Cross-linguistic influence: The role of L1 and L2 differences in acquiring second language

Abstract

This article discusses the role of first language and second language differences in second language acquisition process of L2 learners. This small scale research focuses on finding answers to three main questions: a) what are the main reasons for transferring L1 knowledge into L2; b) what should learners do to deal with this problem; and c) when does transfer start to diminish. The participants of this study are 21 students who are studying in their eleventh grade. According to the analysis of results, (1) main reasons for language transfer are different language structures and not enough knowledge in target language (knowledge gap in the target language) these, in turn, can slow down language learning pace of learners; to deal with the problem (2) learners should devote much time to learning (analyzing speeches, listening to podcasts, reading authentic articles, communicating with native speakers) and expose to L2 as much as possible, finally, (3) the influence of their first language has diminished significantly after time passed, but it didn’t disappear fully.