The principal intent of this research was to investigate classroom use of L1, in thisrncase the Oromo language, in the English classroom at Adama Teachers College. Tornthis end, a descriptive research method was employed. Fifty first year regularrndiploma students majoring in English and five instructors participated in the study.rnPertinent data were elicited through questionnaires and interview. Moreover,rnclassroom teachers' and pupils' talk were audio taped. While most of the datarngathered through the questionnaires and tape recording lessons were analyzed withrnthe aid of frequency and percentage, those collected through interview and the openendedrnitems of the questionnaires were sorted out and summarized.rnThe study indicated that both teachers and students have positive attitude towardsrnthe use of Oromo language at a college level. It also showed that certain amount ofrnOromo language has been used in the EFL classroom: 1.28% of Oromo language,rnwhich accounts for about 1.25% of the class time. However, the time devoted to thernOromo language was found to be less than what was deemed acceptable by thernteachers and the students (i.e. 6-10 % of the class time) suggesting that there was arngap between teachers' perception and their classroom practice.