Learner Language.ppt

Fall 2003 Learner Language What is learner language? The purpose of studying learner language Learner language and errors Developmental sequences of learner language L1 influence and learner language I. What is learner language? Second language learner language is also called “interlanguage” – learners’ developing second language knowledge (Selinker,1972). Interlanguage is a developing system with its interim structure, rather than an imperfect imitation of the TL. it is systematic, predictable but also dynamic, continually evolving as learners receive more input and revise their hypotheses about the TL. I. What is learner language? Interlanguage has the following characteristics: some characteristics influenced by the learner’s previous learned language(s), some characteristics of the L2, and some characteristics which seem to be general and tend to occur in all or most interlanguage systems. I. What is learner language? The study of L2 learner language includes What types of errors learners make How their errors show their TL knowledge and ability to use the TL How L2 learners develop their interlanguage What factors influence their interlanguage II. Purpose of studying learner language The study of leaner language helps teachers to assess teaching procedures in the light of what they can reasonably expect to accomplish in the classroom. It also helps learners to be aware of the steps that they go through in acquiring L2 features. It provides a deeper understanding of errors that L2 learners make. An increase in error may not result from a lack of practice or transfer from L1; rather, it can be an indication of progress (e.g., due to overgeneralization). III. Learner language and errors During the 1960s: Most people regarded L2 learners’ speech as an incorrect version of the TL. Their errors were believed to be the result mainly of transfer from their L1. Contrastive analysis was the basis for identifying differences between the L1 and the L2 and for pre