Interlanguage is the learner's current version of the language they are learning.

Two students chatting outside of class

Interlanguage changes all the time but can become fossilised language when the learners do not have the opportunity to improve.

Example
A learner who has lived in an English-speaking environment for many years but not attended classes or studied for some time has problems with reported speech and forming tag questions. His interlanguage has become fossilised.

In the classroom
Interlanguage is often heavily influenced by L1 and interference from this may make it seem perfectly logical to the learner, although it is incorrect. It is important for teachers to understand this and also to see interlanguage as a series of learning steps.

Further links:

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/error-correction-1

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/teacher-induced-neuroses

 

 

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

See our publications, research and insight