Cross-linguistic influence

Definition

Cross-linguistic influence refers to the effect that a learner's native language has on their acquisition of a second language. This phenomenon can manifest in various ways, including the transfer of vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and syntax from the first language to the second. Understanding this influence is crucial for educators as it can impact learners’ fluency and comprehension in a new language.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cross-linguistic influence can lead to both positive transfer, where similarities between languages aid learning, and negative transfer, where differences cause errors.
2. This influence is particularly notable in areas such as vocabulary choice, where learners might incorrectly use words from their native language instead of the target language.
3. Pronunciation patterns from the native language can interfere with the ability to produce sounds in the second language accurately.
4. Grammar structures from a learner's first language often affect how they form sentences in their second language, leading to typical errors based on their native syntax.
5. Teachers can mitigate negative cross-linguistic influence by providing targeted instruction and practice that highlights differences between the languages.

Review Questions

• How does cross-linguistic influence affect vocabulary acquisition in second language learners?
  • Cross-linguistic influence affects vocabulary acquisition as learners may rely on words from their native language when trying to express ideas in the second language. This can lead to errors, such as false cognates or incorrect word choices that do not fit the context. Understanding this influence helps educators identify common pitfalls and teach strategies to expand learners' vocabulary in a way that respects both languages.
• In what ways can negative cross-linguistic influence manifest in grammar use among second language learners?
  • Negative cross-linguistic influence in grammar can manifest when learners apply grammatical rules from their native language to the second language, leading to incorrect sentence structures. For instance, a Spanish speaker might omit articles when speaking English because of differences in usage between the two languages. Identifying these specific errors allows teachers to provide focused feedback and instructional support tailored to individual learner needs.
• Evaluate the implications of cross-linguistic influence for teaching methodologies in second language education.
  • The implications of cross-linguistic influence for teaching methodologies are significant, as they underscore the necessity for educators to be aware of the linguistic backgrounds of their students. By incorporating strategies that address both positive and negative transfers, such as contrastive analysis and explicit instruction on differences, teachers can enhance learners’ understanding and help them avoid common mistakes. Additionally, fostering an environment where students can draw connections between languages can promote deeper learning and encourage confidence in using their second language effectively.

Related terms

Language Transfer: Language transfer is the process where learners apply knowledge from their first language when learning a second language, which can be positive or negative.

Interlanguage:

Interlanguage is the evolving linguistic system that learners create while acquiring a second language, influenced by both their native language and the target language.

Second Language Acquisition (SLA): Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is the process through which people learn a language other than their native one, encompassing both formal instruction and informal learning.