Abstract: the role of mother tongue in foreign language teaching has always been a controversial topic in the field of foreign language study, for the reason that the language transfer exists. Language transfer can be classified into two categories: positive transfer and negative transfer. The former which is triggered by the identical elements between two kinds of language will promote the foreign language learning, and the later will interfere. Whether should teachers use mother tongue in foreign language teaching or not? This paper first introduces the transfer theory, and then analyzes the positive role and negative role of mother tongue in foreign language teaching, and finally discusses the pedagogical implications.

     Key Words: Transfer Theory; Mother Tongue; Foreign Language Teaching; Role

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Introduction4

Chapter One. Theoretical Foundation.6

1.1 Transfer Theory6

1.2 Other Theories Related to Transfer Theory7

Chapter Two. The Role of Mother Tongue in Foreign Language Teaching10

2.1 Positive Role10

   2.1.1 Similarities in Phonology11

   2.1.2 Similarities in Morphology13

   2.1.3 Similarities in Syntax14

2.2 Negative Role.14

   2.2.1 Special Phonetic Rules14

   2.2.2 Differences in Morphology.15

   2.2.3 Differences in Syntax16

   2.2.4 Pragmatic Errors16

Chapter Three. Pedagogical Implications. 17

    3.1 Making Full Use of Positive Transfer17

    3.2 Avoiding Negative Transfer18

Conclusion.20

Bibliography21

Acknowledgments.23