Question for group 2: In what aspects do you see L1 influences on the acquisition of L2
grammar?
The influence of L1 can be seen in various aspects of L2 grammar acquisition. In general, L1
can frequently influence L2 syntax and lexis acquisition.
In terms of syntax, a study aimed at identifying L2 (English) syntax transferred negatively
and positively from L1 (Bahasa Melayu) in writing English (L2) essays among Form Two
secondary school students found that the first language significantly interfered with students'
English language writing skills. The results showed that students continued to rely on their
L1 (Bahasa Melayu) in their writing skills. They unconsciously used their L1 (Bahasa
Melayu) rules to translate their sentences into L2 (English language). For example: “And then,
I got a sister.” (English) is written as “And then, I got sister.”; “I am elder than one of my
siblings.” (English) is written as “I is elder one sibling include me.” or “My mother works as
a clerk.” (English) is written as “My mother work as clerk.”.
In regard to lexis, there is substantial evidence in the research literature that SLA errors are
disproportionately L1-driven and are mostly caused by the negative transfer of the learner's
first language features (Islam, 2020). The results of Scott's experiment in 1999 revealed
substantial word-choice patterns depending on the learners' L1 backgrounds, which differed
significantly from those of native English speakers, confirming the pervasiveness of L1 effect
in L2 lexical processing.
However, another line of thought holds that similarities aid in L2 acquisition while differences
hinder it, resulting in errors (Larsen and Freeman, 1986). For example, Hindi and Urdu, which
are nearly identical in terms of syntactic structures and lexis, share some similarities. As a
result, while spoken Hindi and spoken Urdu are mutually intelligible, the two alphabets are
so different that written Hindi and written Urdu would be incomprehensible without
knowledge of them (Islam, 2020).
To summarise, the L1 effect pervades all aspects of L2 acquisition, however, syntax and lexis
are the most common ones dominated by L1.
REFERENCE LIST
Singh, A. K. G., & Maniam, M. (2020). A case study on the influence of first language syntax
(L1) in writing English (L2) essays among form two secondary students. Universal Journal
of Educational Research, 8(7), 2914-2920.
Islam, S. M. (2020). L1 interference in the acquisition of English syntax and lexis. Journal of
Education and Social Sciences, 15(1), 56-70
Scott, J. (1999). The role of L1-based concepts in L2 lexical reference. Applied Linguistics,
Vol. 4, No. 4, 97-118
Larsen-Freeman (1986). Techniques and principles in language teaching. Oxford: OUP