The influence of mother tongue on learning English

Numerous studies highlight the significant role that language acquisition plays in Second Language Acquisition (SLA). There are two types of mother tongue transfer: positive and negative. Positive transfer happens when the patterns of the two languages align, while negative transfer arises when they differ. Concepts such as contrastive analysis, error analysis, and inter-language theory focus on the negative transfer of language. This understanding aids in comprehending the influence of a student’s native language on acquiring a foreign language, which can enhance foreign language teaching methods. For Arabic students learning English, their primary language fundamentally shapes their understanding and use of English. Consequently, their Arabic language skills and knowledge often influence their English studies. In light of this, the aim was to identify the challenges these students face in their English learning by examining their errors through the lens of language transfer theories. This analysis will not only illuminate specific issues but will also contribute to refining English teaching methodologies.