Using transference in second language acquisition

Using the following language-specific information, try reading the Hebrew word.

Direction: right to left

Sequence: some vowels are beneath the consonant; read the consonant first, then the vowel

Five sounds you will use:

ש = sh, as in shoe

ָ = a, as in awful

variable English pronounciation mirrors variable Hebrew pronounciation

ל = l, as in lamp

ו = o, as in home

ם = m, as in mouse

The reading skills you transferred include directionality, sequencing, and the ability to tell shapes and sounds apart. You can transfer these skills from the language you know to a new language!

More generally, transferance is a phenomenon where the knowledge, skills, and attitudes from one domain can be applied to other domains.

Based on page 62 of Lessow-Hurley, J. (1990). The foundations of dual language instruction. New York: Longman.

Thanks to Chen Levkovich's Hebrew keyboard and wikipedia's graphics .