Interlanguage may fossilize if not corrected. Which description best reflects this idea?

Interlanguage may fossilize if not corrected. Which description best reflects this idea?

• A. A language between L1 and L2 that can fossilize if not corrected
• B. A fixed system identical to L1
• C. A separate language with no relation to either L1 or L2
• D. A fluid system that cannot fossilize under any circumstances

Answer: (A)

Interlanguage is a learner’s evolving system that sits between the first language and the target language. When learners are exposed to the target language but don’t receive or incorporate enough corrective feedback, certain features of this evolving system can stop changing and become permanent—this is fossilization. So, the description that best reflects this idea is that interlanguage is a language between L1 and L2 that can fossilize if not corrected. It’s not simply identical to the native language, nor a completely separate language with no relation to either, and fossilization can indeed occur, not stay fluid forever. For example, a learner might consistently say “goed” for “went” because a particular error pattern isn’t corrected, and that incorrect form may stick.

Interlanguage is a learner’s evolving system that sits between the first language and the target language. When learners are exposed to the target language but don’t receive or incorporate enough corrective feedback, certain features of this evolving system can stop changing and become permanent—this is fossilization. So, the description that best reflects this idea is that interlanguage is a language between L1 and L2 that can fossilize if not corrected. It’s not simply identical to the native language, nor a completely separate language with no relation to either, and fossilization can indeed occur, not stay fluid forever. For example, a learner might consistently say “goed” for “went” because a particular error pattern isn’t corrected, and that incorrect form may stick.