The influence of spanish on the written english of adult english language learners from latin America

Abstract

This research study utilized a qualitative case study method that was focused on Hispanic adult English as a Second Language students at VIDA Ministries, Topeka, Kansas USA. The participants were primarily nontraditional students with diverse educational needs and backgrounds. The case study method helped to understand the reality of using Spanglish (code-switching, code-mixing and borrowing) and how the frequency of use of Spanglish was having negative influences. Four major findings were identified in the data: 1. Domain influences language choice. 2. The most common transfer because of the use of code switching and code-mixing was the influence on grammatical and lexical cohesion. 3. Spoken language influences the coherence of English writing in ESL students. 4. The spoken language use of ESL students influences their English pragmatic writing. Analysis of the data established that the influence of negative transfer in writing English was confirmed by the results, not only in the vocabulary and grammar, but also the syntax. So, the results gave the basis for recommendations and comment that may be useful for administration and faculty for taking into account for reducing identified negative influences in the skill of writing in the existing system of support to students.