Consolidated Learning, Learning Speed and Cross-Linguistic Transfer

Abstract

This article analyses the concept of consolidated learning in an environment where students have systemised and automated their learning. As compared to observed learning, consolidated learning is not affected by unforeseen or unpredictable circumstances. Starting out from that concept, speed of learning has been measured. Focussing on consolidated learning, the acquisition process of the English negation system by nine native beginner-level Spanish speakers has been evaluated. It is further claimed that there is a relationship between the participants' learning speed and the process of cross-linguistic transfer.