välikieleen

Välikieleen, often translated as "interlanguage," refers to the linguistic system that a learner develops while acquiring a second language. It is a dynamic and constantly evolving system that exists between the learner's native language (L1) and the target language (L2). This interlanguage is not simply a flawed version of the L2, but rather a unique linguistic system with its own rules, patterns, and structures.

Learners construct their interlanguage based on a variety of factors. These include their existing knowledge of their L1, the input they receive from the L2 environment, their cognitive processes of language learning, and their internal motivations and strategies. As learners interact with the L2 and receive feedback, their interlanguage undergoes continuous development. They may overgeneralize rules from their L1, apply rules from the L2 incorrectly, or create novel forms based on their current understanding.

The study of interlanguage is central to second language acquisition research. By analyzing learners' interlanguage, researchers can gain insights into the learning process, identify common errors and their origins, and develop more effective teaching methodologies. Understanding that learners operate with an interlanguage helps educators appreciate the natural progression of language learning and provides a framework for understanding why learners make certain mistakes. It highlights the complexity of acquiring a new language and the systematic nature of the learner's developing linguistic competence.