According to the threshold hypothesis, what condition supports successful L2 acquisition?

According to the threshold hypothesis, what condition supports successful L2 acquisition?

• A. Intensive exposure to L2 without L1 foundation
• B. Having a foundation in L1 before L2 acquisition
• C. High motivation alone
• D. Immersion in L2 classrooms only

Answer: (B)

The threshold hypothesis says that reaching a minimum level of L1 proficiency supports successful L2 learning. When a learner has a solid foundation in the first language, they can transfer underlying linguistic knowledge—grammar concepts, vocabulary organization, phonological awareness—and metalinguistic skills to the second language. This transfer makes it easier to notice patterns, infer rules, and organize new language knowledge, which boosts L2 development. That’s why having L1 proficiency before starting L2 acquisition best supports success. Exposure to L2 without an L1 foundation doesn’t provide that necessary base for effective transfer, motivation alone isn’t enough, and simply being immersed in L2 classrooms misses the crucial cognitive-linguistic groundwork that the L1 foundation provides.

The threshold hypothesis says that reaching a minimum level of L1 proficiency supports successful L2 learning. When a learner has a solid foundation in the first language, they can transfer underlying linguistic knowledge—grammar concepts, vocabulary organization, phonological awareness—and metalinguistic skills to the second language. This transfer makes it easier to notice patterns, infer rules, and organize new language knowledge, which boosts L2 development. That’s why having L1 proficiency before starting L2 acquisition best supports success.

Exposure to L2 without an L1 foundation doesn’t provide that necessary base for effective transfer, motivation alone isn’t enough, and simply being immersed in L2 classrooms misses the crucial cognitive-linguistic groundwork that the L1 foundation provides.