what is Interlanguage in second language learning | definition | explanation | examples

Summary

This video introduces the concept of 'interlanguage' in psycholinguistics, which is a transitional language system developed by second language learners. It occurs as learners apply the rules of their first language to the new language, often resulting in errors. Interlanguage is influenced by factors like cultural background, motivation, and exposure to the target language. Common features include errors, simplifications, and creativity in language use. The video emphasizes how understanding interlanguage can help linguists and teachers provide better guidance for learners in their language acquisition process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Interlanguage is a language system developed by second language learners during the process of acquiring a new language.
• 😀 Interlanguage reflects the learner's current stage of language learning and is an intermediate system between their native language (L1) and the target language (L2).
• 😀 This transitional language system often includes errors and inaccuracies, as learners apply rules from their first language to the new language they are learning.
• 😀 Cultural background, motivation, and exposure to the target language significantly influence interlanguage development.
• 😀 Linguists and language teachers study interlanguage to understand learners' patterns and strategies, providing feedback for improvement.
• 😀 Common features of interlanguage include ungrammatical sentences, simplification of vocabulary, and the use of basic grammar structures.
• 😀 Learners tend to simplify the new language by using shorter sentences, simpler vocabulary, and generalizing grammar rules from their native language.
• 😀 Language transfer occurs when learners apply elements of their first language's grammar and vocabulary to the target language, resulting in errors.
• 😀 Errors in interlanguage can become persistent and fixed, despite correction and feedback, due to the learner’s continued usage.
• 😀 Learners may also demonstrate creativity in developing their own language rules and constructions while trying to communicate in the new language.
• 😀 Interlanguage reflects not just linguistic development but also cognitive and social aspects of the learner's growth in acquiring a new language.

Q & A

What is interlanguage in psycholinguistics?

Interlanguage is a language system developed by second language learners during the process of acquiring a new language. It acts as an intermediate linguistic system that reflects the learner's current stage in language learning.

How does interlanguage differ from the learner's first and second languages?

Interlanguage is a transitional system that is distinct from both the learner's native language (L1) and the target language (L2). It includes elements from both L1 and L2 and is often marked by errors and inaccuracies as the learner navigates the new language.

What factors influence the development of interlanguage?

Interlanguage is influenced by various factors such as the learner's cultural background, motivation, and the amount of exposure to the target language.

What are some common features of interlanguage?

Common features of interlanguage include ungrammatical sentences, simplification, transfer from the native language, fossilization, creativity in language construction, and the influence of the learner's culture.

What is meant by 'simplification' in interlanguage?

Simplification refers to the process where learners use simpler vocabulary, shorter sentences, and basic grammar structures to make the new language easier to use and understand.

What does the term 'transfer' refer to in the context of interlanguage?

Transfer refers to the application of grammatical structures and vocabulary from the learner's native language (L1) to the target language (L2), which may result in errors and inconsistencies.

What is 'fossilization' in language learning?

Fossilization occurs when language errors and inaccuracies become fixed and persistent, even after correction and feedback. This can happen as learners continue to use incorrect forms over time.

How does interlanguage reflect the learner's creativity?

Learners may develop their own language rules and constructions as they try to communicate in the new language, showcasing creativity and problem-solving abilities.

How can culture influence interlanguage?

The learner's cultural background can affect how they use and interpret the target language. This influence can shape vocabulary choices, sentence structure, and even understanding of language nuances.

Why is interlanguage considered a dynamic process?

Interlanguage is dynamic because it continuously evolves as the learner progresses in acquiring the new language. It reflects the learner's cognitive, social, and linguistic development throughout the language learning journey.