Interlanguage

Definition

Interlanguage is a term used to describe the evolving linguistic system that language learners develop as they acquire a second language. This system incorporates elements from both the learner's native language and the target language, often leading to unique grammatical structures and vocabulary choices. It reflects the learner's current understanding and proficiency, showing a mixture of rules and influences from both languages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interlanguage can vary significantly among learners, even if they are studying the same language, due to individual experiences and backgrounds.
2. It is characterized by systematic patterns of errors, which may provide insights into the learner's developmental stages.
3. Learners may employ strategies such as overgeneralization, where they apply rules from the target language too broadly, leading to mistakes.
4. Interlanguage is dynamic; it evolves as learners gain more exposure and practice in the target language.
5. Research on interlanguage highlights its role in understanding the processes involved in second language acquisition and how learners navigate between languages.

Review Questions

• How does interlanguage illustrate the complexities of second language acquisition?
  • Interlanguage showcases the complexities of second language acquisition by revealing how learners blend elements from their native language with those of the target language. As learners progress, their interlanguage reflects their understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, demonstrating both progress and persistent errors. This mixture highlights the learning process and the challenges faced as learners attempt to master new linguistic rules while still being influenced by their first language.
• In what ways can understanding interlanguage inform teaching strategies for second language learners?
  • Understanding interlanguage can greatly inform teaching strategies by enabling educators to identify common errors and patterns specific to their students' linguistic backgrounds. By recognizing these patterns, teachers can tailor their instruction to address specific difficulties and provide targeted feedback. Additionally, this knowledge allows for the incorporation of activities that help learners overcome fossilization and encourage positive transfer from their native language, ultimately leading to more effective learning outcomes.
• Evaluate the implications of interlanguage for linguistic theory and its impact on how we view bilingualism and multilingualism.
  • Interlanguage has significant implications for linguistic theory as it challenges traditional notions of language competence and proficiency. It underscores the idea that bilingualism and multilingualism are not simply about fluency in multiple languages but involve complex cognitive processes where learners navigate between linguistic systems. This perspective encourages researchers to consider how interlanguage can reveal insights into language development, cognitive processes in bilingual individuals, and the social factors influencing language use in diverse communities.

Related terms

Code-switching: The practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects within a conversation or discourse.

Fossilization:

The process in which incorrect language features become a permanent part of a learner's interlanguage, hindering further language development.

Transfer:

The influence of a learner's native language on their performance in the target language, which can be positive or negative.