Interlanguages

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A system of communication that exists between two or more languages
  2. the method through which different languages influence each other
  3. a linguistic bridge facilitating understanding across language barriers

Etymology: The term "interlanguages" refers to a linguistic phenomenon that emerges primarily in the context of language learning and translation. It describes a transitional language system that learners create as they navigate from their native language—often referred to as the "L1"—to a target language, or "L2." This process can yield unique grammatical structures, vocabulary, and pronunciation that may not adhere strictly to either the native or the target language. The concept of interlanguages gained prominence in the late 20th century, particularly in the field of applied linguistics. Linguists such as Larry Selinker were pivotal in introducing the term in the 1970s. He defined interlanguage as a separate linguistic system that reflects a learner's evolving understanding of the target language. This term was a significant development in second language acquisition studies, providing a framework to understand the errors and creative solutions learners employ while mastering a new language. Etymologically, "interlanguage" is a compound of the prefix "inter-" meaning "between" or "among," and the word "language." The prefix comes from Latin "inter," meaning "between," while "language" is derived from the Latin "lingua," meaning "tongue" or "speech." The combination aptly conveys the idea of a linguistic system that exists in a space between two languages, characterized by the influence of both the learner's native tongue and the new language they are acquiring. Since its introduction, this term has not only been instrumental in academic discussions but has also entered the broader discourse on language learning and cognition. In practical terms, many language teachers and educators now utilize the notion of interlanguage to better understand the challenges their students face, tailoring their approaches to accommodate the unique linguistic pathways that learners often create as they progress.

Synonyms: interlinguas, pidgins, creoles, constructed languages, auxiliary languages