ERIC Number: EJ1243420
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
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ISSN: EISSN-2363-5169
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An Investigation of Cross-Linguistic Transfer between Chinese and English: A Meta-Analysis
Yang, Man; Cooc, North; Sheng, Li
Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, v2 Article 15 2017
Cross-linguistic transfer embodies language learners' use of linguistic knowledge of their first language to leverage the learning of a second language. The cross-linguisitc transfer between Chinese and English has been studied by scholars from different disciplines. However, variances and inconsistencies exist among prior studies regarding the investigated linguistic domains and reported results. Therefore, a meta-analysis is needed to systematically investigate the cross-linguistic transfer between Chinese and English. This meta-analysis presents research on cross-linguistic transfer between the two languages in four domains: phonological awareness, decoding skills, vocabulary, and morphological awareness. Using 33 articles conducted in different countries, our results show small to moderate levels of transfer in the above four domains. In addition, it was found that the results were moderated by geographic location of the study and participant age. Overall, the meta-analysis indicates that English and Chinese share common linguistic features that can allow for transfer in learning between the languages. Bilingual learners can benefit in educational environments that tap into these linguistic features.
Descriptors: Chinese, English, Second Language Learning, Linguistic Borrowing, Language Usage, Phonological Awareness, Decoding (Reading), Vocabulary, Morphology (Languages), Geographic Location, Age Differences
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
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Language: English
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