In comparing the mechanism of a native language sound change and the acquisition of a second language phonology, it is concluded that individuals approach the learning and changing of phonology in a psycholinguistically unified way; the foreign language learner is fundamentally like himself as a native language changer. (Author/POP)

Errors in second language learning are viewed as evidence of the learner's hypotheses and strategies about the new data. Error observation and analysis are important to the formulation of theories about language learning and the preparation of teaching materials. Learning a second language proceeds by a series of approximative reorganizations…