PIDGINIZATION, CREOLIZATION, INTERLANGUAGE, AND LANGUAGE FOSSILIZATION

Abstract

This paper investigates language fossilization as a phenomenon that pidgins, creoles, and the speech of most second language learners have in common, and suggests that researchers working in these areas can benefit from one another's findings. First, the similarities and parallels that exist among pidgins, creoles, and the interlanguages of second language learners are discussed. Then, the major theories of language fossilization and two studies dealing with fossilized learners are reviewed and evaluated. While the evidence for fossilization as a psychologically real and permanent phenomenon is found to be so far inconclusive, indicating a need for further research, it is suggested that the correct production of target language forms be stressed in second language instruction, at least in the early stages.