Lecture 3: Performance in Language

Introduction

The major aim of Lecture 3 is to explore the area of mistakes and errors made by second and foreign language learners and to understand the strategies and techniques used in the process of remedying such situations. Contrastive Analysis (CA) and Error Analysis (EA) are very important tools of applied linguistics as well as of second and foreign language learning. They are also systematic methods to analyze learners' errors and solve or, at least, lessen them based on firm knowledge of their sources and the prescription of appropriate activities. We believe that errors are not always bad, rather they are underlying parts and aspects in the language learning process. We also believe that they may provide insights into the different processes of language development and explaining students' weaknesses in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation acquisition.

     Discourse analysis (DA), on the other hand, is another important field of study that draws some methods of analysis from various disciplines such as linguistics, sociology, philosophy and psychology. It endeavours to provide models and methods of examining issues which derive from disciplines such as education, cultural studies, communication where language is a central component.

The major aim of this third (3rd ) chapter

     Lecture 3, through three articles, attempts to enhance Master (1) students’ awareness about the crucial role and implementation of the three analyses in the EFL (English as Foreign Language) classroom. It rests heavily on giving a systematic review of the concepts, theories, and practices concerning the various sources or reasons causing errors and how they could be treated. The lecture proposes that teachers should utilize different and flexible strategies in accordance with the teaching and learning objectives.