Sources of Errors Theoretical Review
1 Interference errors occur as a result of the use of element from one
language while speaking another. 2
Intralingua errors reflect the general characteristics of rule learning such as generalization, incomplete application of rules, and failure to learn
conditions under which rules apply. 3
Developmental errors occur when the learners attempt to build hypothesis about the target language on the basis of limited experience.
Those sources of errors indicate that the first language or the mother tongue language became an important aspects in learning second language, and it
really influence the process of learning. Besides, according to some researches Coder: 1974, Odlin: 1989, Scovel:
2001 states that they agree that one of the major causes of error is language transfer. The detail explanation of language transfer and also other causes of
errors are explained by Judith et.al. 1
Language transfer – interference It refers to the influence of mother tongue on the foreign language learning
process. If there are no major differences between mother tongue and target language the transfer will be positive. It means that the learner will
be easily learns the language. However, if there are differences the transfer will be negative.
2 Intraference
It occurs when language learners find difficulties and confuse with the differences structure of the target language. One of the most common
indications of intraference is overgeneralization. 3
Overgeneralization It happens when the language learners meet a new pattern of a new rule of
the target language they think that the pattern or the rule applies to all cases without exception.
4 Teaching-induced errors
It is a result from the language teaching process which may be because of the material or the learning method by the teacher. The teacher can also
induce errors by using overgeneralization in teaching new material. The sources of errors influence the types of errors that the learners made
and also the interlanguage process happen to the learners.