According to Cummins' theory, what do the two languages share beneath the surface?

Cummins' theory on language acquisition emphasizes the concept of a common underlying proficiency shared by two languages beneath the surface features. This suggests that while the surface structures, such as grammar rules, vocabulary, and phonetic systems, may differ significantly between languages, the cognitive and academic skills necessary for language learning and usage are interconnected. Hence, language learners can transfer skills and knowledge from one language to another, facilitating the development of fluency and comprehension in both languages.

The choice highlighting similarities in language acquisition traits captures this idea effectively, as it implies that regardless of the specific grammatical structures or vocabulary used in either language, the cognitive processes and strategies that learners employ are fundamentally similar. This understanding plays a crucial role in developing effective instruction for English language learners, as it recognizes their capacity to leverage what they know in one language to assist in learning another.