ISSN: 3030-3931, Impact factor: 7,241
Volume 7, issue 1, Aprel 2025
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Original article
180
THE INFLUENCE OF THE FIRST LANGUAGE WHILE ACQUIRING ENGLISH
LANGUAGE
Student:
Kholmamatova Anora
Scientific supervisor:
Safarova Mashhura Dilmuradovna
Navoi State University
Annotation:
This thesis examines how a learner’s first language (L1) impacts the acquisition of
English. It explores both positive and negative influences, such as language transfer, interference,
and similarities in structure or vocabulary. The study aims to highlight how awareness of L1
influence can help educators create more effective teaching strategies and support learners in
overcoming common difficulties.
Keywords:
first language, language acquisition, English as a second language, language transfer,
interference, teaching strategies, second language learning.
Annotatsiya:
Ushbu tezis o'quvchining birinchi tili (L1) ingliz tilini o'zlashtirishga qanday ta'sir
qilishini o'rganadi. U til oʻtkazish, aralashish va tuzilish yoki lugʻatdagi oʻxshashlik kabi ijobiy
va salbiy taʼsirlarni oʻrganadi. Tadqiqot L1 ta'siridan xabardorlik o'qituvchilarga samaraliroq
o'qitish strategiyalarini yaratishda qanday yordam berishini va umumiy qiyinchiliklarni engishda
o'quvchilarni qo'llab-quvvatlashini ta'kidlashga qaratilgan.
Kalit so‘zlar:
birinchi til, tilni o'zlashtirish, ingliz tili ikkinchi til sifatida, tilni uzatish, aralashuv,
o'qitish strategiyalari, ikkinchi tilni o'rganish.
Аннотация:
В этой диссертации рассматривается, как первый язык учащегося (L1) влияет
на усвоение английского языка. В ней рассматриваются как положительные, так и
отрицательные влияния, такие как языковой перенос, интерференция и сходства в
структуре или словарном запасе. Цель исследования — подчеркнуть, как осознание
влияния L1 может помочь педагогам создавать более эффективные стратегии обучения и
поддерживать учащихся в преодолении распространенных трудностей.
Ключевые слова:
первый язык, усвоение языка, английский как второй язык, языковой
перенос, интерференция, стратегии обучения, изучение второго языка.
INTRODUCTION
The process of learning a second language, especially English, is often influenced by the
learner’s first language (L1). This influence can be both beneficial and challenging.
Understanding how L1 affects English language acquisition is crucial for developing effective
teaching methods and helping learners overcome barriers caused by language transfer or
interference.
The influence of a learner’s first language (L1) on second language acquisition (SLA),
particularly English, has been a central topic in applied linguistics for decades. Researchers have
explored how language transfer, both positive and negative, affects various aspects of English
learning, including grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary usage.
ISSN: 3030-3931, Impact factor: 7,241
Volume 7, issue 1, Aprel 2025
https://worldlyjournals.com/index.php/Yangiizlanuvchi
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Original article
181
Lado (1957) was one of the pioneers who introduced the concept of contrastive analysis, which
compares the structures of L1 and the target language (L2) to predict potential learning
difficulties. According to him, the greater the difference between two languages, the more
learning problems a student is likely to encounter.
This laid the foundation for early language
teaching methods that heavily focused on L1–L2 contrasts.
Further research by Odlin (1989) emphasized the importance of transfer, where elements of L1
influence the learner’s use of L2. Odlin identified that transfer can be positive, when similarities
between the two languages aid learning, or negative, when differences result in errors.
For
example, a Spanish speaker might struggle with English word order, while a German speaker
might find it easier due to syntactic similarities.
More recent studies support the idea that L1 interference is not merely an obstacle, but a natural
part of SLA. Ellis (1994) argued that learners actively use their existing linguistic knowledge
(from L1) to make sense of the new language.
This view aligns with cognitive learning theories,
which suggest that the mind draws on previous experiences to process new information.
Additionally, research by Ringbom (2007) highlighted the role of perceived similarity between
languages. Learners are more likely to transfer structures they believe are similar, even if they
are not entirely correct.
This can explain many common grammatical and lexical errors.
Overall, the literature agrees that L1 has a strong and complex impact on English acquisition.
Recognizing this influence is vital for teachers and curriculum designers aiming to support
diverse learners effectively.
In conclusion, the first language (L1) plays a significant role in the process of acquiring English
as a second language (L2). Its influence can be both helpful and challenging, depending on the
similarities and differences between the two languages. Positive transfer can support learning by
providing familiar structures or vocabulary, while negative transfer can lead to errors and
confusion. Understanding the role of L1 allows educators to identify common difficulties
learners may face and to develop more effective teaching strategies. Recognizing and addressing
L1 influence is essential in creating supportive and inclusive language learning environments
that promote greater language proficiency.
REFERENCES
1.
Ellis, R. (1994). The Study of Second Language Acquisition. Oxford University Press.
162 p.
2.
Lado, R. (1957). Linguistics Across Cultures: Applied Linguistics for Language Teachers.
University of Michigan Press. 319 p.
1
Lado, R. (1957). Linguistics Across Cultures: Applied Linguistics for Language Teachers. University of Michigan Press. 319 p.
2
Odlin, T. (1989). Language Transfer: Cross-Linguistic Influence in Language Learning. Cambridge University Press. 82 p.
3
Ellis, R. (1994). The Study of Second Language Acquisition. Oxford University Press. 162 p.
4
Ringbom, H. (2007). Cross-linguistic Similarity in Foreign Language Learning. Multilingual Matters. 48 p.
ISSN: 3030-3931, Impact factor: 7,241
Volume 7, issue 1, Aprel 2025
https://worldlyjournals.com/index.php/Yangiizlanuvchi
worldly knowledge
OAK Index bazalari :
research gate, research bib.
Qo’shimcha index bazalari:
zenodo, open aire. google scholar.
Original article
182
3.
Odlin, T. (1989). Language Transfer: Cross-Linguistic Influence in Language Learning.
Cambridge University Press. 82 p.
4.
Ringbom, H. (2007). Cross-linguistic Similarity in Foreign Language Learning.
Multilingual Matters. 48 p.
