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Content-based Language Learning in Multilingual Educational Environments pp 69–86Cite as

Influences of Previously Learned Languages on the Learning and Use of Additional Languages

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Part of the book series: Educational Linguistics ((EDUL,volume 23))

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of existing research into the influence of previously learned languages on the learning and use of an additional language. This type of influence is explored from the perspectives of two separate but related types of effects: (1) the effects of simply knowing more than one language (whatever languages they may be) on the acquisition and use of a third or later language, and (2) the effects of the specific languages the learner knows. The former deals with what is commonly referred to as the cognitive consequences of bi- or multilingualism, whereas the latter deals with crosslinguistic influence. These effects and influences are described in general terms as well as in relation to the specific contexts of learning found in multilingual Spain. Emphasis is given especially to the ways these effects play out in classroom-based language learning—including CLIL programs—involving Basque-Spanish and Catalan-Spanish bilinguals learning English or other languages at school. The chapter maintains a multilingual perspective, recognizing the complex interplay of all of the languages the learners know, and it discusses both the directions of crosslinguistic influence as well as the factors that affect when, where, and to what degree such effects will emerge. The chapter concludes with interpretations regarding how CLIL programs might enhance the positive effects of prior language knowledge while minimizing its potential negative effects.

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Acknowledgements

This research was funded by grant FFI2010-21483-C02-02 from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Linguistics, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA

    Scott Jarvis

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  1. Scott Jarvis
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Correspondence to Scott Jarvis .

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  1. Departament de Filologia Espanyola, Moderna i Clàssica Campus, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

    Maria Juan-Garau

  2. Departament de Filologia Espanyola, Moderna i Clàssica, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

    Joana Salazar-Noguera

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Jarvis, S. (2015). Influences of Previously Learned Languages on the Learning and Use of Additional Languages. In: Juan-Garau, M., Salazar-Noguera, J. (eds) Content-based Language Learning in Multilingual Educational Environments. Educational Linguistics, vol 23. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-11496-5_5

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