Some differences of the number representation as the origin of the interference (on the example of Russian-Spanish language contact)

Aim. The aim of this study is to identify the psycholinguistic basis for interference caused by differences in the number category of nouns in Spanish and Russian. Methodology. The complex approach is applied in the research. The main methods used in the work are continuous sampling, comparative analysis, and qualitative analysis. Results. The study revealed that interference errors caused by significant differences in the category of number can be grouped as follows: incorrect form of the accompanying dependent word (adjective, indefinite pronoun); incorrect form of the verb (notional, linking verb). The students' relatively high level of linguistic competence, corresponding to C1, indicates the psycholinguistic nature of the interference errors identified and analyzed during the study. Research implications. The results of the study contribute to translation theory and also support the hypothesis that the linguistic worldview of the native language influences the target language. The data obtained can be used in compiling bilingual dictionaries and grammar manuals.