Chapter 1. Enduring questions from the Interlanguage Hypothesis
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Elaine Tarone
Abstract
This chapter claims that the Interlanguage Hypothesis is best understood, not as a theory of second language acquisition (SLA), but as a set of questions that motivate divergent answers and research programs. Selinker’s (1972) basic question is whether there is a linguistic system that underlies the output of second language learners. Related questions that continue to stimulate research focus on: the relationship between first and second language acquisition, whether and how the linguistic systems formed in SLA fossilize, and whether and how learners’ interlanguage use varies in different social situations. The chapter also considers related questions not addressed in Selinker (1972): the impact of alphabetic print literacy on interlanguage development, and whether interlanguages are features of speech communities.
Abstract
This chapter claims that the Interlanguage Hypothesis is best understood, not as a theory of second language acquisition (SLA), but as a set of questions that motivate divergent answers and research programs. Selinker’s (1972) basic question is whether there is a linguistic system that underlies the output of second language learners. Related questions that continue to stimulate research focus on: the relationship between first and second language acquisition, whether and how the linguistic systems formed in SLA fossilize, and whether and how learners’ interlanguage use varies in different social situations. The chapter also considers related questions not addressed in Selinker (1972): the impact of alphabetic print literacy on interlanguage development, and whether interlanguages are features of speech communities.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Introduction 1
- Chapter 1. Enduring questions from the Interlanguage Hypothesis 7
- Chapter 2. Rediscovering prediction 27
- Chapter 3. From Julie to Wes to Alberto 47
- Chapter 4. Interlanguage, transfer and fossilization 75
- Chapter 5. The limits of instruction 105
- Chapter 6. Documenting interlanguage development 127
- Chapter 7. Methodological influences of “Interlanguage” (1972) 147
- Chapter 8. Trying out theories on interlanguage 173
- Chapter 9. Another step to be taken – Rethinking the end point of the interlanguage continuum 203
- Chapter 10. Interlanguage 40 years on 221
- Name index 247
- Subject index 253
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Introduction 1
- Chapter 1. Enduring questions from the Interlanguage Hypothesis 7
- Chapter 2. Rediscovering prediction 27
- Chapter 3. From Julie to Wes to Alberto 47
- Chapter 4. Interlanguage, transfer and fossilization 75
- Chapter 5. The limits of instruction 105
- Chapter 6. Documenting interlanguage development 127
- Chapter 7. Methodological influences of “Interlanguage” (1972) 147
- Chapter 8. Trying out theories on interlanguage 173
- Chapter 9. Another step to be taken – Rethinking the end point of the interlanguage continuum 203
- Chapter 10. Interlanguage 40 years on 221
- Name index 247
- Subject index 253
