Interlanguage and Grammar

Abstract

Second language learners develop an internal linguistic system called “interlanguage.” This term was firstly coined by Larry Selinker and refers to a unique system which is neither the first language (L1) nor the second language (L2), but something in between. The system draws in part on the learner L1 but also from the target language. The interlanguage theory revolves around three key principles. The first principle is that L2 learners construct a system of abstract linguistic rules. The second principle suggests that L2 learners' competence is transitional and variable at any stage of development. The third main principle argues that interlanguage development is affected by cognitive and communicative strategies. The concept of interlanguage has been influenced and examined from three main perspectives: linguistics, psycholinguistics, and discourse.