Analyzing Grammatical Errors From Senior High School in Medan
By: A Z M I L STBA Harapan Medan
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to discuss the importance of error analysis in studying English as a foreign language. Error analysis is needed to show them in what aspect in grammar which is difficult for them. In this study, the writer presented some English sentences containing grammatical errors. These grammatical errors were analy- zed based on the theories presented by the linguists. This analysis aimed at showing the students the causes and kinds of grammatical errors.
Keywords : grammatical errors, interlingual, intralingual.
1. Introduction
It is necessary to differentiate between error and mistake. A mistake is also a deviation of the norms of the language but is not systematic. It means that the use of the norms of the language in sentences is sometimes true and sometimes wrong. Error is systematic deviation, when a learner has not learnt something and consistently get it wrong. Errors are systematic deviation from the norms of the language being learnt.
2. Sources of Errors
We are able to classify the sources of errors into: 1. Interlingual Transfer
It is the negative influence of the mother tongue of learner. 2. Intralingual Transfer
It is the negative transfer of items within the target language. In other words, the Incorrect generalization of rules within the target language.
3. Context of Learning
Context of learning , which overlaps both types of transfer, for example , the classroom with its teacher and its materials in case of school learning or the social
situation in the case of untutored second language learning. In a classroom, context of the teacher or text book can lead the learner to make wrong generalization about the
language.
4. Analyzing Grammatical Error
The writer gives some examples of the grammatical errors found in the sentences and the ways to analyze them.
4.1 Errors in Using Adjective
4.5 Error in Pluralization
e.g. We always use our dictionary when we write composition. People carry their food on tray at a capeteria.
Good evening , lady and gentlemen. Lady. Cook has two childs.
They never know how to use pluralization in English. To make the plural form of the norms : add -s . Each of noun: consonant + - y, plural form change y to i , add -es. Each of noun -fe or –f, change f to v , add –es. Each of noun : vowel + -y, adds -s . Each of noun, plural form –sh,- ch, -ss, -x , add –es. Each of noun : vowel + -o plural form adds –es . Meantime we also have irregular plural forms. Thus, the senten- ces should be written :
e.g. We always use our dictionaries when we write composition. People carry their food on trays.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Cook has two children.
Conclusion
After talking much about analyzing grammatical error from students of senior high school in Medan, the writer then concludes that error analysis is required to minimize one to make mistake when she/he writes or speaks English.
