Transfer refers to:

Transfer refers to:

• A. Only translating word-for-word.
• B. Ignoring L1 and starting from scratch.
• C. Learning L2 only from grammar drills.
• D. Applying knowledge from L1 to L2; some L2 skills easier if present in L1.

Answer: (D)

Transfer is about using what you already know from your first language to help you learn a second language. When learners recognize similarities between L1 and L2—such as word order, patterns, or cognates—these familiar elements can support understanding and production in the new language, making some skills easier to develop because the learner can apply established knowledge rather than starting from scratch. This is positive transfer: existing L1 knowledge guides L2 growth. It’s not about translating word-for-word, which often leads to errors because meanings and idioms don’t map directly. It isn’t about ignoring L1 and reinventing everything from scratch. It also isn’t about learning only through grammar drills, which misses how meaning, function, and real communication shape language use.

Transfer is about using what you already know from your first language to help you learn a second language. When learners recognize similarities between L1 and L2—such as word order, patterns, or cognates—these familiar elements can support understanding and production in the new language, making some skills easier to develop because the learner can apply established knowledge rather than starting from scratch. This is positive transfer: existing L1 knowledge guides L2 growth.

It’s not about translating word-for-word, which often leads to errors because meanings and idioms don’t map directly. It isn’t about ignoring L1 and reinventing everything from scratch. It also isn’t about learning only through grammar drills, which misses how meaning, function, and real communication shape language use.