What does 'language transfer' refer to in ESL learning?

Language transfer in ESL (English as a Second Language) learning refers specifically to the phenomenon where learners apply patterns, rules, or structures from their native language when using the target language, which in this case is English. This can manifest in various ways, such as sentence structure, vocabulary usage, pronunciation, and grammar.

For instance, a Spanish speaker might place adjectives after nouns in English, echoing Spanish syntax, or a Chinese learner might struggle with plural forms due to differences in how plurality is expressed in their native language. These influences can lead to both positive outcomes, where the transfer aids communication, and negative outcomes, where it results in errors.

Understanding language transfer is crucial for teachers and educators as it allows them to anticipate potential challenges and provide targeted instruction that addresses these issues effectively. This awareness is essential in helping learners overcome the influence of their native language to gain a better command of the target language.