Crosslinguistic Influence in Second Language Acquisition 3301-JS181
The main objective of this course is to account for the influence of the native language on the process of learning another language. This phenomenon is experienced by all learners. They commonly attribute their learning problems to the crosslinguistic differences and influences which, most apparently, result in the errors they make in using the foreign language.
The course considers the role of the first (native) language in the process of learning a second (foreign) language. L1 evidently affects this process but we need to know why this is so and also how it does. Consequently, it is crucial to answer two questions: 1st, whether L1 hinders or, perhaps, facilitates L2 learning, and 2nd, how its influence is manifested in the learner's interlanguage.
Terms used to refer to the phnenomenon are: language transfer, linguistic interference, the role of L1 (of native language, of mother tongue), L1 influence, language mixing, etc. None is satisfactory.
The process of learning L2 is explained in terms of a number of factors: external, internal., and individual differences plus language learning strategies. The nature of internal mechanisms responsible for transfer is considered in various perspectives: behaviorist, mentalist, and cognitive.
An important area covered in the course are language learner's errors - their taxonomies are analyzed in relation to their possible sources together with various accounts of interlingual processes, such as manifestations of transfer and constraints on the process (with focus on markedness, prototypicality/transferability, and social and other factors). Crosslinguistic influence is viewed on all levels of linguistic description: phonetic (articulatory), phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, pragmatic, and lexical).
Both interlingual and intralingual processes are considered in order to provide empirical evidence for the influence of L1 and L2 on the learner's interlanguage on the one hand and to explain whether errors result from, and to what extent, from different sources (transfer or creative construction), on the other.
In addition to the analyses of findings from contemporary research into crosslinguistic influence the course considers the role of errors in both foreign language learning and teaching. It is assumed that both learners' and teachers' understanding of the very nature of errors, of their natural right to occur in the learner's language should make foreign language learning easier and more pleasant and language teaching more effective.
Half of the course is devoted to writing. Students analyze a variety of texts (e.g. emails, letters, advertisements), including texts of their own authorship and academic articles. Through analysis transfer is identified. Particular focus is paid to texts written for academic purposes both in the students' native language and in English with the aim of strengthening students' skills in academic writing.
Type of course
Learning outcomes
A student will acquire basic information about:Crosslinguistic Influence in Second Language Acquisition and will develop his/her analytical skills. In class discussions students acquire skills of expressing their thoughts in a clear, coherent, logical and precise manner, with the use of language which is correct grammatically, lexically and phonetically. Language level needed and developed during the course: B2+
Assessment criteria
The final grade is calculated on the basis of individual work, i.e. homework and presentations (50%), and group projects (50%). Absences allowed: 20%. In case of a failing grade students will be asked to write an essay.
Bibliography
Archibald, J. (ed.). 2000. Second Language Acquisition and Linguistic Theory. Oxford: Blackwell - selected articles
Doughty, C. J. & Long, H.M. (eds). 2005. The Handbook of Second Language Acquisition. Oxford: Blackwell - selected articles
Kellerman, E. &. Sharwood Smith, M. (eds). 1986. Crosslinguistic Influence in Second Language Acquisition. Oxford: Pergamon Press - selected articles
Odlin, T. 1989. Language Transfer. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Schmitt, N. & McCarthy, M. (eds). 1997. Vocabulary. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press - selected articles
Zybert, J. 1999. Errors in Foreign Language Learning. Instytut Anglistyki UW
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: