NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What type of transfer occurs when prior knowledge of a language helps in learning a new language?

1. Negative Transfer

2. Positive Transfer

3. Neutral Transfer

4. Common Transfer

The correct answer is: Positive Transfer

The type of transfer that occurs when prior knowledge of a language is beneficial in learning a new language is known as positive transfer. This concept refers to situations where similarities between the two languages facilitate the learning process. When learners can draw upon their existing linguistic knowledge—such as vocabulary, grammatical structures, or pronunciation—this familiarity can help them more easily understand and acquire aspects of the new language. For example, if a Spanish speaker is learning Italian, they may find that many words are similar or even identical due to shared Latin roots. This can enable quicker comprehension and language acquisition. Positive transfer is crucial in the language learning process because it provides learners with a foundation that can enhance their confidence and efficiency in grasping the new language.