Fossilisation 石化

shíhuà · from English

What is fossilisation in language learning?

Fossilisation is when learner errors become permanent and stop improving, even with more exposure or study.

Selinker coined the term in 1972 alongside interlanguage. Pronunciation, tones and frequent grammar slips are most vulnerable, especially when the learner can already communicate well enough. Targeted feedback, shadowing and recording yourself are the usual remedies.

Examples

A long-term expat saying 我是累 for years; consistently flattened tones; always using 個 as the only measure word

Kungfucius says: Your mistakes become fossils if you never dig them up.