Interlanguage development

Definition

Interlanguage development refers to the evolving linguistic system that learners create while acquiring a second language, reflecting elements from their native language, the target language, and the processes of language learning itself. This dynamic system is marked by a series of stages where learners may exhibit both systematic errors and advancements as they bridge the gap between their first language and the new language they are learning. Interlanguage is influenced by factors such as input, feedback, and the learner's environment, making it a key concept in understanding how individuals acquire a second language.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interlanguage development often includes stages where learners may use incorrect grammar or vocabulary that reflects their first language but shows their understanding of the new language structure.
2. Errors in interlanguage are often systematic and can reveal underlying rules that the learner is applying as they try to make sense of the new language.
3. Input from proficient speakers and exposure to the target language significantly affects the rate and direction of interlanguage development.
4. Interlanguage can change rapidly, with learners sometimes showing regression as they experiment with new structures or vocabulary.
5. Feedback from teachers and peers plays an important role in shaping interlanguage, helping learners adjust their language use towards more accurate forms.

Review Questions

• How does interlanguage development illustrate the stages of second language acquisition?
  • Interlanguage development illustrates the stages of second language acquisition by showcasing how learners progress through various levels of understanding and usage. Initially, learners might rely heavily on their native language structures, leading to systematic errors. As they receive more input and feedback, their interlanguage evolves, demonstrating greater accuracy and complexity. This progression emphasizes the dynamic nature of learning, highlighting how learners adapt and refine their language skills over time.
• In what ways do factors such as input and feedback influence interlanguage development?
  • Input and feedback are crucial in influencing interlanguage development by providing learners with examples of correct usage and helping them identify errors. Comprehensible input, which is slightly above the learner's current level, encourages them to stretch their linguistic abilities. Feedback from teachers or peers can prompt reflection on mistakes, guiding learners towards more accurate forms of expression. Together, these factors create an environment that supports continuous growth in language proficiency.
• Evaluate how the concept of fossilization might impact a learner's interlanguage development over time.
  • Fossilization can significantly impact a learner's interlanguage development by causing certain errors to become ingrained in their speech or writing. When specific incorrect forms persist despite exposure to correct usage, it indicates that the learner has reached a plateau in their acquisition process. This stagnation can limit their ability to communicate effectively in the second language and hinder further progress. Understanding fossilization helps educators identify when intervention is needed to address persistent errors and support ongoing learning.

Related terms

Fossilization: The process in which specific errors in a learner's interlanguage become permanent and resistant to change, often hindering further language development.

Input Hypothesis: A theory suggesting that language learners acquire language best when they are exposed to comprehensible input that is slightly above their current proficiency level.

Transfer: The influence of a learner's native language on their production and comprehension of a second language, which can lead to both positive and negative effects.