TESOL Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

Interlanguage refers to the evolving linguistic system that learners create as they improve their proficiency in a new language. This concept highlights that language learners do not simply adopt the target language entirely; instead, they often combine elements from their native language with new rules and vocabulary from the language they are learning. This transitional system reflects their unique understanding and attempt to communicate in the new language.

Interlanguage encompasses various aspects, including vocabulary choices, grammatical structures, and pronunciation features. As learners progress and receive more exposure and practice, their interlanguage tends to develop towards greater accuracy and fluency, ultimately approaching the norms of the target language. It is a dynamic and sometimes inconsistent phase that showcases the learner's journey rather than a finished product, which distinguishes it from any fixed stage of language proficiency or set of rules.