Linguistic Interference

Linguistic interference occurs when the language habits or structures from a person's native language influence how they speak or understand a second language. It can lead to errors in pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, or sentence structure because the speaker's brain subconsciously applies familiar patterns from their first language. This usually happens when someone is learning a new language and can affect both language production and comprehension. Recognizing interference helps language learners and educators address specific errors, improving fluency and accuracy in the second language.