The Positive Transfer on Phonetics from Chinese to English

Abstract

This thesis argues that native language contributes to second language acquisition (SLA). The author has based the argument on the theory of Universal Grammar, the findings of SLA research and her own empirical studies. We must have a new review to the interference of our native language. 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. And the empirical study indicates that L1 plays a positive role in SLA, especially in terms of phonetics. So we should make full use of the common area to lead the positive transfer, then to strengthen the confidence of the second language learners.