A Study of the Influence of Mother Tongue on Urdu Learners

Volume 2 Issue 2 Monsoon Edition 2022

Abstract

Aim: Urdu speakers are usually influenced by their mother tongue when they learn English and commit lexical errors. This influence gets stronger when teachers use GT method for teaching English. If the two languages share same syntactic level, it results into positive learning and facilitate learning process. However, if they do not share the same syntactic level, it often leads to negative transfer and create impediments in learning second language. As Urdu and English do not share much on syntactic and semantic level, GT method often leads to negative transfer among Urdu speakers. This paper attempts to throw light on how L1 interferes with the learning of L2. The paper has delved deep into different phonological, morphological, semantic and syntactic aspects of Urdu and English languages. The differences and similarities between the two languages are highlighted so that the root causes of errors can be investigated. The researcher has found that there are several contrasts between the two languages, which often result into negative transfer. GT method creates more obstacles than facilitation between the two languages.

Methodology and Approach: This paper attempts to throw light on how L1 interferes with the learning of L2. As part of methodology, the paper has delved deep into different phonological, morphological, semantic and syntactic aspects of Urdu and English languages. The differences and similarities between the two languages are highlighted so that the root causes of errors can be investigated.

Outcome: The researcher has found that there are several contrasts between the two languages, which often result into negative transfer.

Conclusion and Suggestions: GT method creates more obstacles than assistance between the two languages. Two languages should not be taught at the same time. However, teachers can take help of the translation to facilitate the learning of second language wherever needed. They should not totally depend on mother tongue to teach second language.