Which term describes a plateau in development where progress becomes unlikely?

Which term describes a plateau in development where progress becomes unlikely?

• A. Parroting
• B. Interlanguage
• C. Silent Period
• D. Fossilization

Answer: (D)

Fossilization describes a plateau in second-language development where progress stalls and certain errors become resistant to change. Once a learner reaches this point, continued exposure and practice often don’t lead to further improvement, and a stabilized interlanguage forms with persistent features. It’s like the learner’s linguistic system hardens around some forms, even though other aspects may still develop. Parroting isn’t about a long-term stabilizing of form; it’s repeating language from model without deeper processing. Interlanguage refers to the evolving, interim grammar learners create as they acquire the language, which can change over time rather than becoming fixed. The Silent Period is a temporary phase where production is limited while comprehension grows, not a lasting stabilization of errors. In practice, fossilization helps explain why some students consistently struggle with specific features (articles, prepositions, verb tense, etc.) despite continued instruction and exposure, often tied to factors like feedback, meaningful interaction, and form-focused practice.

Fossilization describes a plateau in second-language development where progress stalls and certain errors become resistant to change. Once a learner reaches this point, continued exposure and practice often don’t lead to further improvement, and a stabilized interlanguage forms with persistent features. It’s like the learner’s linguistic system hardens around some forms, even though other aspects may still develop.

Parroting isn’t about a long-term stabilizing of form; it’s repeating language from model without deeper processing. Interlanguage refers to the evolving, interim grammar learners create as they acquire the language, which can change over time rather than becoming fixed. The Silent Period is a temporary phase where production is limited while comprehension grows, not a lasting stabilization of errors.

In practice, fossilization helps explain why some students consistently struggle with specific features (articles, prepositions, verb tense, etc.) despite continued instruction and exposure, often tied to factors like feedback, meaningful interaction, and form-focused practice.