Transfer in language learning

Types of overgeneralization

• Phonetic
• Lexical
• Grammatical overgeneralization
• Discourse based overgeneralization

Phonetic overgeneralization

• Pronouncing the sounds with exceptions according to the general rule:
• Ex: In English language sound system we have rules:

1) oo [ u:] book,took,look

2) u [ Ʌ] upset,unusual

3) e – soundless at the end of the word. Same , came,name

But we have some exceptions:

1) blood [ bləd]

2) bush [ bʋʃ ] , put [ pʋt]

Lexical overgeneralization

• In lexical type the language learner uses wrong word combination instead of saying the correct word:

teaspoon – little spoon

dentist – tooth doctor

hairdresser (for men x)

barber (for women x)

air balloon – air ball

Grammatical overgeneralization

• To use general grammatical rules for all situations even in exceptions: