Does mother tongue interfere in second language learning?
Daniel Lopez
Updated on March 12, 2026
The questionnaire shows that mother tongue interferes with second language learning in some way. In English language, the most challenging part was Grammar, while the most difficult and influenced skills was Speaking. In addition, participants had difficulty with speaking without any preparation.
How does mother tongue affect the second language learning?
In addition to other researches about mother tongue interference, in brief it is possible to say that mother tongue interferences in second language learning in almost all aspects. The biggest effect of mother tongue interference can be seen in the speaking as a language skills and grammar as a language area.Does mother tongue support learning a second language?
Using mother tongue helps a child develop their critical thinking and literacy skills. Research shows that children learning in mother tongue adopt a better understanding of the curriculum. Skills learnt in mother tongue do not have to be re-taught when when the child transfers to a second language.How your mother tongue affects your English language learning?
The most common reason is transfer or interference from the mother tongue. Generally, errors made in pronunciation are due to difference in the sound system and spelling symbols between the mother tongue and English. As a regular practice the teacher is seen as a model for correct speaking in class.Will using the mother tongue as a language of instruction hinders the learning of a second language like English?
Will using the mother tongue as language of instruction hinder the learning of a second language like English? No. Many studies indicate that students first taught to read in their L1, and then later in an L2, outperform those taught to read exclusively in an L2.Learning a second language? Develop your mother tongue | Shane Leaning | TEDxXiguanED
How mother tongue is considered as the foundation of content and second language learning?
It's also well known that a strong mother tongue foundation equips children with the skills they need to learn additional languages, allowing them to transfer their understanding of the structure of language to several new languages.Why is the learning of second language difficult in comparison to the learning of mother tongue discuss?
Mother Tongue:The first language is the mother tongue of a person. The second language learning depends a lot on the structures of the first language. If the structure of the first language is similar to the second language, it will be easy and fast for the learners to internalize it.
How first language affects second language?
Students who have strong first language skills are able to acquire the second language more easily due to language transfer. Having Spanish and English teachers work in parallel ways is a key factor in ensuring complete second language acquisition and, thus, cognitive development.What are negative effects of mother tongue?
Negative transfer refers to the interference of mother tongue, sometimes mother tongue cannot promote to learn a foreign language, to some extent even impede the learner to master some new language knowledge; this transfer is named negative transfer).What is the impact of mother tongue influence?
Some more Effects of MTI are:Lack of confidence in speaking English. Embarrassment in communicating with others publicly. Inability to speak English properly due to internalisation of sounds from the mother tongue. Slow career/academic growth.