NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What term describes extending a learned pattern from one context to another?

1. Code-switching

2. Generalization

3. Interference

4. Simplification

The correct answer is: Generalization

The term that describes extending a learned pattern from one context to another is generalization. This concept is critical in language acquisition and learning, as it involves applying knowledge or skills learned in one situation to different yet similar situations. For instance, if a language learner has mastered the past tense in specific sentences, they may generalize this knowledge to construct past tense sentences in new contexts. In the case of language learning, generalization allows learners to use grammatical rules or vocabulary in a broader range of communication than they initially practiced. This ability to transfer knowledge is essential for developing fluency and complexity in a new language, helping learners to navigate various conversational scenarios effectively. In contrast, code-switching refers to alternating between languages or dialects in a conversation, often influenced by social context or the identities of the speakers. Interference refers to the errors that occur when the rules of one language are applied to another language, usually due to the influence of a learner's native language. Simplification, on the other hand, involves reducing complex language structures to simpler forms, which may limit the richness of communication.