Lexical Interference in Learning Japanese and Korean Based on Chinese

Abstract

This study reviews lexical derivation and interference in the context of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (CJK) languages. The influence of Chinese characters on both Japanese and Korean vocabularies creates favourable conditions for linguistic interference to occur. The study aims to determine whether the interference among the CJK languages is predominantly positive or negative and under which conditions it occurs. Moreover, the objective is to review the effects this interference has on language learners identified in previous research. The research was conducted primarily through qualitative desktop research, drawing on existing literature in cross-linguistic interference and second language acquisition. The reviewed literature suggests that the interference among the CJK languages is both positive and negative, though predominantly positive. Positive interference reduces language learners’ cognitive load and accelerates vocabulary acquisition. Furthermore, it may enhance learners’ confidence and motivation by allowing them to utilize previously acquired knowledge. However, interference among the CJK languages is not without drawbacks, as false friends might give rise to errors when superficial similarity in form do not correspond to meaning or usage. Overall, the reviewed studies suggest that linguistic interference among these three languages is highly beneficial to learners’ vocabulary acquisition in L2 despite the challenges posed by semantic discrepancies.