The study of discourse transfer and the study of semantic transfer overlap a great deal. Since discourse normally consists of sequences of statements, discourse analysis is closely related to propositional semantics, or the study of meaning in statements (cf. Section 4.2). Moreover, since statements normally consist of sequences of words, discourse analysis is also related to lexical semantics, which is the study of meaning in words. Accordingly, if discourse transfer occurs, as evidence discussed in Chapter 4 suggests, semantic transfer is also probable. The discussion of semantic transfer in this chapter is divided into two sections: first, a look at cross-linguistic differences evident in propositional semantics, and then a look at lexical transfer.

Propositional semantics

Semantic universals and linguistic relativism

A fundamental issue in the study of semantic transfer is the relation between language and thought. Expressions such as “learning to think in French” reflect a common belief that learning a particular language requires adopting a worldview which, to some extent, is unique to that language. One implication of this belief is that if learners do not “think in French,” for example, they must still be using their native language as a reference point for cognitive activities. It is still very much an open question just how closely language and thought are related (cf. Whorf 1956; Foss and Hakes 1978; Lakoff 1987). Accordingly, it is also an open question just how much native-language semantic structure can influence performance in a second language.