The use of the native (Russian) language resources in foreign language teaching is discussed with reference to the aims of its use in class, the level of student’s foreign language proficiency, the duration of the course, the technique of new language content presentation and the control of its acquisition by students. Attention is also given to the role of foreign borrowings, scientific and professional terms in teaching English. A conclusion is made about the role of the contrastive analysis and the relevant use of the native language in the improvement of foreign language learning efficiency. Along with communicative teaching methods a cognitive learning approach is necessary, which is well developed in the national teaching theory and practice.