4. Error analysis Flashcards
What is an error analysis?
An error analysis is a systematic way of identifying and describing errors made by second language learners in order to better understand their language acquisition process.
What are the three types of errors identified in error analysis?
The three types of errors identified in error analysis are: errors in competence, errors in performance, and errors in communication.
What is the difference between an error in competence and an error in performance?
An error in competence is a mistake made by a learner due to a lack of knowledge or understanding of the language rules, while an error in performance is a mistake made by a learner due to factors such as stress, fatigue, or lack of attention.
What is the difference between an error and a mistake?
An error is a systematic deviation from the target language norms, while a mistake is a random slip or lapse in performance.
What is the role of error analysis in language teaching?
Error analysis can help teachers identify the specific areas of difficulty for their students and design more effective language instruction that targets those areas.
What are some limitations of error analysis?
Some limitations of error analysis include the fact that it only focuses on errors and not on correct language use, it may not be able to account for all the factors that influence language acquisition, and it may not be able to provide a complete picture of a learner’s language proficiency.
What is the difference between an overt error and a covert error in language learning? Can you provide examples of each?
To answer your question, an overt error is easy to identify because there is a clear deviation in structure, as when a learner says something like “I runned all the way” . This type of error is noticeable because it is not grammatically correct and does not follow the rules of the language.
On the other hand, a covert error occurs in utterances that superficially appear well-formed but which do not mean what the learner intended them to mean. For example, the sentence “It was stopped” does not make sense until we know what ‘it’ refers to, which in this case is wind . This type of error is more difficult to identify because the sentence appears to be grammatically correct, but the meaning is not clear.
What is the difference between an error and a fossilized error?
An error is a mistake made by a learner that can be corrected with instruction, while a fossilized error is a persistent error that has become a habit and is resistant to correction.
What are some common sources of errors in second language acquisition?
Some common sources of errors in second language acquisition include interference from the learner’s first language, overgeneralization of language rules, and incomplete or inaccurate input.
What are some strategies that teachers can use to address errors in their students’ language use?
Some strategies that teachers can use to address errors in their students’ language use include providing corrective feedback, using explicit instruction to teach language rules,
