Language Transfer from Spanish to English Caused by False ‎Cognates

Abstract

The aim of this research is to describe how the use of false cognates in English can act as a negative language transfer among Spanish native speakers. Cognates are words from two different languages that have similar meaning and spelling; however, false cognates are also two words with similar spelling but their meaning is different. The study demonstrates if it is common for Spanish native speakers to use false cognates and what are the possible factors that lead to their usage. The present research addresses positive and negative factors that the first language (L1) can have on the second language (L2). To prove this, a questionnaire has been prepared for the present research to explore how Spanish native speakers transfer to their second language (SLA), in this case English. The results of the questionnaire also show which false cognates are use the most.