Abstract：Research on Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is fairly a new fast-developing discipline in the area of applied linguistics. One obvious phenomenon is that the learners’ interlanguage constantly varies and the variation is usually caused by various factors. It is then necessary to study the variation of interlanguage in SLA. Thus, it can perhaps help to improve the learners’ language proficiency. This thesis attempts to analyze the two main factors in causing interlanguage variation, namely linguistic factors and non-linguistic factors. The author will summarize relative implications and offer some suggestions for English Language Teaching (ELT) in China according to these various factors.

Key words: Second Language Acquisition; interlanguage; interlanguage variation; linguistic factors; non-linguistic factors

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

2.1 Definition of Interlanguage-2

2.2 Definition of Interlanguage Variation-2

2.3 Previous Study-3

3. Factors Influencing Interlanguage Variation-4

3.1 Linguistic Factors-4

3.2 Non-linguistic Factors-8

4. Implications for English Language Teaching-11

4.1 Importance of Teaching Grammar-11

4.2 Importance of Teaching Speaking-13

4.3 Necessity of Cultivating English Thinking Pattern-14

4.4 Necessity of Cultivating Cross-cultural Awareness-15

5. Conclusion-17

Works Cited-19