A review of interlanguage competence

In the field of second language acquisition research interlanguage competence still remains a concept which is difficult to define with accuracy. Both Adjemian and Krashen explore the nature of interlanguage competence within the framework of Universal Grammar. While the former regards interlanguage as a natural language and emphasizes the homogeneity of L2 learners' linguistic competence, the latter argues that interlanguage is composed of two independent knowledge systems, and that learners' linguistic competence mainly derives from acquired knowledge rather than learned knowledge. According to Tarone, interlanguage continuum is made up of different styles, while Ellis perceives interlanguage competence from the angle of performance, contending that competitive rules constitute learners' competence in the L2. The study of interlanguage competence not only enriches second language acquisition theory, but also helps teachers better understand the development of learners' interlanguage, offering strategic guidance and conducive implications for classroom language teaching.