Interlanguage refers to which concept?

Interlanguage refers to which concept?

• A. A third language using words and grammar rules not found in either language
• B. A pidgin
• C. A creole
• D. A sign language with borrowed vocabulary

Answer: (A)

Interlanguage is the learner’s evolving internal grammar that sits between the native language and the language being learned. It’s a distinct and temporary system the learner creates as they test rules, overgeneralize them, and gradually refine them with more exposure. This system can produce forms that aren’t yet present in the target language because the learner is hypothesizing how the language works. At the same time, it borrows elements from both languages and develops its own patterns over time. It’s not a community-wide pidgin or creole, which are social languages formed for communication among groups. It’s also not a sign language with borrowed vocabulary; interlanguage refers to the learner’s developing spoken or written language, not a separate signed system.

Interlanguage is the learner’s evolving internal grammar that sits between the native language and the language being learned. It’s a distinct and temporary system the learner creates as they test rules, overgeneralize them, and gradually refine them with more exposure.

This system can produce forms that aren’t yet present in the target language because the learner is hypothesizing how the language works. At the same time, it borrows elements from both languages and develops its own patterns over time. It’s not a community-wide pidgin or creole, which are social languages formed for communication among groups. It’s also not a sign language with borrowed vocabulary; interlanguage refers to the learner’s developing spoken or written language, not a separate signed system.