The notion that a child's first language (L1) influences acquisition of a second language (L2) is referred to as language ___________:
A) interference
B) borrowing
C) sequence
D) transfer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The notion that a child's L1 influences the acquisition of a second language is referred to as language transfer, where knowledge or skills from the L1 are transferred to the L2. This can have a positive or negative effect on L2 acquisition depending on the similarities between the two languages and the learner's level of proficiency in each. Interference refers specifically to negative transfer, where L1 knowledge interferes with L2 acquisition, while borrowing refers to the incorporation of words or aspects of one language into another. Sequence refers to the order in which languages are learned.

The Notion That a Child's First Language (L1) Influences Acquisition