17429. INTERLANGUAGE AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION. This paper provides an overview and analysis of validity of the term “interlanguage”. Drawing on pertinent examples and illustrations from the linguistics research literature, the paper describes and discusses the possible second language acquisition states and processes at play in the formation of interlanguage. Argues that interlanguage is both a valid and a useful construct in understanding second language acquisition and in providing an important basis for testing linguistic theory. KEYWORDS: linguistics interlanguage second language acquisition language variability. Written 2005. 17 pages, 59 footnotes, 23 bibliographic sources. 4,060 words.