taaltransfer

taaltransfer, often translated as “language transfer,” refers to the influence that a speaker’s first language (L1) exerts on the acquisition, use, and processing of a second language (L2). The phenomenon is observed across phonology, grammar, vocabulary, and pragmatics, and can result in both facilitative and obstructive effects. In phonological transfer, sounds that exist in the L1 may be produced more accurately in the L2, while absent or differing phonemes may be substituted, leading to a foreign accent. Grammatical transfer involves the application of L1 syntactic rules to L2 constructions; for example, speakers may transfer word order patterns or agreement rules, which can produce errors or non‑native-like structures. Lexical transfer occurs when cognates are used appropriately across languages, but also when false friends cause misunderstandings. Pragmatic transfer relates to discourse conventions, such as politeness strategies or turn‑taking norms, which can differ markedly between languages.

Research in applied linguistics and second‑language acquisition (SLA) distinguishes positive transfer—where similarities between L1 and L2 facilitate learning—from negative transfer (interference), which hampers performance. The extent of transfer is affected by variables such as the typological distance between languages, the learner’s proficiency level, exposure, and instructional context. Educators address taaltransfer by raising learners’ metalinguistic awareness, providing contrastive analysis, and designing targeted corrective feedback. Although the term is most common in Dutch and other European linguistic literature, the underlying concept is widely recognized in SLA theory and informs curriculum design, assessment, and language policy.