Which term describes the evolving learner language formed by combining elements from the first and second languages?

Which term describes the evolving learner language formed by combining elements from the first and second languages?

• A. Interpersonal
• B. Interlanguage
• C. Context-Reduced Communication
• D. Presentational

Answer: (B)

Interlanguage is the evolving learner language that emerges as a learner blends patterns from the first language with elements of the second language while testing what works. This dynamic system isn’t fixed; it shifts as the learner receives input, makes hypotheses, and receives feedback. You’ll see transfer from the L1—like using familiar grammatical forms or word order—alongside newly acquired L2 forms, and some errors that reflect where the learner is in the process. For example, a learner might say something like “Yo soy veinte años” for “I am twenty years old,” illustrating how a learner’s native language influence and current hypotheses about the target language are shaping their Spanish at that moment. Over time, with practice and exposure, the interlanguage moves closer to correct target-language forms. The other terms describe different aspects of communication rather than the learner’s developing internal system. Interpersonal relates to meaning and negotiation of sense in interactive conversation, not the learner’s evolving language system. Presentational concerns involve delivering information to an audience. Context-reduced communication refers to tasks where shared context reduces language demands. None of these capture the idea of a changing, rule-governed system that sits between L1 and L2 like interlanguage does.

Interlanguage is the evolving learner language that emerges as a learner blends patterns from the first language with elements of the second language while testing what works. This dynamic system isn’t fixed; it shifts as the learner receives input, makes hypotheses, and receives feedback. You’ll see transfer from the L1—like using familiar grammatical forms or word order—alongside newly acquired L2 forms, and some errors that reflect where the learner is in the process. For example, a learner might say something like “Yo soy veinte años” for “I am twenty years old,” illustrating how a learner’s native language influence and current hypotheses about the target language are shaping their Spanish at that moment. Over time, with practice and exposure, the interlanguage moves closer to correct target-language forms.

The other terms describe different aspects of communication rather than the learner’s developing internal system. Interpersonal relates to meaning and negotiation of sense in interactive conversation, not the learner’s evolving language system. Presentational concerns involve delivering information to an audience. Context-reduced communication refers to tasks where shared context reduces language demands. None of these capture the idea of a changing, rule-governed system that sits between L1 and L2 like interlanguage does.