Assignment 1

Q1:

While the strong version of C.A. has predictive nature. It tries to analyze the errors based on the
differences between the native language and the target language, the weak version investigates the
errors after they happen. On the other hand, the moderate version of CA brings learning issues into
account.

Q2:

Markedness theory simply states that when there is more than one form in a language with almost
the same meaning, the learners of that language automatically use the one which is fairly easier to
say in terms of its length, and probably the rate of occurrence in the target language, even if they use
it in a wrong manner. The easier form is called unmarked form, as in the choice between ‘he’ and
‘she’. Many of the English language learners use the pronoun ‘he’ even in cases where the pronoun
‘she’ is needed. This is because ‘he’ is shorter than ‘she’ in the number of letters which makes it
easier to utter. Therefore, ‘he’ is unmarked and can refer to both genders whereas ‘she’ is marked
and when used, refers only to females.

Q3:

Contrastive analysis, on the one hand, has been through ages of criticism since it undermines
somehow the ability of humans in learning whatever he is aiming for, including any language. The
strong version of CA, in particular, underestimates learning differences and regards native language
as the source of all errors. This is in contrast with millions of people who have been able to learn
languages other than their L1 in a native-like manner. On the other hand, there are still many applied
linguists who are doing their best to figure out the sources of errors in language learners. To them, CA
has still retained its value.