Discusses an approach to the study of interlanguage that challenges prevailing models of second language acquisition that assume negotiation of meaning is the only causal variable. Examines two notions of language play: ludic language play and rehearsal in private speech. Analysis of classroom interactions among children in a Spanish immersion…

Spanish-speaking learners of Portuguese often transfer features of Spanish language to Portuguese. Learner errors, including those caused by Spanish interference, are analyzed by contrasting Portuguese and Spanish grammar. (SW)

Pragmatic competence in second language (L2) speech acts, specifically in requests, is examined through data obtained from native speakers of English who are learning Spanish. Attention is focused on whether L2 learners transfer first language rules of politeness to L2 speech production. (41 references) (Author/OD)