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do work specifically related to the interdependence theory. Much
remains unknown about the relationship between first language ability
and second language acquisition. Research on the interdependence
of language is, in part, a response to educational policy which views
instruction in the first language as counterproductive to English
acquisition (Cummins et al., 1982). The purpose of this research is
to study the relationship between first language ability and second
language learning and to explore some other factors which influence
the learning of a second language.
When compared with the number of studies that have been done with
Mexican and Puerto Rican students, little educational research exists
on Cubans. Since Cubans currently represent the largest limited English
proficient population in the Florida school system, they were chosen as
the target population of the research.
Discussion of Hypotheses and Research Questions
Hypothesis One
Using standardized written and oral measurements, students judged
to be more proficient in Spanish will be found to make significantly
more progress in learning English than students who are determined to
be less proficient in Spanish. Research questions: For these students,
is there a relationship between first language ability and second
language acquisition? Does greater ability in first language facilitate
the acquisition of the second?
An analysis of the linguistic measures in the research of this
hypothesis reveals a significant positive relationship between first