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Interlanguage for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'ɪntər,læŋgwɪdʒ

What does Interlanguage really mean?

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Interlanguage is a fancy word that language scientists use to talk about how we learn and use a second or foreign language, especially when it's not our first language. Let's break it down together, step by step, so we can really understand what it means.

Imagine you're learning a new language, like French, for example. Now let's suppose that English is your first language. So, when you start learning French, you'll naturally use English as a reference point to understand and speak this new language. But here's the thing: as you're still learning and not yet fully fluent in French, you'll often mix some of the grammar, vocabulary, or even pronunciation from English into your French speech or writing.

That mix of your first language (English) and the language you're learning (French) is called interlanguage. It's like a bridge between languages, where your brain is trying to connect the new language it's learning with the one it already knows. So instead of speaking pure French, it's like you're using a hybrid version of English and French. Pretty cool, right?

Now, before you worry that this mixing of languages is wrong or means you're not a good language learner, relax! It's actually a natural part of the learning process. Our brains are incredibly clever, and they're doing their best to make sense of this new language. Mixing in some familiar words or phrases from our first language during this learning phase is completely normal.

But here's the exciting part! As you keep learning and practicing French, your interlanguage will start to change. Your brain will gradually let go of relying so much on English and start using French more accurately. Over time, with practice and exposure, your interlanguage will shift from being mainly English-influenced to becoming more and more like pure, authentic French.

So, in a nutshell, interlanguage is like a bridge between languages that we use when we're learning a new language. It's a mix of our first language and the second language we're learning. But don't worry, as you practice and gain more experience, your interlanguage will gradually evolve, and you'll become more fluent and confident in the new language.


Revised and Fact checked by Patricia Williams on 2023-10-29 03:56:30

Interlanguage In a sentece

Learn how to use Interlanguage inside a sentece

  • When someone is learning a new language, they might say things like 'I go store' instead of 'I'm going to the store.' This is an example of interlanguage.
  • If someone is learning Spanish and they say 'Yo tengo 20 años' instead of 'Tengo 20 años', it shows their interlanguage.
  • Imagine someone learning French and they say 'Je aime le fromage' instead of 'J'aime le fromage.' This mistake is part of their interlanguage.
  • When a person is learning Japanese and they say 'Watashi have go' instead of 'Watashi wa iku', it is their interlanguage influencing their speech.
  • If someone is learning Chinese and they say 'Wo want eat' instead of 'Wo yao chi', it is an example of interlanguage.

Interlanguage Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

koine lingua franca

Interlanguage Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

language linguistic communication