Is it easier to learn L2 that is similar to L1?

Is it easier to learn L2 that is similar to L1?
Gulchekhra Mardonova
3 T MA TESL
Second Language Acquisition: Webster University
October 15^th, 2021


INTRODUCTION:
Many various theories have been introduced to describe the importance of the first language (L1) in the second language (L2) acquisition. L2 has been influenced by many factors and L1 is considered to be one of the central elements. So many studies have been conducted by linguists who focused on the relationship between L1 and L2 acquisition. To understand how the acquisition process occurs, various aspects of L1 and L2 were analyzed and compared.
Through extensive research, I found out that the theory of contrastive analysis would be the best method to figure out the similarities and differences between two languages. An American linguist Robert Lado states that “individuals tend to transfer the forms and meanings as well as the distribution of forms and meanings of their native language and culture to the foreign language and culture –both productively when attempting to speak the language and to act in the culture, and receptively when attempting to grasp and understand the language and the culture as practiced by native”. The theory of CAH has been an influential construct in the field of SLA; using comparisons of languages to demonstrate areas of difficulty for L2 learners. Despite much that could be said about comparing languages, a more crucial aspect is the influence of the first language (L1) in (L2) acquisition. Many traits of L2 acquisition were highlighted by researchers who conducted studies on the issue of Interlanguage. Initially, the term of interlanguage was developed in the interlanguage theory of a famous SLA researcher Larry Selinker. As Selinker (cited in McLaughlin, 1987) defines Interlanguage is a unique system that was developed to emphasize the active and vital qualities of language change. Learners develop second language knowledge comparing their L1 and L2 characteristics and sometimes they may find common attributes that can facilitate better and more efficient comprehension and acquisition of L2. Another well-known scholar Krashen believes that learning a second language is similar to L1 acquisition and happens almost in the same order. 
These findings can encourage language teachers to have a better understanding of language learning and to help their students in their language learning process. The objective of my research is to identify whether it`s easier to learn L2 that is close in some aspects to the learner`s native language or not. In this case study, I will observe a female participant who is learning English as L2 while her L1 is Russian. I will clarify challenges in the acquisition by comparing her L1 with L2 and make out conclusions according to the research results.