Abstract:
ABSTRACT
The main objective of the study is to analyze the impact of teachers’ gestures
on understanding in general, in a foreign language class among learners of
French. To collect the data, a questionnaire, an interview and an observation
were used. The data collected during the survey revealed that the use of gestures
in French as Foreign Language (FFL), is very beneficial to learners, as it helps
them understand the lesson more than the absence of gestures. Gestures sustain
the attention of learners during demonstrations made by the teacher. Despite the
many benefits derived by learners from the use of gestures, the practice also has
adverse effects on learners. Inappropriate use of gestures by the teacher, the
level of learners, the use of abstract words, the language community of the
learner have been identified as problems associated with the use of gestures. To
solve these problems, we have recommended a number of solutions: appropriate
use of gestures by the teacher, the use of images, drawings, symbols, emblems,
which can facilitate the understanding in general and especially the
understanding of abstract concepts and the level of the learners should be
considered when choosing words and expressions for lessons
