LINGUISTICS INTERFERENCE AND ITS IMPACT ON SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING

Abstract

The researcher has examined Linguistics interference and its impact on second language learning. The study was carried out to identify the extent to which the first language interferes in the study of second language within the Nigerian environment. The researchers used literature review approach; hence only secondary sources of data (through books, journals, internet and other documentary sources) were used. The data collected through secondary sources were discussed qualitatively. It was discovered that first language interference directly and indirectly affects the study of second language, especially in a multilingual environment like Nigeria. This has made the speakers of different languages to find it difficult to speak English language fluently; hence the issue of interference. The study therefore concludes that linguistic interference can only be reduced when there is government policy and its implementation on effective second language usage.