Definition of Error An error analysis on the use of present perfect and present perfect continous tense: a case study at the third grade student of SMP Muhammadiyah 17 Ciputat
Firstly, if the learners present we can ask them what they intended to say to make authoritative reconstruction, it called authoritative interpretation. Then, if the
learners are not available for consultant, we have to attempt an interpretation of their utterances base on its form and its linguistic and situational context.
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Identifying errors is one of the steps of error analysis. To identify errors we have to compare the sentences produced by the learner with the corresponding
sentences native speakers are likely to produce to express the same meanings. This is not always straight forward. Sometimes it is not clear whether a deviation is a
slip of the tongue or a systematic error. Corder distinguished errors from mistakes. Errors reflect gaps in a learners
knowledge of the target language. The learner does not know what is correct. Mistakes reflect occasional lapses in performance. The learner knows the correct
form but slips due to nervousness, carelessness or tiredness. For example, many Chinese learners of English, even advanced learners, use he to refer to a female
person in conversations. This is a mistake, not an error, as they know what the correct form is. Learners may correct themselves once they have the time to monitor
their own speech or writing. Based on explanation about identification above, the writer assumes that
identification of errors is not as easy as assumed. It is of importance to both researchers and teachers. For researchers, it is important to collect the right data.
For teachers, it is necessary to treat mistakes and errors differently in their instruction.