Target language

Target language (/tɑ:gɪt læŋ(g)wɪʤ/; TL), is the language that would be produced by a perfect linguistic process, such as an activity or translation.

The target language may or may not be known in advance, though in most pedagogic EFL contexts, it will be.

Target language can also vary in its specificity. A vague description of target language may be “students will use level-appropriate language to complete the given task.” A moderately specific description highlights specific target lexis/vocabulary and structures. A highly specific description identifies the only language permitted, for example a gapfill with given multiple choice answers.

Given that the process is likely to be imperfect, students may produce language that is similar to the target language.