Cross-Linguistic Influence on Third Language Acquisition of an Adolescent Multilingual Learner

Cross-linguistic influence (CLI) is a typical occurrence influencing a multilingual learner’s ability to perceive, comprehend, and speak in a second or foreign language. Most research in CLI has examined different aspects of language relative to CLI, such as age, context, second/foreign language status, recency, typological distance, and proficiency. This study illustrates one adolescent multilingual learner’s language development by focusing on CLI. An ethnographic case study was used with observation, semi-structured interviews, and written products. The findings show that the participant’s CLI occurred mostly due to proficiency and recency. Code-switching was the obvious medium of multiple language development. The findings also suggest that CLI can influence motivation to learn languages. This paper includes pedagogical implications of multiple literacy practices aligned with CLI for language learners and teachers. (126 words)