Author:
Bardovi‐Harlig Kathleen,Sprouse Rex A.
Abstract
In the context of non‐native language acquisition or use,
transfer
broadly refers to influence of the learner's native language. Any two languages diverge in some respects but converge in other respects. When the influence of the native language (or a previously acquired non‐native language) leads to errors in the acquisition or use of the target language, we say that
negative transfer
or
interference
occurs. When the influence of a previously acquired language leads to immediate or rapid acquisition or use of the target language, we speak of
positive transfer
or
facilitation
.