Unsticking the Stuck: Overcoming Fossilization🦖

Understanding and Overcoming Persistent Errors in Second Language Learning

The running joke is that I teach English 英語 (English language, eigo), and I speak シェイ語 (Shea’s language, sheago) instead of Japanese (日本語, nihongo) at work. I use what I know to express myself, and even if it is unnatural to native speakers, I somehow still seem to get my point across. Those who are familiar with how I communicate understand me, and those who don’t may need a moment to put two and two together. Because I have been doing this for years, I could be a textbook example of a second language learner experiencing fossilization.

What is fossilization? 🦕

Fossilization in language learning refers to the phenomenon where learners reach a plateau or stagnant stage in their language acquisition process. It occurs when learners, despite having studied a language for an extended period, continue to make errors or exhibit non-native-like features in their speech or writing that are difficult to overcome. These errors become fossilized, or fixed, and persist even with further exposure to the language. Fossilization can result from various factors, such as limited exposure to native speakers, lack of feedback, or ineffective learning strategies.

❓🤔Have you ever noticed other second language learners repeat the same seemingly simple mistakes? For decades, my grandfather used to say “putterware” instead of “tupperware.”

Factors that affect fossilization in second language learning 🧠

Mistakes in language learning can become fossilized through a combination of factors. Here are some ways in which these pesky errors can become seemingly permanent:

Lack of correction: If learners consistently make errors without receiving timely and accurate correction, they may internalize these mistakes as part of their language system. Without corrective feedback, learners may not be aware that their errors are actually incorrect.

Overgeneralization: Learners often create simplified rules or patterns based on their initial understanding of the language. These overgeneralizations can lead to fossilization if learners continue to use them even after being exposed to correct usage.

Limited exposure: Insufficient exposure to native speakers or authentic language contexts can hinder the development of accurate language skills. If learners primarily interact with non-native speakers or rely heavily on textbooks without real-life practice, they may not encounter enough examples of correct usage to overcome their fossilized errors.

Interference from first language: The influence of a learner’s first language can interfere and lead to persistent errors. This happens when learners transfer grammatical structures, pronunciation patterns, or vocabulary from their native language into the target language, resulting in fossilized mistakes.

Language anxiety: Feelings of anxiety or self-consciousness during language production can also contribute to fossilization. Learners may avoid taking risks or experimenting with new structures due to fear of making even more mistakes, thus reinforcing existing errors.

Examples of fossilization errors 📉

Fossilized errors can manifest in various aspects of language learning. Here are some examples:

Pronunciation: A learner consistently mispronounces certain sounds or phonemes in the target language, even after receiving instruction or exposure to correct pronunciation. For example, pronouncing “th” as “s” (e.g., saying “sank you” instead of “thank you”).

Grammar: Fossilized errors in grammar often involve persistent misuse or omission of certain grammatical structures. For instance, a learner might consistently use the present tense instead of the past tense, such as saying “I goed” instead of “I went.”

Vocabulary: Learners may incorrectly use or substitute certain words because of fossilization. For example, using the word “good” instead of “well” to describe an action (“I did good on the test”) despite knowing the correct form.

Syntax: Fossilized errors in sentence structure can occur when learners consistently produce non-native-like word order or sentence patterns. This could include mistakes like using double negatives (“I don’t know nothing”) or incorrect subject-verb agreement.

Collocations and idiomatic expressions: Fossilization can also affect a learner’s ability to use collocations (words that commonly go together) and idiomatic expressions correctly. For instance, consistently using incorrect prepositions in phrases like “depend for” instead of “depend on.”

Side note: I’d like to stress that these examples are not exhaustive, and fossilized errors can vary from learner to learner depending on their language background and learning experiences. Overcoming these errors often requires targeted practice, exposure to native speakers, and guidance from qualified language instructors.

Ways to fix fossilization errors📋

Record yourself: Record yourself speaking or reading aloud, and then listen carefully for any recurring errors. Compare your pronunciation with native speakers’ models and adjust accordingly.

Identify the specific errors: Carefully review your writing or speech to identify recurring mistakes or patterns that have become fossilized. Look for grammatical errors, vocabulary misuse, or pronunciation issues.

Seek feedback from others: Ask native speakers or native-like learners to provide feedback on your language usage. They can point out specific errors and provide guidance on how to correct them.

Focus on targeted practice: Once you’ve identified the errors, dedicate focused practice sessions to work on those areas specifically. Use grammar exercises, vocabulary drills, or pronunciation exercises to reinforce correct usage.

Slow down production: Writing activities can help learners think more carefully about their language production, giving them more time to reflect on and correct their errors.

Practice in real-life situations: Apply what you have learned in real-life situations by engaging in conversations with native speakers or joining language exchange opportunities. Immersion in the target language environment can help reinforce correct usage.

Be patient and persistent: Fixing fossilized errors takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow at first; with consistent practice and patience, you will gradually overcome these mistakes.

Remember that everyone makes mistakes when learning a new language. In fact, mistakes are often the way we learn. The key is to actively address these errors by seeking feedback, practicing regularly, and staying motivated. If I could start over learning Japanese, some things I would change would be: a) having a dedicated teacher who could give me feedback, b) starting to produce output immediately, and c) incorporating shadowing into my study routine very early on.

More on the topic 📚

1. Han, Z. H. (2004). Fossilization in Adult Second Language Acquisition

2. Selinker, L. (1972). Interlanguage

3. Wei, X., & Zhou, Y. (2003). Reexamining the fossilization hypothesis: Evidence from Chinese-English bilingual children and adults

4. Lightbown, Patsy M., Spada, Nina.(2013). How Languages are Learned

5. Eckman, F.R., Bell, L., Nelson, D.(1988). On the Generalization of Relative Clause Instruction in the Acquisition of English as a Second Language