Cross-linguistic Similarity in Foreign Language Learning

By (author) Dr. Håkan Ringbom

Publication date:

18 December 2006

Publisher

Multilingual Matters

Dimensions:

210x148mm
6x8"

ISBN-13: 9781853599354

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.

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

This book is a very timely and important contribution to the field of applied linguistics. Håkan Ringbom addresses the fundamental but unfortunately largely neglected question of the impact of cross-language similarity in foreign language learning. The extensive bibliography shows that the author has as a thorough knowledge of the development of research on the topic. He has also skillfully exploited the Finnish context, which provides an ideal “natural laboratory” for research on the role of cross-language similarity. The studies he cites are likely to be largely unknown but they are undoubtedly highly relevant to the international research community. The author provides a balanced review of the findings and presents a comprehensive theoretical approach to the study of SLA. This will provide many stimuli for a more sophisticated research agenda. This book is a must for anyone interested in SLA.