Interlingual Errors
What are interlingual errors, and what causes them?
Interlingual errors occur when learners apply rules or patterns from their native language to the target language. They are caused by interference or transfer from the learner’s first language.
What is the main difference between interlingual and intralingual errors?
Interlingual errors come from the learner’s native language, while intralingual errors come from within the target language—when learners misunderstand or overgeneralize English rules.
What are the four main types of errors identified in language learning?
Omission, Addition, Misformation, and Misordering.
What are some of the most common grammar mistakes made by English learners?
Wrong verb tenses (“Yesterday I go to the park.”)
• Subject-verb agreement (“She go to school.”)
• Missing articles (“She is teacher.”)
• Incorrect prepositions (“Depend of” instead of “Depend on.”)
What are some reasons why learners make errors in a second language?
Still learning the language rules.
• Influenced by their native language.
• Overgeneralizing grammar rules.
• Experimenting to communicate meaning.
Can you give an example of an interlingual error made by a Spanish speaker learning English?
A common example is saying “She has 20 years” instead of “She is 20 years old.” This happens because in Spanish we say “Ella tiene 20 años,” where “tener” (to have) is used instead of “to be.”
What does it mean when we say an error comes from “within the target language”?
It means the learner makes the error because they are still learning the rules of English itself, not because of their first language. They may apply rules incorrectly or too generally.
What is an omission error?Provide an example.
An omission error happens when a learner leaves out a necessary word.
👉 Example: “She going to school” instead of “She is going to school.”
How can learners avoid repeating the same mistakes?
Learners can avoid mistakes by:
• Getting regular feedback from teachers.
• Practicing speaking and writing often.
• Paying attention to corrections.
• Reviewing grammar rules and examples.
How can error analysis help improve teaching and learning?
Error analysis helps teachers understand the patterns in students’ mistakes, so they can focus on areas that need improvement and adjust their teaching methods.
How does the learner’s native language influence interlingual errors?
The learner’s native language influences interlingual errors because its grammar, pronunciation, and structure affect how learners understand and produce the new language. They often translate directly from their first language.
Give an example of an intralingual error in English.
Saying “He goed to school” instead of “He went to school” is an intralingual error. The learner overgeneralizes the rule that past tense verbs end in “-ed.”
What is the difference between misformation and misordering errors?
Misformation: The learner uses the wrong form of a word (e.g., “I am agree” instead of “I agree”).
• Misordering: The learner places words in the wrong order (e.g., “I don’t know what is it” instead of “I don’t know what it is”).
Which type of mistakes do you personally make most often?
I often make mistakes with prepositions, such as using “in” instead of “on,” because the rules are different from my first language.
Do you think making errors is a positive or negative part of learning? Why?
Making errors is a positive part of learning because it shows that learners are trying to use the language. Errors give teachers and students a chance to identify weaknesses and improve over time.
What is an interlingual error caused by direct translation from the learner’s first language?
It is an error that happens when a learner translates expressions or structures word-for-word from their native language into the target language, causing incorrect usage.
Which type of error results from incorrect generalization of target language rules rather than influence from the native language?
An intralingual error, which occurs when a learner incorrectly generalizes rules of the target language rather than being influenced by their first language.
Why is it important for teachers to identify the type of error a student makes?
Identifying the type of error helps teachers understand the cause of the mistake and provide more effective correction and feedback. It also helps improve teaching strategies and materials.
How can English learners avoid repeating the same mistakes in speaking and writing?
By getting regular feedback, practicing often, paying attention to corrections, and reviewing grammar rules and examples.
What role does insufficient practice or lack of feedback play in causing errors?
Errors can persist or increase when learners do not get regular feedback or enough practice.
What happens when a student uses grammar rules from their first language while speaking a second language?
It is an interlingual error, which happens when the learner’s first language interferes with the grammar of the second language.
What is an intralingual error?
An intralingual error is a mistake that occurs when a learner misapplies or overgeneralizes rules of the target language itself, rather than being influenced by their first language.
He goed to the store” instead of “He went to the store.” What type of error is this?
This is an intralingual error caused by overgeneralization of the past tense rule.
What are common mistakes including wrong verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, missing articles, and incorrect prepositions?
Subject-verb agreement: “She go to school” instead of “She goes to school.”
Why might a learner make errors even without influence from their first language?
Because of overgeneralization, incomplete knowledge, or misanalysis of the target language rules.