Content

Introduction .

1- Definition of Language Transfer

2- Definition of Positive transfer.

3- The role of positive transfer " learning English after French in Algeria ".

3-1- Examples of positive transfer.

Conclusion.

Bibliography.

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Introduction :

In this research paper we will discuss a very important topic, Positive

Transfer in Language transfer. Language transfer is considered one of

the most problematic phenomenon in Second Language Acquisition.

It plays a big role in the learning of another language. That is why we

can say that the two, language acquisition and language transfer, are

linked because language transfer is a process that goes hand in hand with

the learning of a second language since once a person starts learning

another language the transfer process begins.

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1- Definition of Language Transfer :

Refers to speakers or writers applying knowledge from one language to another. It is

most commonly discussed in the context of English language learning and teaching .

The term transfer originates from the behavioristic school, which believes that second
language learning is a habit formation that is based mainly on imitation and
reinforcement. Thus, according to the behaviorists transfer is seen as old habits that
appear in L2 and they are either helpful which means help in the learning or harmful
harm the learning of the second language.
linguists, scholars and researchers such as Odlin (1989) defined the term in a broad
way saying that transfer is the influence that result when two languages, the native and
the second one, have similarities and differences. Also, Sharwood Smith and Kellerman
(1986) said that transfer is a process that leads to the incorporation of elements from one
language to another. Finally, the most specific definition is the one that Weinreinch
(1953) called interference and defined as having two functions. The first one is when it
works as an impediment to the production of the language learning and this by producing
incorrect forms. The second one functions as a facilitative tool that helps in the learning
of a second language. Another important point which is "Transfer is not always native
language influence"
" The first language is maintained as the reference system in the acquisition of the
second language" (Stern 1983: 455)

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2- Definition of Positive Transfer:

Positive transfer is similar to negative transfer in the sense that it is the use of prior
knowledge or skill in the learning of a target language but the only difference that exists
between the two is that the Negative transfer hinders the learning whereas the positive
one helps and accelerates progress in the learning of the target language.
As Omally and Chamot (1990) defined as: it is the use of previous linguistic or prior
skill to assist comprehension or production.

3-The role of Positive T in learning English after French in Algeria:

Now, we shall tackle the issue of positive transfer from French into English since in
addition to French Algerian students tend to learn English as a foreign language . Many
students in the last 20 years got interested into learning English as a third language for
many reasons such as economic, cultural, political..However, this doesnt exclude the
different problems students face in their process of learning since they may go threw the
same process they went threw when learning L2.
Thus, questions such as do English learners transfer positively during their production?
Why do they transfer? Does this transfer help them in their learning of English?
Most of English learners as a foreign language tend to transfer during their production.
They tend to rely on their previous knowledge of French, to learn English. They do so
because the transfer is a natural process that students go threw during any kind of
learning. However, rather then French the transfer that occurs during the English learning
facilitates and accelerates the learning for many reasons :
The French and English, originate from the same language, which is Latin. Thus, they
are known to share many features. First, they have the same grammatical structure mainly
word order. Second, both French and English are SVO languages. Third, they both have
the same alphabetical symbols . Finally, they have some similar vocabulary that has the

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same meaning and the only difference in these words is that they are pronounced
differently.
Thus, we can say that transferring from French into English is known to facilitate and
accelerate the learning process as Odlin said: similarities in vocabulary can reduce the
time needed to develop good reading.
In this respect, we can consider this kind of transfer learners use a positive one since it
facilitates the learning of the language.

3-1- Examples of positive transfer:

Transfer French English

Similar nuons eg : La table The table
Similar adjectives symbolique symbolic
Similar verbs visiter To visite
Word order (SVO) j'ai rvis la losson I revised the lesson

French English

Longtemps, pas voir. Long time, no see.

Je vais driver centre-ville. I'm going to drive downtown.
Je suis fatig . I am tired.
J'agree. I agree.

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Conclusion

Finally, we believe that the topic which we have been discussing in

this research, which is positive transfer, is a very important topic not only

to students but spatially teachers. we think that students need to know

about transfer as a process, how it occurs? Why? And how can it help or

block the learning. They need to know how to use the positive aspects of

transfer in order to facilitate the learning and make it faster. Also, they

need to know about negative transfer.

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Bibliography

Guy Cook. Applied Linguistics. Oxford : OUP, 2003.

Jack c. Richards, Richard Schmidt. Dictionary of Language Teaching

and Applied Linguistics. Third Edition: Longman. 2002.

Richards, J.C. and Rodgers, T.S (1986) Approaches and Methods in

Language Teaching: A description and analysis Cambridge:
CUP.

Terence Odlin. Language Transfer. Cambridge : CUP, 1997.