The effect of first language transfer and age on second language acquisition

Abstract

“Individuals tend to transfer the forms and meanings, and the distribution of forms and meanings of their native language and culture to the foreign language and culture – both productively…and receptively” (Gass & Selinker, 1983, p. 22).

“We have room for but one language here and that is the English language, for we intended to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans and not as dwellers in a polyglot boarding house” (Theodore Roosevelt, Jan. 3, 1919, cited in Reich, 1986, p. 205).

This study investigates the effect of first language transfer on second language acquisition. Specifically, it examines the influence of Armenian (L1) on learners of English as a foreign language. Armenian learners from Yerevan and Gyumri, of different age groups and educational background took part in my research study. There were 22 learners/participants from the MA TEFL, CTEFL graduate programs and IAEP Program (Intensive Academic English Program), from the American University of Armenia (AUA), Yerevan, as well as ten participants from the English Department of the Pedagogical Institute of Gyumri, Armenia. The participants’ of this research study were both males and females and their ages ranged from 16 to 51. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire in the English language. The total number of analyzed questionnaires was 30; since two students did not return their questionnaires. The results of the study reflect how first language affects second language acquisition both negatively and positively, and how many other factors such as age, motivation, risk taking, negative attitude and the learner strategies might also play an important role in this process.