| English language learners (ELLs) who enter the school system with a solid background in their first language appear to develop proficiency in the English language more quickly than those who arrive with little or no literacy skills in their first language. First language literacy may be one of the factors that contribute to second language acquisition. Based on this possibility, this study was conducted to examine the impact of adolescents' literacy skills in their first language on second language acquisition. Twelfth-grade adolescent ELLs from a New York City public high school who originated from the same country participated in the study. The concurrent procedures of the mixed methods, which allow for simultaneous use of qualitative and quantitative strategies, were implemented. Data collected from the students' standardized test scores, and surveys completed by the students and their parents and teachers were subjected to statistical and thematic analysis. The results revealed that adolescents' first language literacy positively impacts their second language acquisition. The results showed that ELLs who have developed proficiency in their first language acquire a second language more quickly than those who have not. Seven of the 10 teachers who were surveyed claimed this perspective. Furthermore, approximately 97% of the students who scored between 84 and 95 in the French Regents have either achieved or reached the advanced level proficiency in the English language within 3 years. This study contributes to enlightening educators' understanding of the second language acquisition process. It also enables educators to better address ELLs' linguistic and academic needs, urging them to take into consideration ELLs' first language literacy skills, which can be used as a scaffold to facilitate the second language acquisition process. Social factors such as students' environment (family, religion, friends, economic status, etc.) and attitude towards learning may also impact the second language acquisition process. It is, therefore, recommended that future research be conducted to study the role that these factors may play in acquiring a second language. |
