Reconceptualizing fossilization in second language acquisition: a review

Abstract

In recent fossilization literature, two problems have been raised repeatedly (e.g. Han, 2003; Long, 2003; Birdsong, 2004). First, the term ‘fossilization’ lacks a unified definition and, second, it has not been adequately described empirically. The works reviewed here seek to address this situation. Han (2004) describes a conceptual framework within which to understand existing work on fossilization, and Han and Odlin (2005) present a collection of empirical and analytical studies that help to ameliorate both the definitional and empirical shortcomings of contemporary fossilization research. Taken together, these volumes provide an admirable synthesis of existing research and problems, as well as noteworthy analyses of how to move forward empirically. For the moment, however, idiosyncratic perspectives on fossilization still prevail.