Slips

[Ralf]

A common problem for language learners is language transfer -- speakers apply knowledge from their native language to a second language. Second language interference is similar, only that speakers import features of a learned language to their native language.

Having spent over 10 years in Germany, a Scottish colleague of mine once asked me 'I can't do my class next Friday, can you spring in for me?' [compare German: Spring in den Pool; English: Jump in the pool.]

Do you have funny examples of slips?
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Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL Preparation & TOEFL Vocabulary
Learn more about: Ralf Breheny

[Yankee]

Hi Ralf

Here are a few of the slips I remember hearing in Germany (native English speaker influenced by German):

- On the phone: "Here is Marcia" (instead of "This is Marcia.")
- On a hot, sunny day: "Let's go stand in the shadow." (instead of "... in the shade")
- Not feeling well: "Do you have anything against a headache" (instead of "...for a headache")
- Bread preference: "I only eat full corn bread" (instead of "...whole grain bread")
- Apartment rental: "Is there a caution?" (instead of "... security deposit")

Some people seem to be far more susceptible to this sort of thing than others.
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[Torsten]

Here is another one I sometimes hear from native speakers who have lived in Germany for a while: You can call me on my handy.
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[Molly]

[prezbucky]

See, I thought that this thread was going to be about the garments ladies wear underneath skirts! What the heck is this?!

hehe

[MrPedantic]

[Yankee]

[Molly]

[Ralf]

[Molly]

[Molly]

[Molly]

Back to language transfer.

Amy feels that language transfer (from Spanish to English) is happening here:

Tom: Can you come to the meeting tomorrow?

Tim: If I have/get chance, I'll pop in for a sec.

What's your verdict, Ralf?

.........

Also, just read about "push and pull transfer"and be after V-ing - regarding English, Irish-English and Gaelic. Interesting. Can you give us your take on be after V-ing and language transfer?

[Ralf]

[Molly]

Here's another - this time from Polish speakers of English:

Eng: My sister and I went to the beach yesterday.

Polish speaker of English: We were at the beach with my sister yesterday.

Apparently that transfer happens even with rather excellent Polish speakers of English.

[Yankee]