Cummins' Common Underlying Proficiency (CUP) theory implies which of the following?

Cummins' Common Underlying Proficiency (CUP) theory implies which of the following?

• A. There is a common underlying proficiency that supports both L1 and L2 development
• B. L1 instruction does not influence L2 development
• C. L2 development must happen before L1 can be learned
• D. There is no interaction between L1 and L2 in learning

Answer: (A)

Common Underlying Proficiency holds that a single cognitive-linguistic base underpins language learning in both L1 and L2. Because this shared proficiency is the foundation, skills and knowledge developed in the first language—vocabulary, grammar intuition, and metalinguistic awareness—are available to support learning in English as well. This explains cross-linguistic transfer: gains in one language can boost the other, and explicit L1 instruction can positively influence L2 development. The other ideas imply separate, non-interacting, or sequential processes, which CUP does not describe.

Common Underlying Proficiency holds that a single cognitive-linguistic base underpins language learning in both L1 and L2. Because this shared proficiency is the foundation, skills and knowledge developed in the first language—vocabulary, grammar intuition, and metalinguistic awareness—are available to support learning in English as well. This explains cross-linguistic transfer: gains in one language can boost the other, and explicit L1 instruction can positively influence L2 development. The other ideas imply separate, non-interacting, or sequential processes, which CUP does not describe.