A review study of contrastive analysis theory

Perhaps one of the most controversial issues in the field of second language acquisition is whether the mother tongue affects the language learning process at all. For decades, researchers from different first language background have been studying this issue to find an accurate answer to the influence of the native language on learning a foreign language. Unfortunately, this issue is still a point of polemic debate. However, among language teaching professionals as well as linguists, there is broad-spectrum consensus that the first language shapes second language acquisition; nevertheless, there is no agreement at present on what precisely it contributes or how. Therefore, this research paper aims at reviewing one of the most influential theories of second language acquisition, which is Contrastive Analysis theory, exploring and discussing its theoretical foundations along with assumptions and then elaborating on the achievements and limitations of this theory. This review study reveals that in spite of all the adverse criticism, Contrastive Analysis theory has proved to be one of the most significant studies ever made in describing systems of languages. It should be also noted that current research has revived interest in this theory as a complementary and necessary part of the theory of second language acquisition, one that cannot be ignored. Moreover, Contrastive Analysis theory remains an influential construct in the field of second language acquisition; using comparisons of languages to explain areas of difficulty for learners. Following such a theory may contribute to a better understanding of the acquisition process of second language structures.