An emerging linguistic system developed by a learner of a second language who is not yet fully proficient is referred to as what?

An emerging linguistic system developed by a learner of a second language who is not yet fully proficient is referred to as what?

• A. Interlanguage
• B. Fossilization
• C. Interference
• D. Transfer

Answer: (A)

Interlanguage is the learner’s evolving linguistic system as they acquire a second language. It sits between the native language and the target language, built from the learner’s existing knowledge, partial rules, and ongoing adjustments. Because it’s still in flux, interlanguage often features systematic patterns and errors that reflect the learner’s current stage, rather than the final norms of the target language. As learners receive more input and feedback, their interlanguage gradually shifts closer to the correct forms. Fossilization refers to those errors becoming permanent despite further exposure, and interference or transfer describe influences from the learner’s first language on the second language; both relate to how the L1 affects learning, but the concept asked for is the learner’s own developing system.

Interlanguage is the learner’s evolving linguistic system as they acquire a second language. It sits between the native language and the target language, built from the learner’s existing knowledge, partial rules, and ongoing adjustments. Because it’s still in flux, interlanguage often features systematic patterns and errors that reflect the learner’s current stage, rather than the final norms of the target language. As learners receive more input and feedback, their interlanguage gradually shifts closer to the correct forms. Fossilization refers to those errors becoming permanent despite further exposure, and interference or transfer describe influences from the learner’s first language on the second language; both relate to how the L1 affects learning, but the concept asked for is the learner’s own developing system.