Interface hypothesis

The interface hypothesis in adult second language acquisition is an attempt to explain non-target-like linguistic behavior that persists even among highly advanced speakers. The hypothesis was first put forward by Antonella Sorace.^[1]

The hypothesis posits that for adult second language learners, acquiring grammatical properties within a given linguistic area, such as phonology, syntax, or semantics, should not be problematic. Interfacing between those modules, such as communicating between the syntax and semantic systems, should likewise be feasible. However, grammatical operations where the speaker is required to interface between an internal component of the grammar, and an external component, such as pragmatics or discourse information, will prove to be very difficult, and will not be acquired completely by the second language learner, even at very advanced levels.

Examples of phenomena argued to be influenced by the interface hypothesis include use of overt vs. null subjects, as well as use of subject placement before or after the verb to mark focus vs. using prosody, in languages like Italian by native English speakers.^[2]

Sorace, A. (2011). Pinning down the concept of “interface” in bilingualism. Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism, 1(1), 1-33.
Sorace, A. and Filiaci, F. (2006). Anaphora resolution in near-native speakers of Italian. Second Language Research: 339-368.
Tsimpli, I.M. and Sorace, A. (2006). Differentiating Interfaces: L2 performance in syntax-semantics and syntax-discourse phenomena. BUCLD Proceedings 30: 653-664.
Sorace, A. (2003). Near-Nativeness. In M. Long and C. Doughty (eds.), Handbook of Second Language Acquisition, 130-152. Oxford: Blackwell.

Second-language acquisition

General	Outline Common misconceptions

Learners	Multilingualism Heritage language Multi-competence

Learner language	Contrastive analysis Contrastive rhetoric Error (linguistics) Error analysis Error treatment Fossilization Interlanguage Silent period

Linguistic factors	Language transfer Linguistic universal Word lists by frequency

Individual variation	Language-learning aptitude Critical period hypothesis Motivation Willingness to communicate Foreign language anxiety Metalinguistic awareness

Strategies	Language learning strategies Communication strategies Code-switching Good language learner studies

SLA hypotheses	Skill-based theories Order of acquisition Input hypothesis Interaction hypothesis Comprehensible output Competition model Connectionism Noticing hypothesis Processability theory Interface hypothesis Interface position Generative second-language acquisition

In the classroom	Focus on form Input enhancement

Aptitude tests	MLAT DLAB PLAB CANAL-F

References

↑ Doughty, Catherine (2003). Handbook of Second Language Acquisition. Oxford: Blackwell. pp. 130–152.
↑ Belletti, Bennati and Sorace (2007). "Theoretical and developmental issues in the syntax of subjects: Evidence from near-native Italian". Natural Language and Linguistic Theory. doi:10.1007/s11049-007-9026-9.

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Interface hypothesis

Further Reading

References