First language transfer in second language writing: An examination of current research

First language (L1) transfer has been a key issue in the field of applied linguistics, secondlanguage acquisition (SLA), and language pedagogy for almost a century. Its importance,however, has been re-evaluated several times within the last few decades. The aim of thispaper is to examine current research that has investigated the role of L1 transfer in secondlanguage (L2) writing. The paper begins by discussing the different views of L1 transfer andhow they have changed over time and then reviews some of the major studies that haveexamined the role of L1 transfer both as a learning tool and as a communicative strategy in L2writing. The paper concludes with a number of suggestions for L2 writing instruction andfuture research.

Keywords:

L1 transfer , L2 writing , interlanguage , L1 writing strategies , L2 writing strategies