What is fossilization in second language development?

What is fossilization in second language development?

• A. Interlanguage is a fixed system; fossilization is rapid improvement.
• B. Interlanguage is a learner's evolving system of rules; fossilization is the stabilization of non-target forms despite exposure.
• C. Interlanguage is the native language; fossilization is forgetting lessons.
• D. Interlanguage and fossilization are unrelated.

Answer: (B)

Fossilization happens when parts of a learner’s interlanguage become fixed, with non-target forms persisting even after substantial exposure to the language. The interlanguage is the learner’s evolving system of rules and approximations that sits between the native language and the target language as they learn. When fossilization occurs, certain incorrect pronunciations, grammar, or usage patterns stop changing, even though the learner continues to receive input and opportunities to improve in other areas. This isn’t about rapid gains or forgetting lessons, and it’s not something unrelated to the learner’s developing system. So the key idea is that continued exposure doesn’t erase these fixed non-native forms; they become stabilized in the learner’s speech and writing.

Fossilization happens when parts of a learner’s interlanguage become fixed, with non-target forms persisting even after substantial exposure to the language. The interlanguage is the learner’s evolving system of rules and approximations that sits between the native language and the target language as they learn. When fossilization occurs, certain incorrect pronunciations, grammar, or usage patterns stop changing, even though the learner continues to receive input and opportunities to improve in other areas. This isn’t about rapid gains or forgetting lessons, and it’s not something unrelated to the learner’s developing system. So the key idea is that continued exposure doesn’t erase these fixed non-native forms; they become stabilized in the learner’s speech and writing.