This study attempts to reveal whether there is unintentional reverse transfer L2→L1 (English-Spanish) in the oral L1 production of university learners in formal contexts. The languages used by learners influence each other, and this transfer may occur from the first to the second language (direct transfer), or from the second to the first (reverse transfer), the focus of this work. Thus, an exploratory study was implemented with two groups of participants with different L2 proficiency levels. They had to retell, using their L1, a soundless video. Their production was recorded, transcribed and examined. Consistent with other studies, results suggest unintentional reverse transfer occurs more frequently when there is a lower level of L2 competence, or, alternatively, its effects have a more evident negative outcome for these learners. Pedagogically speaking, being able to identify successful reverse transfer strategies with a positive outcome may have important implications for biling...

Studies of second language learning have revealed a connection between first language transfer and errors in second language production. This paper describes an action research study carried out among Chilean university students studying English as part of their degree programmes. The study focuses on common lexical errors made by Chilean Spanish-speakers due to negative first language transfer and aims to analyse the effects of systematic instruction and practice of this problematic lexis. It is suggested that raising awareness of lexical transfer through focused attention on common transfer errors is valued by students and seems essential for learners to achieve productive mastery.

ED281369 - Syntactic and Morphological Errors of English Speakers on the Spanish Past Tenses.

Competition Model studies of second language learners have demonstrated that there is a gradual replacement of first language cues for thematic role assignment by second language cues. The current study introduced two methodological innovations in the investigation of this process. The first was the use of mouse-tracking methodology (Spivey, 2007) to assess the online process of thematic role assignment.

In this case study carried out at the University of California, Los Angeles, we explore Second Language Acquisition theory as it relates to negative transfer, apply these principles to three groups of second language learners at the university level, and analyze error types and their frequencies in order to improve our understanding of the transfer process that is occurring in our lower-level classrooms. While results show that transfer errors do not become less relevant as student proficiency increases, the most frequent error types change from level to level. The acquisition patterns identified in this study serve to improve our understanding of the second language-learning process and help us to implement effective changes in our lower-level classrooms.

English The Linguistic theories of second language acquisition and second language learning have widely discussed in what ways the mother tongue or L1 can influence these processes. Some of those have direct effect on the lexical, structural, cultural, or phonological aspects, among others, that can cause miscommunication between interlocutors. This essay intends to analyse two problems in pronunciation Spanish speakers could find as obstacles to efficient communication in English, why these may happen and how they can be addressed by adapting a unit of the 'Life' series for Elementary EFL adult learners and 'Time Zones' series for Elementary EFL teenagers.