Learning Difficulties in First and Second Language: Preliminary Results from a Cross-linguistic Skills Transfer

Abstract

Research has repeatedly shown a cross-linguistic skills transfer from the first language (L1) to the second/foreign language (L2) and its impact on L2 learning. In the present article we report preliminary results from a pilot study we conducted in order to examine linguistic skills transfer from L1 (Greek) to L2 (English) among secondary school students with learning difficulties (L.D.). Our results have shown that the difficulties that occur in L1 (decoding reading skills and spelling) also occur in L2. These findings are in line with previous research and enhance further the existence of the link between first and second language learning difficulties.