LEARNER

ERRORS

Introduction to TESL
Dr. S.S. Pereira
 Some Definitions

• Error
An error is a deviation from the
correct reflecting the interlanguage
competence of the learner. It may be
due to the learner having incomplete
knowledge about the target language.
E.g. He breaked my toy.
• Mistake/Lapse
A mistake refers to a performance
error in that it is a failure to utilize a
known system correctly. It may be due
to carelessness, fatigue, lack of
concentration etc.
E.g. Teacher in a furious mood... write
down your name and father of your
name!!
 What is Error Analysis?

• Error Analysis is a technique which

aims to describe and explain the
systematic nature of deviations or
errors generated in the learner’s
language during the process of
learning a language.
• Interlanguage
An interlanguage is a deviant linguistic
system constructed by the learner
during the process of learning a new
language. It is a set of rules of
grammar formed by the learner and
stored in his mind as he learns a
language.
• It refers to the second language
learner’s system that has a
structurally intermediate status
between the native and target
language learners. It is a linguistic
system which reflects the
psychological process of second
language learning.
 Characteristics of Interlanguage

• It is permeable – The learner’s

interlanguage rules are not fixed. They
are open to correction.
• It is dynamic – It changes constantly
• It is systematic in that it is rule-based.
• Many learner errors are universal.
 Stages of Error

• Pre-systematic stage
The learner is not consistent in his
errors. On one occasion he would
say, “I cans sing.” on another “I
can sings.”
• This is because he is not aware of
the rule/is confused about the
rule. These errors occur when
learners try to express themselves
above their level.
 Systematic Stage

• During this stage the learner is

consistent in his errors due to
internalization of incorrect rules.
The learner will consistently say,
“She go to school by bus” or “Did
she went there?”
.
• However, each of these errors has
a definite pattern. If they are
exposed to the correct form of the
language and if they are corrected
by the teacher they can overcome
these problems
• Post-systematic Stage
Here, when the learner makes an error
he can both identify, explain it and
correct it. These errors may occur
when the learner focuses more on
content of what he is trying to say
rather than on form. These errors
generally occur when the learner is
engaged in freer fluency activities.
 Classification of Errors

•At a global level errors can be

classified as errors of:
•Omission/Deletion E.g. Look
the board.
•Addition E.g. The Asia is a
continent.
•Substitution E.g. He can
drive a bicycle.
•Transposition/Ordering E.g.
I there yesterday went.
He home went.
• In the lobby of a Moscow hotel
across from a Russian Orthodox
monastery:
• You are welcome to visit the
cemetery where famous Russian
and Soviet composers, artists
and writers are buried daily
except Thursday.
• At a linguistic level errors can be
classified as:
• Phonological errors –
pronunciation
Our army camp depend the Sri
Lanka.
• Orthographic errors – Spelling &
punctuation
•Lexico-semantic errors –
choice of wrong word which
affects meaning.
•Teacher to students upstairs:
Don't spit outside, the
understanding people will
suffer.
• Syntactic errors: These are
grammatical errors (errors of
accuracy)- E.g. Does he drinks
coffee?
• Librarian: If you will talk again, I
will kneel down outside.
•At a global level syntactic
errors are errors of omission,
addition, Substitution or
transposition.
•Situational/sociolinguistic
errors
E.g. a letter of application:
How is your wife? Please
convey my love to her.
These are covert errors & errors
of appropriacy.
• Lexical errors:
• Collocational errors –
The jungle attacked (destroyed)
the village.
The students have done many
errors.
•Errors in word formation –
•He is a kindful man.
•We should try to overcome
jealousness.
• Using nouns instead of verbs,
especially, with an auxiliary verb
or the infinitive form.
We can victory this game.
Teachers have to courage their
students.
They should obedience their
parents.
 Receptive Errors
• Sardar: My mobile bill how much?
• Call centre girl: sir, just dial 123to
know current bill status
• Sardar: Stupid, not CURRENT
BILL my MOBILE BILL.
• Sardar attending an interview in
Software Company.
Manager: Do you know MS
Office?
Sardar: If you give me the address
I will go there sir.
 Overt Errors and Covert Errors

• Overt Errors
These are unquestionably
ungrammatical.
E.g. He was went to Galle last week.
If you talk so loudly I will stand
upping you.
• Covert Errors
• In isolation these sentences may
appear to be error free. But they
can be identified as errors if
placed in a context.
• E.g. I used to bathe everyday.
• Local Error
• An error which affects a particular
clause or phrase. E.g.
• If I heard from him, I will let you
know.
 Global Errors and Local Errors

• Global Error
• An error in which the overall structure is
erroneous. E.g.
• I like take taxi but my friend said so not
that we should be late for school.
• If you will marrying me madam, I will
telling you, I will loving you very hard
every day.