LOTE LOTE Grammar and Syntax 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'interlanguage' in LOTE acquisition?
- The developing language system of a learner that has features of both the native and target language (Correct answer)
- A pidgin or creole language
- A translation between two languages
- A simplified version of the target language used in textbooks
Correct answer: The developing language system of a learner that has features of both the native and target language
Interlanguage is the evolving linguistic system learners develop as they progress toward target language proficiency, containing both native language influences and target language features.
Question 2: What is 'negative transfer' (also called interference) in LOTE grammar learning?
- When a learner incorrectly applies rules from their native language to the target language (Correct answer)
- Correcting grammar errors negatively
- Refusing to learn grammar rules
- Avoiding use of the target language
Correct answer: When a learner incorrectly applies rules from their native language to the target language
Negative transfer occurs when learners apply a native language structure that doesn't work in the target language, causing an error.
Question 3: What grammatical structure in many LOTEs does not exist in English and often challenges American learners?
- Grammatical gender assigned to nouns (Correct answer)
- Subject-verb agreement
- Use of prepositions
- Sentence-final punctuation
Correct answer: Grammatical gender assigned to nouns
Many languages like Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin assign grammatical gender or complex noun classification systems that English lacks, making it a common challenge.
Question 4: What is a 'verb conjugation' in LOTE grammar?
- Changing the form of a verb to match the subject, tense, mood, or aspect (Correct answer)
- Listing all vocabulary related to actions
- Translating a verb from English
- Learning the spelling of irregular verbs
Correct answer: Changing the form of a verb to match the subject, tense, mood, or aspect
Verb conjugation involves altering the verb's ending or form to agree with the subject in person, number, tense, and mood.
Question 5: What is 'aspect' in LOTE grammar, often a challenge in languages like Spanish or Mandarin?
- A grammatical feature that indicates whether an action is ongoing, completed, or habitual (Correct answer)
- The physical appearance of a verb in a sentence
- The formality level of a verb
- The position of a verb in a sentence
Correct answer: A grammatical feature that indicates whether an action is ongoing, completed, or habitual
Aspect describes how an action unfolds over time — whether it is completed, ongoing, or habitual — distinct from tense which locates action in time.
Question 6: What is 'focus on form' (FonF) in communicative LOTE grammar instruction?
- Briefly drawing attention to grammar during a communicative task when an error affects meaning (Correct answer)
- Teaching grammar rules as the primary focus of every lesson
- Ignoring grammar entirely in communicative classrooms
- Having students memorize verb conjugation tables
Correct answer: Briefly drawing attention to grammar during a communicative task when an error affects meaning
Focus on form involves incidental, brief attention to grammatical features that arise naturally during communication, rather than isolated grammar drills.
LOTE LOTE Grammar and Syntax 2
What is 'interlanguage' in LOTE acquisition?