Interlanguage

Definition

Interlanguage is a linguistic system that language learners develop as they progress toward full proficiency in a second language. It incorporates elements from both the learner's native language and the target language, resulting in unique grammatical structures, vocabulary choices, and pronunciations. This evolving linguistic state reflects the learner's cognitive processes and understanding of language, making it a crucial concept in the study of bilingualism and multilingualism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interlanguage can manifest in various forms, including errors in grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary that reflect the learner's attempts to communicate effectively in the target language.
2. It evolves through different stages, with learners moving from more simplistic structures to increasingly complex and accurate forms as they gain experience and exposure to the language.
3. The concept of interlanguage highlights the dynamic nature of language learning, showing that learners create their own rules based on their understanding rather than merely replicating the target language.
4. Interlanguage is influenced by factors such as age, motivation, learning environment, and the amount of input received from proficient speakers of the target language.
5. Researchers have studied interlanguage to better understand how learners acquire second languages and what strategies can enhance their learning experiences.

Review Questions

• How does interlanguage demonstrate the relationship between a learner's native language and their target language?
  • Interlanguage illustrates the interplay between a learner's native language and their target language by blending elements from both systems. As learners attempt to communicate in a second language, they often rely on familiar structures from their native tongue, which can lead to unique grammatical forms and vocabulary choices. This interaction shows how language acquisition is not just about learning new words but also involves integrating existing knowledge into a new linguistic framework.
• Discuss the implications of fossilization in interlanguage for bilingual or multilingual individuals learning new languages.
  • Fossilization in interlanguage presents significant challenges for bilingual or multilingual individuals as it can hinder their ability to achieve full proficiency in new languages. When certain incorrect forms become ingrained in a learner's speech patterns, it limits their capacity to adapt to more accurate structures. Understanding fossilization helps educators identify areas where intervention is necessary to prevent these persistent errors and promote more effective learning strategies that encourage flexibility in language use.
• Evaluate how interlanguage contributes to our understanding of cognitive processes involved in second language acquisition.
  • Interlanguage provides valuable insights into the cognitive processes underlying second language acquisition by revealing how learners construct their linguistic knowledge. As they navigate between their native language and the target language, learners are actively engaging in problem-solving and rule formation. This cognitive engagement is essential for developing fluency and accuracy, suggesting that interlanguage not only reflects linguistic development but also sheds light on the mental mechanisms that facilitate learning across different languages.

Related terms

Transfer: Transfer refers to the influence of a learner's native language on their use of a second language, which can be positive or negative depending on similarities or differences between the two languages.

Fossilization: Fossilization is the process by which incorrect language forms become fixed in a learner's interlanguage, making it difficult for them to achieve full proficiency.

Code-Switching: Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or language varieties within a conversation, often reflecting the speaker's bilingual or multilingual background.