On the Use of Quantitative Methods in the Study of Interlanguage

With reference to cybernetics & systems theory, interlang (IL) is characterized as a system that is open, dynamic, stochastic, nonstationary, & goal-seeking. It is claimed that IL reflects the probabilistic structure of linguistic competence. In dealing with the problem of how to describe such a system, it is argued that stochastic models such as variable rule methodology or derivation-weighting grammars represent advances in IL methodology, but are nevertheless inadequate as the sole instruments for the description of IL. The application of even very simple methods of inferential statistics can lead to more reliability & validity in the study of IL & how different types of IL production can be operationally defined with the help of confidence limits. 39 References. AA