Learner mistakes

Why do we make mistakes?

• Interlanguage – A stage in learning in which Ss mix elements of L1 structure, rules or pronunciation with L2 when they use L2. This is constantly changing as learners progress in L2 (By me a dog, I no come)
• Mother-tongue interference – Applying the rules of L1 to L2 (The news are good)
• Carelessness – Not paying attention (I’ll be in a minute, I am just wearing my coat. (I am just putting my coat on)
• NB! This could be also due to tiredness or interlanguage

Why do we make mistakes?

• Translation - Converting from L1. This cause is very close to Mother-tongue interference category (e.g. using ‘please’ when you give someone something)
• Over-generalisation/over-application – assuming a rule applies in all cases and over-using it (How many childs have you got?)
• Tiredness – Feeling tired (e.g. missing out words, using simpler forms). Ss can correct these when prompted
• Anxiety – Feeling nervous (e.g. disjointed sentences)