Interlanguage

Definition

Interlanguage refers to the evolving linguistic system that a language learner creates as they progress in acquiring a second language. This system is characterized by elements of both the learner's native language and the target language, leading to unique grammatical structures and vocabulary usage that may not conform to either language. As learners gain more exposure and practice, their interlanguage becomes more refined and approaches native-like proficiency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interlanguage is often marked by systematic errors that reflect the learner's understanding of the target language, rather than random mistakes.
2. The concept of interlanguage emphasizes that language acquisition is a dynamic process, where learners create a transitional language system as they acquire new skills.
3. Learners' interlanguages can vary widely depending on factors such as age, motivation, exposure to the target language, and learning environment.
4. As learners become more proficient, their interlanguage tends to move through different stages, gradually becoming more accurate and similar to the target language.
5. Interlanguage reflects a learner's attempts to communicate effectively, even if it doesn't always align perfectly with standard language rules.

Review Questions

• How does interlanguage reflect the unique challenges faced by second language learners?
  • Interlanguage showcases the unique challenges second language learners encounter as they try to integrate new linguistic rules while drawing from their native language. This blend often results in systematic errors that provide insight into their thought processes during learning. The transitional nature of interlanguage highlights how learners are not simply mimicking but are actively constructing their understanding of the target language.
• Discuss the role of fossilization in interlanguage and its implications for second language acquisition.
  • Fossilization plays a crucial role in interlanguage by representing instances where certain incorrect forms or structures become ingrained in a learner's linguistic system. This phenomenon can hinder further progress in acquiring accurate forms of the target language. Understanding fossilization is important because it helps educators identify persistent errors that may require targeted interventions to help learners refine their interlanguage and advance their proficiency.
• Evaluate how transfer influences the development of interlanguage and its effect on achieving fluency in a second language.
  • Transfer significantly influences interlanguage by impacting how learners utilize their native language rules when attempting to communicate in the target language. This can result in both beneficial outcomes—where similarities facilitate learning—and problematic ones—where differences lead to interference. Evaluating this dynamic reveals that while transfer can aid initial communication efforts, achieving fluency often requires overcoming these transfer-based errors through increased exposure and practice in the target language.

Related terms

Fossilization: Fossilization occurs when certain linguistic features in a learner's interlanguage become fixed and resistant to further change, despite additional language exposure or practice.

Error Analysis: Error analysis is the study of the types and patterns of errors made by learners, which can provide insights into their interlanguage and the processes involved in second language acquisition.

Transfer: Transfer refers to the influence of a learner's native language on their interlanguage, which can lead to both positive outcomes (facilitative) and negative outcomes (interference) in learning the target language.