The influence of L1 Cebuano and L2 English variables in L3 Filipino literacy learning

• Main Author: Melendez, Elle Christine D.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2010
• Subjects: Similarity (Language learning); Language acquisition; Language and languages—Study and teaching; Linguistics
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_doctoral/316; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etd_doctoral/article/1315/viewcontent/CDTG005069_P.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

The study listed the cross-linguistic influence of L1 Cebuano and L2 English in L3 Filipino literacy learning of grade one Cebuano multilingual children. These children were given literacy instruction in English and Filipino but not in Cebuano. A total of six measures per language were administered to 123 children ages six to eight years old. The childrens home language and literacy experiences were also described. The results support the transfer of literacy skills in that both the L1 and L2 skills transferred to L3, which indicates that Cebuano literacy was developed even in the absence of instruction. Also, the results suggest that the level of reading ability in a language does not mediate the transfer of skills however it determines the predictive strength of L1 and L2 in influencing L3 Filipino literacy learning. In addition, the discussion describes the influence of the home literacy experiences of the children in English in developing basic literacy knowledge in Cebuano and Filipino where home literacy engagement is low. Also, the study highlights the importance of the similarity between languages as indicator of influence.