Which term describes when L1 knowledge facilitates the acquisition of L2?

Which term describes when L1 knowledge facilitates the acquisition of L2?

• A. Positive Language Transfer
• B. Receptive Skills
• C. Cognates
• D. Avoidance

Answer: (A)

Positive language transfer occurs when knowledge from a learner’s first language helps them acquire a second language. This happens because there are overlaps between L1 and L2—shared vocabulary, similar grammar, sounds, or writing patterns—so learners can apply what they already know instead of starting from scratch. For example, recognizing cognates or using familiar word orders can make new language features easier to notice and produce. This idea is distinct from receptive skills, which are about listening and reading abilities; cognates are specific words that look or sound similar across languages, and avoidance is a strategy to skip difficult forms. When L1 hinders learning, that’s negative transfer, not the positive kind described here.

Positive language transfer occurs when knowledge from a learner’s first language helps them acquire a second language. This happens because there are overlaps between L1 and L2—shared vocabulary, similar grammar, sounds, or writing patterns—so learners can apply what they already know instead of starting from scratch. For example, recognizing cognates or using familiar word orders can make new language features easier to notice and produce. This idea is distinct from receptive skills, which are about listening and reading abilities; cognates are specific words that look or sound similar across languages, and avoidance is a strategy to skip difficult forms. When L1 hinders learning, that’s negative transfer, not the positive kind described here.