Which practice best supports cross-language transfer of literacy development?

Which practice best supports cross-language transfer of literacy development?

• A. Read in both the native language and English
• B. Read only in English
• C. Focus solely on decoding
• D. Avoid discussing differences between languages

Answer: (A)

Understanding how reading in different languages supports literacy helps explain why reading in both the native language and English is the strongest choice. Cross-language transfer means skills learned in one language—like recognizing sounds, decoding letters, knowing how sentences flow, and understanding how stories are organized—can be used when reading in another language. When a student reads in their native language, they build a solid foundation in phonological awareness, vocabulary, syntax, and comprehension strategies. Those same kinds of knowledge become useful tools for tackling English texts, so the student can transfer strategies and understandings across languages. Reading in both languages also keeps the native language vibrant, which supports motivation and confidence, making it easier to engage with English texts. It provides culturally relevant content that makes literacy experiences meaningful, further supporting transfer of skills. Reading only in English limits the opportunity for this cross-language connection, and focusing only on decoding leaves comprehension and vocabulary underdeveloped, which weakens transfer to more complex reading tasks in English. Avoiding discussion of differences between languages can hinder metalinguistic awareness, which is another avenue for transfer. Engaging with literacy in both languages creates richer, connected language experiences that bolster overall literacy development.

Understanding how reading in different languages supports literacy helps explain why reading in both the native language and English is the strongest choice. Cross-language transfer means skills learned in one language—like recognizing sounds, decoding letters, knowing how sentences flow, and understanding how stories are organized—can be used when reading in another language. When a student reads in their native language, they build a solid foundation in phonological awareness, vocabulary, syntax, and comprehension strategies. Those same kinds of knowledge become useful tools for tackling English texts, so the student can transfer strategies and understandings across languages.

Reading in both languages also keeps the native language vibrant, which supports motivation and confidence, making it easier to engage with English texts. It provides culturally relevant content that makes literacy experiences meaningful, further supporting transfer of skills.

Reading only in English limits the opportunity for this cross-language connection, and focusing only on decoding leaves comprehension and vocabulary underdeveloped, which weakens transfer to more complex reading tasks in English. Avoiding discussion of differences between languages can hinder metalinguistic awareness, which is another avenue for transfer. Engaging with literacy in both languages creates richer, connected language experiences that bolster overall literacy development.