What does "language transfer" refer to in the context of ESOL?

The concept of "language transfer" in the context of ESOL refers to the influence that a student's first language exerts on their use of a second language. This phenomenon can manifest in various ways, such as grammatical structures, vocabulary, pronunciation, and even idiomatic expressions. When learners apply the rules or patterns from their first language to the second language, they may experience both positive and negative transfer. Positive transfer occurs when similarities between the languages facilitate learning, while negative transfer can lead to errors due to differences. Understanding language transfer is vital for teachers and learners as it helps in addressing challenges and leveraging existing language knowledge to aid in the acquisition of the new language.