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The Phenomenon of Variation in Interlanguage

Variaciones el interlenguaje

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FRANCISCO JAVIER NIETO SILVA
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22 views10 pages

The Phenomenon of Variation in Interlanguage

Variaciones el interlenguaje

Uploaded by

FRANCISCO JAVIER NIETO SILVA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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HI!

The phenomenon
HELLO!
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help me?

of variation in
interlanguage
Objectives
Understand what interlanguage variation is and
the factors that cause it.
Identify different types of variation in
interlanguage.
Analyze practical cases of variation and discuss
their pedagogical implications.
Introduction to
interlanguage...
A unique linguistic system developed by language
learners, influenced by both their native language and
the target language

and its variation


How this system changes depending on the context,
learner proficiency, and external/internal factors
Factors influencing interlanguage
variation
1
Context of use: Changes in interlanguage based on the
setting (informal conversations, exams, etc.)
2
Proficiency Level: Variation can decrease as learners
advance in their language skills.

3 Type of Interaction: Differences in linguistic production


when interacting with natives, non-natives, or teachers.

4 External Influences: Feedback, exposure to different


styles of English, etc.
Types of variation in
interlanguage
Systematic Variation: Predictable changes
based on context or interlocutor
Non-Systematic Variation: Errors that do
not follow a specific pattern.
Stylistic Variation:*Changes in language
use according to register and formality.
Individual Variation: Differences based on personal
factors (age, motivation, previous experience).
Practical case 1
Systematic variation
Case description: A student correctly
produces the grammatical structure “He
goes to school” in a formal test but uses
“He go school” in informal conversation.
Context: Test vs. informal conversation.
Observation: The student applies rules more
strictly in formal contexts.
Discussion: How should this variation be
addressed in the classroom?
Practical case 2
Non-systematic variation
Case Description: A student alternates between “I
didn’t went” and “I didn’t go” at different moments
in a class.

Pattern:Inconsistency in the correct negative form.


Possible Factors: Fatigue, nervousness, lack of
attention to grammar rules.
Discussion: Strategies to minimize non-systematic
variation.
Practical case 3
Stylistic variation
Case Description: A student uses formal
vocabulary in presentations (e.g., “moreover,”
“therefore”) but employs colloquial expressions in
informal writing tasks (e.g., “gonna,” “wanna”).
Register Shift: Dependence of style on context.
Motivation: Adaptation to audience or task
requirements.
Discussion: The teacher’s role in guiding
appropriate stylistic adaptation.
Practical case 4
Individual variation
Case Description: Two students of the same
English level respond differently to the same
question: one uses short, simple sentences,
while the other uses complex sentences but
frequently makes errors.
Personal Differences: Possible influence of
personality, confidence, and prior experiences.
Discussion: How should individual differences be
managed in language teaching?
Pedagogical implications of
variation
Accepting Variation: The importance of not
over-correcting and allowing variations as
part of the learning process.
Teaching Strategies: Activities that promote
free and varied expression (role-plays,
debates in different contexts).
Constructive Feedback: How to provide
corrections that do not inhibit language
production.

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