Fluency Idiolects in L1 and L2 Speech: The Case of Fillers

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study of the frequency and functions of fillers in the native-language Norwegian and interlanguage English of six students in tertiary education. The focus is on the speakers’ fluency idiolects, i.e., the extent to which they exhibit similar filler use in both languages. The results show that major tendencies regarding forms and functions of fillers are similar between the speakers’ L1 and L2 production and thus reinforce the importance of including L1 material in studies of interlanguage production.