The Error Analysis of English Adjectives

Abstract

Abstract

            This study focuses on English composition written by the third year English students of Buriram Rajabhat University. This study aims a) to analyze the errors in using English adjectives and b) to study the mother tongue (Thai language) interfering to the error of English adjectives in their compositions. The samples in this study were 30 out of 60 students, selected by purposive sampling. These students who enrolled in writing courses entitled Basic Writing 1551401, Paragraph Writing 1552402 and Essay Writing 1553403. The collected data in this study was based on errors in the use of English adjectives in essay writing by sample students using brainstorming principles from looking at pictures of parachuting to compose according to the process of essay writing. The data were analyzed according to the use of English adjectives with descriptive methods.

            It was found that the most errors are the usages of English adjectives for the lexical categories. English adjectives are applied to Thai structure in the writing which is caused by interference of Thai language or students’ mother tongue (L1). The differences of language properties can influence in using the second language (L2) by the second language learners.

            Therefore, students should be taught how to use Verb to be in tandem with English adjectives to avoid the use of English adjectives in place of verbs and practice alternating positions to correct language interference such as English using the adjectives in front of a noun (adj. + noun), but Thai uses noun + adj. or modifier.