A contrastive analysis of first and second language learning

Abstract

Second language learning is increasingly important in the modern world. Second language learners often wonder why they have experienced so many difficulties when learning a second language, while they did not experience it when learning a first language. This study aimed to discover a way in which the second language learning can benefit from the first language learning. A random sample of 50 second language learners was used. The data gathering consisted of a questionnaire. A combination of both quantitative and qualitative approaches was utilised to analyse the data. The findings confirmed that the first language is indeed learned more easily than the second language. A number of recommendations have been made in relation to this study to assist second language learners to improve their second language learning.