Abstract:Language is considered to be an important way to convey thoughts and feelings, Speaking and listening plays a vital role in measuring learners’ overall language competence. It is found that it is a common phenomenon for low-proficient non-English major learners to be affected by native language transfer in their English writing. Compared with male learners, female learners depend less on native language, but the difference between the two is not so exactly. Therefore more attention should be paid to such a common phenomenon in English writing. It also shows that under the influence of native language transfer the number of errors in lexis ranks the first followed by errors in syntax, and the last one is errors at discourse level. The involvement of native language transfer does vary with different stages of writing. 

In general, the study of English writing in mother tongue migration will provide useful and effective guidance for teachers and learners to improve the quality of teaching and the good performance of learners in English writing.

Key words: native language transfer; college English writing; proficient learners; problems and countermeasures

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

I.-Transfer Theories-3

A.-Definition of Language Transfer-3

B.-Transfer in Behaviorist Theories-5

C.-Error Analysis Theory-6

II.-Transfer Phenomena-9

A.-Syntax-9

B.-Thinking Mode and Habits-10

III.-English Learning Strategy-11

A.-Negative Transfer Avoidance-11

B.-Strategies to Promote English Learning-11

Conclusion-13

Bibliography-15

Acknowledgements-17