试论母语对二语习得的正面影响

The positive role of first language in second language acquisition

本文认为母语有助于第二语言习得。根据传统语言学的观点 ,母语对外语学习只有“负面”影响或起“干扰”作用。这种观点有一定的片面性 ,没有反映语言学习的本质。表面上看 ,母语“影响”了外语表达 ,实际上是母语“帮助”学习者完成了语言交际任务。应该把“干扰”看做“调解”。二语习得理论认为 ,母语既是外语学习不可缺少的背景和基础 ,又是可以开发利用的资源。实证研究和问卷调查表明 ,中国学生的外语学习与母语学习呈正相关关系 ,母语对外语学习有一定的促进作用。

This paper argues that native language contributes to second language acquisition (SLA). The author has based his argument on the theory of Universal Grammar, the findings of SLA research and his own empirical studies. The popular belief that the role of the learner s first language (L1) is negative needs to be reconsidered in the cognitive framework. When the second language (L2) learners experience difficulty in communicating an idea because they lack the necessary target language knowledge, they will resort to their L1 to make up the insufficiency. The concept of 'interference' should be reframed as 'intercession'. L1 should be viewed as a resource which learners can use for ad hoc translation to overcome their limitations. The empirical studies indicate that L1 plays a positive role in SLA, and literacy of Chinese students native language correlates significantly with the acquisition of literacy in the English language.