Browsing by Author "Shigini, Peter Gonga"

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    An analysis of errors by Tanzanian learners of English in their academic writing: a Case of Mwika Secondary School, Kilimanjaro Region
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2016) Shigini, Peter Gonga
    This study investigated errors committed by A-level students at Mwika Secondary School. In examining the types of errors (grammatical, lexical, morphological and orthographic) and the causes of such errors, the researcher analysed essays and compositions written by students. The study establishes specifically the difficulties in learning an L2 in a non-native context and thus hampering the attainment of a native-like competence in the L2. The data were mainly collected by use of writing task. The data were analyzed using content analysis method. The main findings are that learners committed numerous errors. The most prevalent errors committed were lexical errors; followed by orthographic errors, grammatical errors and morphological errors. Besides, spelling errors and capitalization were also the most prevalent errors committed by category. These errors, in general, were mainly attributable to the complexity of the TL itself, learners’ imperfect knowledge of the TL, the context of learning and L1 interference. The study concluded that regardless of the kinds and sources of errors in the learners’ language, errors are fruitful and indispensable to the L2 learners and to the teachers as well. The study recommends that teachers of English should put more emphasis on content words (lexical words) to ensure learners have a large vocabulary, which is useful not only in producing good written academic tasks but also good speeches. This is because lexical errors are potentially the most disruptive and damaging errors; they affect the message’s intended meaning in written communication.