The learner's current understanding of the language they are learning, blending aspects of the native language with the target language, is called:

• A. Interlanguage
• B. Intercultural competence
• C. Primitive language
• D. Language transfer

Answer: (A)

Interlanguage is the learner’s evolving system of rules for the target language, built from what they already know in their native language and the new forms they’re trying to use. As learners test sentences and receive feedback, they adjust this system, creating interim patterns that may be imperfect but show clear organization. Over time, with practice and exposure, these patterns shift toward the target language, though they can fossilize at any stage.

For example, a learner who speaks Spanish might say “I goed to the store” or “He have a dog” as they apply regular past-tense rules or subject-verb patterns from their L1. These kinds of blends reflect the learner’s current understanding, not a finished language.

Language transfer is related, since it’s part of interlanguage, but interlanguage describes the whole evolving internal system, while language transfer focuses on the influence of the native language. Intercultural competence is about communicating effectively across cultures, not the learner’s language system.