Multicompetence refers to the coexistence of more than one language in the human brain, as opposed to separate language systems. It describes the compound state of mind containing two grammars. A multicompetence perspective views languages as part of a larger supersystem in the brain rather than as separate entities, allowing crosslinguistic influence to be bidirectional. Under this view, languages are always subject to change influenced by sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic factors, so the idea of an 'end-state' is irrelevant.

1. Multicompetence
Cook 1992, 2009

2. Multicompetence?
 the coexistence of more than one language in the
human brain
 the opposite of the idea of separate language systems

3. Multicompetence?
 the compound state of mind with two grammars
VS.
 Monocompetence (the state of the mind with only one
grammar)

4. Cook 1992
MAIN QUESTIONS:
1. Is multicompetence a different state of mind from
monocompetence?
2. Is multicompetence simply adding an L1 competence,
albeit defective?

5. Cook 1992
IN OTHER WORDS …
 Are languages known by an individual separate entities
in the brain or are they part of a supersystem?

6. Implications of
multicompetence
 a multicompetence perspective allows for
languages to be viewed as part of a
larger system rather than as separate
entities in a learner’s mind.

7. Implications of
multicompetence
 the introduction of the multicompetence
concept changed the way in which
crosslinguistic influence was viewed:
transfer became multidirectional

8. Supersystem?
 since the first language or languages are in the
same mind, they must form a language
supersystem at some level other than be
completely isolated systems (Cook, 2003

9. Supersystem?
 reaction to Selinker’s (1972) notion of
Interlanguage that distinguishes a system of
stages in-between the first and second
language. (as per Rothman et. al, 2011)

10. Further claims:
 languages in the multilingual mind are
connected in a larger supersystem whereby
changes in one language will automatically
have an impact on the other existing languages

11. That is:
 a language that has been acquired is not
viewed as a stable system in which knowledge,
once stored, is invulnerable to change

12. Clyne 2003
 multicompetence implies that languages are
always subject to change and this change is
influenced in great part, by sociolinguistic as
well as psycholinguistic factors.

13. Language Attrition
 clear evidence that languages (native or non
native) show signs of decline when they are not
used.

14. Furthermore
 since languages are assumed as being in
constant change, the idea of ‘end-state’
becomes irrelevant (Rothman et. al, 2011)

15. And …
 the notion of multicompetence might prove
explanatory for researchers of all paradigms,
as its core tenets are compatible with virtually
any existing theory of acquisition
 can account for individual variation and
unexpected development patterns (Rothman
et. al. 2011)