Humanities and Arts

Crosslinguistic Influence and Second Language Learning


  Peer Reviewed

Abstract

The multilingual turn in second language acquisition (SLA) research signals an epistemic reorientation of the field (Ortega, 2014). It manifests the move away from the monolingual bias that measures learner language with the idealized competence of native speakers as the yardstick. In so doing, the focus has shifted to disentangling the cognitive, linguistic, and psycholinguistic mechanisms involved in multilinguals’ language acquisition processes. Crosslinguistic influence (CLI) has been a prominent object of research since the 1980s, and new perspectives have been requested to reflect this multilingual turn (Odlin & Yu, 2016). McManus’s (2022) book, Crosslinguistic influence and second language learning, aims to advance new avenues of theorization and empirical research in CLI to answer the multilingual turn’s call.

Key Questions about Crosslinguistic Influence in Second Language Learning

What is the multilingual turn in second language acquisition research?

The multilingual turn in SLA research signifies a shift from the monolingual bias that measures learner language against the idealized competence of native speakers. This reorientation focuses on understanding the cognitive, linguistic, and psycholinguistic mechanisms involved in multilinguals' language acquisition processes.

How does crosslinguistic influence relate to the multilingual turn?

Crosslinguistic influence (CLI) has been a prominent area of research since the 1980s. The multilingual turn calls for new perspectives in CLI research to better understand the complexities of language acquisition in multilingual contexts.

What are the main objectives of McManus's 2022 book on CLI?

McManus's 2022 book, "Crosslinguistic Influence and Second Language Learning," aims to advance new avenues of theorization and empirical research in CLI. The book seeks to address the multilingual turn's call by providing insights into the cognitive, linguistic, and psycholinguistic mechanisms involved in multilingual language acquisition.

How does the book contribute to the field of second language acquisition?

The book contributes to the field by offering a comprehensive review of CLI research and proposing new theoretical frameworks and empirical methodologies. This approach enhances the understanding of how multilingual individuals acquire and process multiple languages, providing valuable insights for educators and researchers in SLA.

By addressing these questions, the article provides a critical overview of McManus's work, highlighting its significance in advancing the study of crosslinguistic influence within the context of multilingual language acquisition.