A Critical Review of the Research on First Language Interference in Second Language Learning: A Study of Urdu Influence on English Acquisition in Pakistan

Abstract

This critical review evaluates the research article "Interference of L1 (Urdu) in L2 (English) in Pakistan: Teaching English as a Second Language" by Masood et al. (2023). The study explores how Urdu influences English language learning among Pakistani ESL learners. While the topic is contextually relevant, the article lacks theoretical depth, methodological clarity, and analytical rigor. The review highlights shortcomings in research design, literature integration, and pedagogical implications, and recommends a more theory-driven and systematically structured approach for future research. Key concepts from second language acquisition such as interlanguage, transfer, and error analysis, are used to guide this critique.