Analysis of the Role of Mother Tongue Transfer in SLA from Cross-cultural Communication

Abstract

The mother-tongue transfer has long been an important research topic in the field of second language acquisition. In cross-cultural communication, the mother-tongue transfer can be used not only as a second language learning method but also as an effective means of cross-cultural communication. In the current era of economic globalization and cultural pluralism, it is necessary to pay more attention to the role of mother-tongue transfer in second language acquisition, rather than just treating it as a ‘cultural phenomenon’. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using Chinese as a medium of second language acquisition for learners of English from China, in the form of mother-tongue transfer, from an intercultural perspective. The positive transfer of the mother tongue makes it easier for learners to acquire a second language. For those students who have a weak foundation in English, they are good at using Chinese thought to form sentences. Teachers need not be in denial but should adopt appropriate methods to facilitate positive transfer based on generalizing the similarities and differences between the two languages. Therefore, in the classroom, if teachers can get their students to identify the similarities between English and Chinese, they will be able to promote positive mother-tongue transfer.