Difference Between Errors And Mistakes

This essay discusses errors, mistake and how to use the appropriate correction technique. Error correction is considered as a form of giving feedback to the learners about their language learning. It also affects language acquisition.

Consequently, teachers have to pay great attention to this sensitive task. They have to differentiate between errors and mistakes. They also have to know how and when they can interfere to correct.

During the 1950 's and 1960 's, there was a common belief that language is learned through drilling and repetition of the correct structure could make them naturally after a while. In such case the incorrect structures is a disaster.

Recently, this concept was changed. Errors are natural because we are humans. "Selinker" who is a linguist

• An Interpretive Error: It 's related to misunderstanding of a speaker 's intention or meaning.

• A Concept or Meaning Error: It 's related to the incorrect use of word- collocation, incorrect use of structure and function.

Reasons for making mistakes & errors

The researchers analyzed the mistakes and tried to know why they happen, we can sum up the reason as:

• First Language interference:

The first language grammar may be a reason for errors and mistakes especially when it is related to the use of prepositions. For example: I talked in the phone.

• Overgeneralization:

Students may use the –ed for past forms for all words. e.g: go goed

• Students are afraid & shy to participate so they make mistakes while speaking.

• Sometimes, teachers don 't give the students the chance to share their ideas.

• Feedback VS correction:

The term feedback means information or statements of opinion about something, such as a new product, that provide an idea of whether it is successful or liked. But correction means a change made to something in order to correct or improve it. (Cambridge)

• Correction