3. Interlanguage

1) Behaviorist learning theory

2) A mentalist of language learning

In the 1960 and 1970 , a mentalist theory first language (L1) acquisition emerged. According to this theory:

(1) Only human beings are capable of learning language.

(2) The human mind is equipped with a faculty for learning language, referred to as a Language Acquisition Device. This is separate from the faculties responsible for other kinds of cognitive activity ( for example, logical reasoning).

(3) This faculty is the primary determinant of language acquisition

(4) Input is needed, but only to ‘trigger’ the operation of the language acquisition device.

The conception of interlanguage drew directly on these mentalist views of L1 acquisition.

3) What’s ‘interlanguage’?

The term ‘interlanguage’ was coined by the American linguist, Larry Selinker, in recognition of the fact that L2 learners construct a linguistic system that draws, in part, on the learner’s L1 but it also different from it and also from the target language. A learner’s interlanguage is, therefore, a unique linguistic system.

The concept of interlanguage involves the following premises about L2 acquisition:

(1) The learner constructs a system of abstract linguistic rules which underlies comprehension and production of the L2. This system of rules is viewed as a ‘mental grammar’ and is referred to as an ‘interlanguage’.

(2) The learner’s grammar is permeable.

(3) The learner’s grammar is transitional.

(4) Some researchers have claimed that the systems learners construct contain variable rules.

(5) Learners employ various learning strategies to develop their interlanguages.

(6) The learner’s grammar is likely to fossilize.

4)A computational model of L2 acquisitionInput →intake→L2 knowledge →output

Summary Chapter 3 : Interlanguage Introduction to Second language Acquisition(Rod Ellis/ 1997)

Chapter 3 : Interlanguage

Interlanguage is a mental system that develops in learning second language for the learners. To understand about Interlanguage, Behaviourist Learning Theory and Mentalist Learning Theory are kind of important.

A. Behaviourist learning theory

According to behaviourist learning theory, habit has a big role in learning second language because habit is a respond of the stimuli to the environment around the learner. When the learner responds the stimuli, he will remember it. The correct respond will occur when the learner is surrounded by native speaker because the learner will imitate the native speaker and know when he does wrong and when he does right by observing the native speaker’s respond. Although it makes sense, behaviourism is always an effective way in mastering the Second Language. It is because even though the input always presents almost all the time, it doesn’t always produce a good input. The learners always make error by creating their own rule to produce the output.

B. A mentalist theory of language learning

The researchers turn their attention to “nature” concept and it produces mentalist theories, which are: 1. Language can be learned only by human being.2. Human has a “language acquisition device” faculty that helps them to learn the new language.3. The faculty is the main factor in language acquisition.4. Input is the “trigger” to operate the language acquisition device

C. What is “interlanguage”

Interlanguage is a unique linguistic system that has six concepts involve in it. They are:• The learners produce a mental grammar.• The mental grammar can be influenced by inside (from the learners themselves, e.g.: error, mistakes) and from outside (environment).• The learners grammar changes depend on the knowledge the learners achieve when they learn the second language. The learners can delete the grammar rule, add the rule or reconstruct the whole rule (interlanguage continuum)• The system learners construct contain variable rules that are argued to be many mistakes that the learners produce themselves in learning the second language.• The learners create their own strategy in learning the second language.• The learners’ grammar is likely to fossilize because it has stuck in the brain and very difficult to be removed by the learners.

These six concepts are show how the second language take place in the learners’ mind, but these doesn’t really explain what takes place in the learners’ brain. The concepts integrate both mentalist theories of linguistics and elements from cognitive psychology.

D. A computational model of L2 acquisition

Researchers argue that human’s mind is like computer and the Interlanguage happens just like the process in the computer. Here is the computetational model of L2 acquisition:

Input – intakes – L2 knowledge – Output

First, the input is taken to the short term memory and some of the intake is taken to long term memory. Second, the intake and the knowledge are blend together in the “black box”. Third, the result is the output.

The basic model of second language acquisition can be elaborated in some ways. For example : add some additional information to give more specific process inside the brain, like environment in between “input” and “intakes” to explain that environment has a part in giving input.