Cross-linguistic similarity in foreign language learning
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Cross-linguistic similarity in foreign language learning
(Second language acquisition / series editor, David Singleton, 21)
Multilingual Matters, c2007
- : hbk
- : pbk
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Note
Includes bibliographical references (p. 123-140) and index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
This book explores the importance of cross-linguistic similarity in foreign language learning. While linguists have primarily focussed upon differences between languages, learners strive to make use of any similarities to prior linguistic knowledge they can perceive. The role of positive transfer is emphasized as well as the essential differences between comprehension and production. In comprehension of related languages, cross-linguistic similarities are easily perceived while in comprehension of distant languages they are merely assumed. Production may be based on previous perception of similarities, but frequently similarities are here merely assumed. Initially, effective learning is based on quick establishment of cross-linguistic one-to-one relations between individual items. As learning progresses, the learner learns to modify such oversimplified relations. The book describes the ways in which transfer affects different areas of language, taking account of the differences between learning a language perceived to be similar and a language where few or no cross-linguistic similarities can be established.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Different Types of Cross-linguistic Similarities
3. Learner Expectations, On-line Comprehension and Receptive Learning
4. Cross-linguistic Similarities in Comprehension and Production: The Mental Lexicon
5. Transfer: The Use of Cross-linguistic Similarities. The Finnish Scene
6. Tests of English Comparing Finnish and Swedish Speakers in Finland
7. Levels of Transfer: Items and Procedures (Systems)
8. Item Transfer in Production: Areas of Language
9. Skill Theory, Automaticity, and Foreign Language Learning
10. The Development of Foreign Language Learning
11. Consequences for Teaching
12. Further Research Needed
13. Conclusion
Endnotes
Appendices
by "Nielsen BookData"