1
Error Analysis: Avoidance
Based on Schachter, J. (1974). An error in error analysis. Language Learning, 24, 205-214.
1. Two versions of the Contrastive Analysis Hypothesis:
Strong Weak
Predictive Explanatory
A priori A posteriori
Based on a CA of the subsystems of two
languages, L1 and L2, one can predict that
similarities between L1 and L2 will lead to
ease of learning, whereas differences will
lead to greater difficulty.
Recurring errors produced by learners
are analyzed in order to discover why
the errors occur. CA can be used as one
way of identifying causes for the errors.
This methodology is called error
analysis.
Error analysis assumes that errors indicate learning difficulties and that the frequency of a
particular error is evidence of the difficulty learners have in learning the particular form.
2. Schachter’s data: Comparison of relative clause errors produced in free compositions in
English (L2) by 50 (25 intermediate, 25 advanced) NSs each of Persian, Arabic, Chinese,
and Japanese.
3. CA of restrictive relative clauses in English and the other languages:
English Persian Arabic Chinese Japanese
What is the
position of the
RC wrt the head
noun?
To the right To the right To the right To the left To the left
How are
relative clauses
marked?
1.
Subordination
marker that
2. Pronominal
particle who,
whose, whom,
which
1.
Subordination
marker
1.
Subordination
marker
1.
Subordination
marker
3. Subordinate
affixes in the
relative clause
Are there
pronominal
reflexes
(resumptive
pronouns)?
No Yes
In (S), DO, IO,
OPrep, Poss,
and OComp
Yes
In (S), (DO),
IO, OPrep,
Poss, and
OComp
Yes.
In IO, OPrep,
Poss, and
OComp
Yes.
In (OPrep)
