INTERLANGUAGE
A. Behaviorist
Learning Theory
This is kind of theory that states that language
learning is like any other kind of learning in that it involves habit
formation. Habits are formed when learners respond to stimuli in the
environment and subsequently have their responses reinforced so that they are
remembered. So, habit is a stimulus-response connection.
Learners imitated models of correct language and
received positive reinforcement if they were correct and negative reinforcement
if they were incorrect.
B. A
Mentalist Theory of Language Learning
1. Only
human beings are capable of learning language.
2. The
human mind is equipped with a faculty for learning language, referred as a
Language Acquisition Device.
3. This
faculty is primary determinant of language acquisition.
4. Input
is needed, but only to trigger the operation of the language acquisition
device.
C. What
is “Interlanguage”?
The
concept of interlanguage involves the following premises abut L2 acquisition:
1. The
learner constructs a system of abstract linguistic rules which underlies
comprehension and production of the L2.
2. The
learner’s grammar is permeable.
3. The
learner’s grammar is transitional (Interlanguage Continuum)
4. 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.
D. A
Computational Model of L2 Acquisition
The learner is exposed to input, which is processed
in two stages. First, parts of it are attended to and taken into short-term
memory. These are referred to as intake. Second, some of the intake is stored
in long-term memory as L2 knowledge. The processes responsible for creating
intake and L2 knowledge occur within ‘black box’ of the learners mind where the
learner’s interlanguage is constructed. Finally, L2 knowledge is used by the
learner to produce spoken and written output.
