Definition & Meaning of "language transfer"

What is "language transfer"?

Language transfer refers to the influence of a learner's native language on their use of a target language. This phenomenon can occur in both positive and negative ways. Positive transfer happens when similarities between the two languages facilitate learning, such as using similar vocabulary or grammatical structures. Negative transfer, often called interference, occurs when differences lead to errors or misunderstandings, such as incorrect pronunciation, grammar mistakes, or awkward phrasing. Language transfer is a common aspect of second language acquisition, as learners draw on their existing language knowledge to navigate new linguistic contexts, which can either aid or hinder their progress in mastering the target language.