interface hypothesis

proper noun

The hypothesis that, for adult second language learners, acquiring grammatical properties and interfacing between them (for example, between syntax and semantics) should not be problematic, but that interfacing between these and an external component, such as pragmatics or discourse information, will prove to be very difficult.

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Meanings

proper nounthe interface hypothesis
  1. human sciencesThe hypothesis that, for adult second language learners, acquiring grammatical properties and interfacing between them (for example, between syntax and semantics) should not be problematic, but that interfacing between these and an external component, such as pragmatics or discourse information, will prove to be very difficult.
Cite this entry
APA

interface hypothesis. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/interface%20hypothesis

MLA

“interface hypothesis.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/interface%20hypothesis. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “interface hypothesis,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/interface%20hypothesis.

Source: interface hypothesis on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.