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

Which term describes the application of knowledge from a first language to a second language?

1. Transfer

2. Interference

3. Interlanguage

4. Code-switching

The correct answer is: Transfer

The term that describes the application of knowledge from a first language to a second language is "Transfer." In language acquisition, transfer refers to the influence that a learner's first language (L1) has on the learning of a second language (L2). This can manifest in various ways, such as the use of similar vocabulary, sentence structure, or grammatical rules from the first language when speaking or writing in the second language. This process can be positive when beneficial aspects of the first language support learning the second language, known as positive transfer. Conversely, it can be negative when incorrect structures or usages are carried over, leading to errors, which is often referred to as negative transfer. Understanding this concept is crucial for both language learners and educators, as it highlights how prior language experience shapes the learning process in a new language.