L1transfer

L1Transfer is the influence of a speaker’s first language (L1) on the acquisition, processing, and use of a second language (L2) or other languages. It is a central concept in second language acquisition and multilingualism, describing how features of the native language shape learners’ interlanguage, error patterns, and development trajectories. Transfer can be positive, aligning with L2 structures and aiding learning, or negative, where L1 restrictions or conventions clash with L2 rules and cause systematic errors.

The domains affected by L1 transfer include phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon, and pragmatics. For example, phonological transfer can shape pronunciation and intonation; syntactic transfer can influence word order or determiner use; lexical transfer involves cognates and false friends; pragmatic transfer affects phenomena such as politeness and discourse conventions. The balance of positive and negative transfer varies across individuals, contexts, proficiency levels, and the degree of exposure to the L2.

Research on L1 transfer has evolved from early contrastive analyses to more dynamic conceptions of variability and interlanguage. Methodologies range from error analysis and contrastive analyses to corpus studies, psycholinguistic experiments, and neurocognitive measurements. L1 transfer is understood as one of several cross-linguistic influences in bilingualism, interacting with factors such as L2 input quality, immersion, age of onset, motivation, and explicit instruction.

Pedagogical implications emphasize recognizing L1-informed tendencies without stereotyping learners. Educational approaches often aim to leverage positive transfer while reducing negative transfer through targeted practice, contrastive examples, and metalinguistic awareness, supporting more accurate and flexible L2 use.