Translational Error Analysis of Pakistani Undergraduate ESL Learners

Author(s) : Muhammad Hifzur-Rehman , Perveen Kousar

Abstract:

This study aimed at investigating the linguistic errors of Pakistani Undergraduate ESL Learners. To achieve this purpose, 30 scripts of English Language Paper at the graduation level of the University of Sargodha were selected through two-stage sampling to analyze the translation question attempted in the scripts. A bundle of 244 scripts was selected through the convenience sampling method. In the second stage, thirty scripts were selected out of the bundle through a systematic sampling method. For the analysis of errors “Corder's” taxonomy was used. The analysis indicated that the errors resulting from the wrong substitution of words or grammatical elements, especially that of incorrect use of tenses were the most frequent errors. It is recommended that college teachers of the English Language may clearly explain the grammatical rules.