schools, thirty five teachers were randomly selected and completed a questionnaire containing fourteen close ended and two open ended questions. Similarly, six teachers were observed and interviewed with semi-structured questions. From the sample schools, twenty four students being in three focus groups, discussed semi structured questions. Findings revealed that both teachers and students have been using Wolaitatua in English classes more frequently. Besides, the teachers use Wolaitatua for explaining abstract words, checking comprehension, maintaining class room discipline and their students use for asking and answering questions and discussing in groups. Furthermore, both teachers and students have positive attitude towards the use of Wolaitatua in English classes. It is, therefore, recommended that grade five English teachers should consider the use of student’s first language in English classes systematically.