interlanguage

[in-ter-lang-gwij]

noun

1. a language created or used for international communication.

2. (in second-language acquisition) the linguistic system characterizing the output of a nonnative speaker at any stage prior to full acquisition of the target language.

Word History and Origins

Origin of interlanguage¹

First recorded in 1925–30; inter- + language

Example Sentences

He favors a synthetic interlanguage rather than a simplified ethnic one.

From Time Magazine Archive

Communication troubles between South Africa's speakers of English and Afrikaans led him to think about an interlanguage.

From Time Magazine Archive