sample, error explanation, error classification that are based on the cause of errors and evaluation of errors.
Rod Ellis said: Typically this involves the collection of samples of
classroom learner-language usually written and usually discrete, decontextualised utterances, the classification of
errors according to the different levels of language description, the explanation of errors by reference to various
learning process and the evaluation of errors for the purposes of assessment of remediation.
3
To know further about error analysis, the study will discuss the following area:
1. The Definitions and Types of Error Analysis
There are several opinions given by some linguists to get clear understanding about error. Dullay et. al. defined error as “flawed side of learner
speech of writing. They are those parts of conversation or composition that deviate from selected norm of mature language performance.”
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Pit Corder said: “… the term erroneous to mean other superficially deviant or inappropriate in terms of the target language grammar … .”
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Then, Douglas Brown said: “Put in another way, an error is a noticeable deviation from the adult grammar of a native speaker, reflecting the language
competence of the learner.”
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Sridhar stated: “Error on the other hand, are systematic, consistent deviances stage of learning.”
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Error is usually compared with mistake. Both of them indicate that the form of structure the learner used is unacceptable and inappropriate according to
the native speaker. We should distinguish errors from mistake in language learner. Mistakes are inconsistent deviation caused by performance factors, e.g.
the slip of tongue.
3
Rod Ellis, Error Analysis, London: Longman Group Limited, 1974, p.74
4
Dullay et. al., Language Two, New York: Oxford Universities Press, 1982, p.138
5
Techniques in Applied Linguistics , vol 3, ed. J. P. B. Allen and S. Pit Corder, London: Oxford University Press, 1974, p. 122
6
H. Douglas Brown, op. cit., p. 165
7
Contrastive Linguistics and the Language Teacher, ed. Jacek Fisiak, England: Pergamon Press, ltd., 1981, p. 224
According to Corder, Mistake refers to a performance error such as a fatigue and inattention, while the error itself is one caused by lack of language
rule knowledge competence factor or systematic deviation due to the learner.
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Mistake the error of performance will characteristically be unsystematic. The errors are systematic. It is natural for the learners to make errors;
even many native speakers make many mistakes in speaking. The errors are necessary part of learning language and the process of leading to the errors is
clearly a creative one. Errors are also believed to be an indicator of the learners’ stage in their target language development and it can determine their level of
mastery of language system. Relating to the students’ error, there is error analysis. And to understand
more about error analysis some authors have defined it. It is clear that error analysis is used as an instrument for evaluating teaching process and remedial
activities conducted. While errors are divided into: transfer error, analogical error and teaching induced error. These three types of errors are viewed from the
psychological process in acquiring a second language. a.
Transfer error is error caused by interference from a mother tongue. A student who has not known the rules of the target language will use the
same rules as he obtained in his native language. S. Pit Corder stated: “ It is clear that on this theory, the making of errors is an evitable, even
perhaps a necessary part of the learning process. It also accounts for the similarity of many errors to the forms of mother tongue, we can call this
a transfer error.”
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b. Analogical Error is an error caused by misconception in applying the
rules of the target language. As S. Pit Corder stated: “However, even when a learner has discovered a correct rule he may still continue to
make errors because he has not yet discovered the precise set of categories to which the rule applies. Errors of this sort are errors of over
generalization or analogical errors”
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8
Dullay et.al., Op. Cit. p.139
9
J. P. B. Allen and S. Pit Corder ed, Techniques in Applied Linguistics, vol. 3, London: Oxford University Press, 1974, p.130
10
Ibid.
c. Teaching Induced Error is error that has something to do with the
methods or materials of the teaching. Pit Corder stated: There is a third type of error which is more difficult to establish in any particular case,
namely errors arising from the methods or materials used in the teaching……only this class of error, teaching induced error, is avoidable
or redundant and represents in efficiency in the learning-teaching process.
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2. The Goals and Sources of Error Analysis
