What term describes errors in a second language caused by influence from the first language knowledge?

• A. Language transfer
• B. Language interference
• C. Interlanguage
• D. Code-switching

Answer: (B)

Language interference is the phenomenon where features from a learner’s native language seep into the second language, leading to errors. This term captures the idea that L1 knowledge can push learners toward non-target forms as they produce L2, because those patterns feel familiar or are structurally easier based on the first language. For example, a Spanish speaker might apply Spanish word order or verb usage to English, or translate expressions literally, producing mistakes that reflect L1 patterns rather than English norms.

Language transfer is a broader way to describe the same idea—there’s overlap in meaning—but interference specifically emphasizes the erroneous, disruptive influence of the first language on producing the second. Interlanguage refers to the learner’s developing internal system, which can include interference but isn’t defined by L1 influence alone. Code-switching describes alternating languages in discourse, not necessarily a systematic error pattern from L1.