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Observable Variability
L2 learners vary in their level of success and paths in acquiring English articles. They also vary in their strategies and linguistic resources used to acquire English articles. Furthermore, their variable use is heavily influenced by context of the situation and a variety of other factors.
Effects of L1 Transfer
L1 plays an important role in the acquisition of articles. Similarities between the L1 and the L2 in the article system may facilitate L2 acquisition of English articles while differences between the two may cause difficulties in the article acquisition. Research findings have constantly indicated that L2 learners of English whose native language has an article system perform much better than those whose native language does not have an article system.
Age Factor
Compared with adult L2 learners, child L2 learners do much better in acquiring English articles, regardless of their L1 background.
Multiple Sources of Difficulties
The L2 acquisition of English articles is a complex and difficult process. The complexity and difficulty lie in various sources rather than in just one source.
In sum, significant progress has been made in the research of the acquisition and use of English articles by L2 learners. It still remains a challenge, however, to tackle and solve the puzzles as to why English articles are among the first words to be learned, but are among the last words to be acquired; and why English articles are among the most frequently used words and among the simplest words in spelling, but are among the most formidable grammatical issues to teach.