Which concept describes the transfer of knowledge from a native language to English?

The concept that best describes the transfer of knowledge from a native language to English is the notion of transfer. This occurs when a learner applies the linguistic knowledge from their first language (L1) to the acquisition of a second language (L2), which in this case is English. Transfer can involve using vocabulary, grammatical structures, or pronunciation features from the native language in English. This process can be both positive, aiding in learning through familiar patterns, or negative, leading to errors when the native patterns do not directly apply to English.

In the context of language acquisition, learners draw upon their existing linguistic knowledge to make sense of and integrate new information in English. This transfer can affect how effectively they learn English and how naturally they can use it in communication. Understanding transfer is key for educators and linguists in developing strategies to support English language learners as they navigate this transition.