First Language Influence on Mandarin Vocabulary Learning among Malay Learners

While vocabulary learning strategies (VLS) in second and foreign language contexts have been widely investigated, limited attention has been given to how first language (L1) linguistic features shape VLS in third language (L3) learning, particularly among Malay learners of Mandarin. This study addresses this gap by examining the influence of Malay (L1) on Mandarin VLS use among Malay university students, and by comparing strategy use between high-proficiency (HPMS) and low-proficiency (LPMS) learners. This study adopted a qualitative research design involving semi-structured interviews with 30 informants (15 HPMS; 15 LPMS). Data were transcribed and analyzed using taxonomic analysis based on Nyikos and Fan’s (2007) framework. Findings reveal that the syllable-based structure of Malay promotes the use of segmentation strategies, whereby learners break down Pinyin into smaller units. This influence is more pronounced among LPMS, who rely heavily on such strategies, whereas HPMS use them mainly at early stages before shifting to more advanced strategies. The study contributes to L3 acquisition research by demonstrating that L1 linguistic features shape VLS differently across proficiency levels. Pedagogical implications for Mandarin instruction in multilingual contexts are discussed.

first-language influence; vocabulary learning strategies; Mandarin as L3; Malay learners; linguistic transfer

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