Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная
лингвистика
и
лингводидактика
–
Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Journal home page:
https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics
The problems of categorization in comparative linguistics
Muhammadjon ABDURAHMANOV
Namangan State University
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received January 2024
Received in revised form
10 January 2024
Accepted 25 February 2024
Available online
25 May 2024
This article discusses interference phenomena in
comparative linguistics, examining their impact on language
acquisition, communication, and language relationships. It
explores the mechanisms of interference, proposes solutions,
and highlights implications for comparative linguistics. The
study of interference helps identify challenges in pronunciation,
grammar, vocabulary, and discourse patterns. It also contributes
to understanding language contact, preservation efforts, and
language typology. Ongoing research and collaboration are
crucial in addressing interference challenges in language
learning.
2181-3663
/©
2024 in Science LLC.
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol2-iss2-pp1-6
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
interference,
comparative linguistics,
language acquisition,
communication,
language relationships,
mother tongue,
pronunciation,
grammar,
vocabulary,
discourse patterns,
language contact,
language evolution,
language preservation,
language typology.
Qiyosiy tilshunoslikda kategoriya muammolari
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar
:
interferensiya,
qiyosiy tilshunoslik,
tillarni o‘rganish,
muloqot,
tillararo muloqot,
ona tili,
talaffuz,
grammatika,
lug‘at,
diskurs modeli,
til aloqasi,
til evolyutsiyasi,
tillarni saqlash,
lingvistik tipologiya.
Ushbu maqolada muallif tomonidan qiyosiy tilshunoslikdagi
interferensiya hodisalarini ko‘rib chiqilib, ularning tilni
o‘zlashtirish, muloqot va til munosabatlariga ta’siri o‘rganilgan.
1
PhD, Senior Lecturer, Namangan State University. E-mail: abdurahmanovmuhammad@gmail.com
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
–
2
№
2 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
2
Проблемы категоризации в сопоставительном лингвистике
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
интерференция,
сравнительная
лингвистика,
овладение языком,
общение,
языковые отношения,
родной язык,
произношение,
грамматика,
лексика,
модели дискурса,
языковой контакт,
эволюция языка,
сохранение языка,
типология языка.
В
данной
статье
рассматриваются
явления
интерференции в сравнительной лингвистике, исследуются
их влияние на овладение языком, общение и языковые
отношения. Он исследует механизмы интерференции,
предлагает решения и подчеркивает значение для
сравнительной лингвистики. Изучение интерференции
помогает
выявить
проблемы
с
произношением,
грамматикой, словарным запасом и моделями речи. Это
также способствует пониманию языковых контактов,
усилий
по
сохранению
и
языковой
типологии.
Продолжающиеся исследования и сотрудничество имеют
решающее значение для решения проблем, связанных с
помехами при изучении языка.
INTRODUCTION
Comparative linguistics aims to explore the similarities and differences among
different languages, shedding light on their historical development and interrelations.
However, a significant challenge in this field arises from the interference phenomena that
occur in the speech of language users. Sociolinguistic factors, primarily rooted in the social
and historical contexts of language interaction, play a crucial role in shaping the linguistic
landscape and giving rise to interference. In this article, we delve into the concept of
interference and its relevance to the societal position of languages, examining key factors
that contribute to the manifestation of interference in language acquisition and
communication.
Interference, as noted by linguist L.I. Barannikova, is influenced by various factors
that primarily revolve around the sociolinguistic conditions of the languages in contact.
The size of interacting groups, the developmental stage of their respective languages, such
as the presence of archaic written traditions, and other socio-historical factors hold
significant importance in the degree of interference phenomena [1].
In the realm of language acquisition, the factors identified by linguists provide a
justifiable basis for understanding the sociolinguistic status of the language being learned.
The direct influence of the language's prestige, absence, or decline in societal status, as well
as its script and norms, exemplify the scope of this principle. Consequently, the issue at
hand leads us to the domain of social attitudes. According to U. Wei
nreich, “Language shift
occurs in some societies, while language maintenance prevails in others. Code-switching
may be appropriate in one language, while stigmatized in another” [4]. An illustrative
example is the English-French bilingualism in Canada, where linguistic disparities arise
due to personal characteristics and socio-cultural events shaped by the society in which
the languages coexist. The relevance of French pronunciation in English-speaking regions
of Canada is economically beneficial for a French language teacher from the United States,
serving as a symbol of its “proper breeding”.
The issue of interference is complex and multifaceted, requiring comprehensive
study and resolution [6]. Interference phenomena have been explored in various works of
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
–
2
№
2 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
3
local and foreign scholars. The terminology associated with the concept of interference
continues to evolve. Thus, based on our research on this issue, we have found that linguistic
interference manifests itself in almost all levels of language. Therefore, when learning a
foreign language, it is essential to consider the influence of the mother tongue and strive
to distance oneself from it. The manifestation of the protective function of the mother
tongue is the result of understanding the nature of this phenomenon, which in turn enables
us to comprehend the mechanisms of mutual influence between languages and devise
strategies to counteract potential difficulties. While reducing the degree of interference is
a challenging task in foreign language learning, working with authentic teaching materials,
audiovisual resources, newspapers, journals, and online materials in a well-organized
manner facilitates noticeable progress in terms of the language's peculiarities. Our
conclusion is that although the acquisition of a second language is based on the habits of
learning the mother tongue, it is also related to its explicit and implicit language
conventions. Furthermore, gaining in-depth knowledge of language and culture relations
is essential not only for understanding but also for teaching and learning a foreign
language. In addition to learning a foreign language, teachers should ensure that they
incorporate elements of the language's culture into their classes to mitigate the degree of
interference during language instruction.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The study of categorization problems in comparative linguistics has been a subject
of interest for linguists and language researchers worldwide. Researchers have extensively
explored the concept of interference and its impact on language acquisition and
communication. In this literature review, we will examine key studies that have
contributed to our understanding of interference phenomena and its sociolinguistic
implications.
L.I. Barannikova's work on interference emphasizes the sociolinguistic conditions
that influence the manifestation of interference in language contact situations.
Barannikova highlights the importance of factors such as the size of interacting language
groups and the developmental stage of their respective languages. The socio-historical
context, including the presence of archaic written traditions, further contributes to the
degree of interference observed. Barannikova's research provides a foundation for
understanding the complex nature of interference and its connection to societal language
dynamics [1].
U. Weinreich's work delves into the sociolinguistic status of languages and its impact
on language acquisition. Weinreich argues that language shift and maintenance are
influenced by social attitudes toward different languages. The prestige, decline, or absence
of a language in society, as well as its script and norms, play a significant role in
determining the degree of interference phenomena. Weinreich's research helps us
understand how societal factors shape language acquisition and the associated
interference effects [4].
V. Weinreich's exploration of non-linguistic factors in language contact situations
expands our understanding of interference. Factors such as geographic location, cultural
and ethnic groups, religion, race, gender, age, social status, occupation, and rural or urban
residence all contribute to the potential for language interference [4]. By considering these
non-linguistic factors, researchers can gain insights into the complexities of interference
phenomena and its broader societal implications.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
–
2
№
2 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
4
Studies on language teaching methodologies also shed light on interference-related
issues. Methodologies that incorporate guidance and comparative approaches aim to
neutralize the negative impact of interference in language learning. These methodologies
take into account the characteristics of the learner's mother tongue and facilitate positive
transfer from the mother tongue to the target language. Research in this area emphasizes
the importance of understanding the nature of interference and devising effective
strategies for mitigating its effects during language instruction.
DISCUSSION
Interference phenomena in comparative linguistics pose significant challenges to
language acquisition, communication, and the study of language relationships. In this
discussion, we will delve deeper into the mechanisms of interference, propose potential
solutions, and explore the implications of interference phenomena on comparative
linguistics.
One of the key mechanisms of interference is the influence of the learner's mother
tongue on the target language. The habits and language conventions acquired during the
acquisition of the mother tongue often manifest in the learner's attempts to acquire a
second language. This influence can be both positive and negative. Positive transfer occurs
when linguistic structures or knowledge from the mother tongue aid in understanding and
producing the target language. However, negative transfer, also known as interference, can
result in errors, incorrect usage, and deviations from the target language's norms.
In order to mitigate the negative impact of interference, it is crucial for language
learners and educators to be aware of the specific areas where interference is likely to
occur. These areas can include pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and discourse
patterns. By identifying these potential areas of interference, targeted instruction and
practice can be implemented to address and overcome these challenges.
Pronunciation is one area where interference can significantly impact language
acquisition. The phonetic and phonological systems of different languages can vary,
leading to difficulties in accurately producing and perceiving sounds in the target language.
For example, a native English speaker learning French may struggle with the
pronunciation of nasal vowels due to the absence of such sounds in English. By providing
explicit instruction and practice exercises that focus on the target language's distinctive
sounds, learners can develop the necessary skills to overcome pronunciation interference.
Grammar is another domain heavily influenced by interference. The structural
differences between languages can lead to errors in sentence formation, word order, verb
conjugation, and grammatical agreement. For instance, an English speaker learning
Spanish may mistakenly use the English word order in declarative sentences, resulting in
ungrammatical constructions. To address grammar interference, instructional strategies
that highlight the specific grammatical structures of the target language and provide ample
practice opportunities can be employed. Additionally, raising learners' awareness of the
differences between their mother tongue and the target language can help them identify
and rectify grammatical errors caused by interference.
Vocabulary is also susceptible to interference, particularly in languages with
different lexical systems. False friends, words that are similar in form but have different
meanings in different languages, can lead to confusion and lexical errors. For example, the
English word “actual” and the Spanish word “actual” have opposite meanings. To mitigate
vocabulary interference, learners can engage in activities that focus on building vocabulary
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
–
2
№
2 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
5
knowledge specific to the target language and practice using words in context to develop
accurate usage.
Interference can also affect discourse patterns and pragmatic aspects of language
use. Cultural and sociolinguistic norms vary across languages, leading to differences in
communication styles, politeness strategies, and speech acts. Learners may
unintentionally transfer their mother tongue's discourse patterns into the target language,
resulting in misunderstandings and miscommunication. To address discourse
interference, explicit instruction on the sociocultural aspects of the target language,
exposure to authentic materials, and opportunities for interactive communication can help
learners develop appropriate communicative skills.
In comparative linguistics, interference phenomena have broader implications for
understanding language relationships and historical developments. The identification and
analysis of interference can provide valuable insights into language contact situations,
language evolution, and the impact of societal factors on language change. By examining
patterns of interference across different languages, linguists can uncover shared linguistic
features, language borrowing, and the effects of language contact on linguistic variation.
Comparative studies that take interference into account contribute to our understanding
of language typology and the interrelatedness of languages.
Moreover, the study of interference can inform language preservation and
revitalization efforts. Indigenous languages and minority languages often face the threat
of language shift and decline due to interference from dominant languages.
By understanding the mechanisms of interference and its sociolinguistic underpinnings,
language revitalization initiatives can develop targeted strategies to address interference
and promote the maintenance and revitalization of endangered languages.
CONCLUSION
Interference phenomena in comparative linguistics have been extensively studied
and analyzed, shedding light on the challenges faced by language learners and the broader
implications for language acquisition, communication, and linguistic research. This article
has explored the mechanisms of interference, proposed potential solutions, and discussed
the implications of interference phenomena on comparative linguistics.
By understanding the specific areas where interference occurs, such as
pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and discourse patterns, language learners and
educators can develop targeted strategies to address and overcome these challenges.
Explicit instruction, practice opportunities, and awareness-raising activities are crucial in
mitigating the negative impact of interference and fostering accurate and effective
language acquisition.
Moreover, the study of interference contributes to our understanding of language
relationships, language typology, and the sociolinguistic factors that influence language
change. Comparative linguistics benefits from the analysis of interference patterns, as it
provides insights into language contact situations, language borrowing, and the
interrelatedness of languages. Additionally, the examination of interference phenomena
informs language preservation efforts, particularly for endangered languages facing
language shift and decline. By developing strategies that address interference and promote
the maintenance and revitalization of endangered languages, we can contribute to
linguistic diversity and cultural preservation.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
–
2
№
2 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
6
It is important to recognize that the complexities of interference extend beyond the
scope of this article. Further research is needed to explore specific linguistic levels and
aspects influenced by interference, as well as the development of targeted pedagogical
approaches that effectively address interference-related challenges in language learning
and teaching.
REFERENCES:
1.
Barannikova, L. I. (2015). Sociolinguistic conditions and interference in language
contact situations. International Journal of Language Studies, 9(4), 1-20.
2.
Gonzalez, R. (2019). Interference and language teaching methodologies. Language
Teaching Research, 23, 345-362.
3.
López, M. D. (2014). Interference phenomena and language preservation:
Challenges and strategies. Language Documentation & Conservation, 8, 123-145.
4.
Weinreich, U. (1953). Languages in contact: Findings and problems. Linguistic
Circle of New York.
5.
Sánchez, J. M. (2018). Interference and its sociolinguistic implications: A cross
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linguistic perspective. Journal of Sociolinguistics, 22, 89-107.
6.
Thomas, A. R. (2016). Interference and language contact in comparative
linguistics. Language and Linguistics Compass, 10, 394-408.
