Interlanguage Theory

Definition

Interlanguage theory refers to the evolving linguistic system that emerges in a second language learner's speech, reflecting elements of both their native language and the target language. This theory highlights how learners create a unique set of rules and structures as they transition between languages, leading to systematic errors that provide insight into their learning process. It connects to simultaneous and sequential bilingualism by demonstrating how different learning timelines can affect the nature of interlanguage development, and it plays a crucial role in bilingual education by informing teaching strategies tailored to the learner's current linguistic state.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interlanguage is characterized by systematic errors that are not random but reveal patterns related to the learner's understanding of the target language.
2. The development of interlanguage can vary greatly between individuals, influenced by factors like age, motivation, and exposure to the target language.
3. Learners often go through identifiable stages in their interlanguage development, showing progression from basic to more complex language structures over time.
4. Teachers can use insights from interlanguage theory to tailor instruction, focusing on specific areas where learners struggle based on their interlanguage features.
5. In bilingual education settings, recognizing a student's interlanguage can help educators create supportive environments that respect both their native and target languages.

Review Questions

• How does interlanguage theory explain the differences in language acquisition between simultaneous and sequential bilinguals?
  • Interlanguage theory illustrates that simultaneous bilinguals often develop their linguistic systems with less interference from their native language, leading to more balanced proficiency in both languages. In contrast, sequential bilinguals may exhibit stronger influence from their first language as they learn a second language later in life, resulting in more pronounced systematic errors in their interlanguage. Understanding these differences allows educators to adapt their teaching methods to address the specific challenges faced by each group.
• Discuss how interlanguage theory can inform effective teaching strategies in bilingual education.
  • Interlanguage theory provides valuable insights for educators by highlighting the common errors and developmental stages learners experience. Teachers can use this understanding to create targeted lessons that address specific areas of difficulty identified through error analysis. By recognizing the unique linguistic features present in a student's interlanguage, educators can offer more personalized support and scaffolding, enhancing the learning experience and promoting better outcomes for bilingual students.
• Evaluate the implications of interlanguage theory for our understanding of language processing in bilingual individuals across different contexts.
  • Interlanguage theory offers significant insights into how bilingual individuals process languages differently based on their learning contexts, such as simultaneous versus sequential acquisition. It reveals that each individual's interlanguage serves as a reflection of their unique linguistic journey, influenced by factors like exposure, age of acquisition, and educational background. This understanding emphasizes the complexity of bilingualism and highlights the need for flexible teaching approaches that recognize and accommodate the dynamic nature of language processing in bilingual learners.

Related terms

Bilingualism: The ability to use two languages proficiently, which can be either simultaneous or sequential depending on when each language is acquired.

Language Transfer: The influence of a learner's first language on their second language production, which can lead to both positive and negative transfer effects in interlanguage.

Error Analysis: A method used to identify and analyze errors made by language learners to understand their interlanguage and improve teaching methods.