A study of errors in english in relation to cognitive style and Cerebral dominance

Abstract

(Importance of English Language) The importance of English language lies in the fact that it is the most preferred language of Science, Technology, Information, Literature, Commerce, Trade, International Politics and Relations, International Communication and what not. This has made English the key to all progress- national or individual. (Status of English in Punjab) But, a distressingly vast majority of the students of Punjab is highly incompetent in English language. Even though they study it for around nine years, English language is the principal reason for their failure at class X. They don’t know the commonest structures and commit serious errors in its use. (Errors) An error is a way of saying a thing which is markedly different from the native established way of saying it. It either gives imperfect or no meaning than intended. Although reduction of errors is the aim of all learners and teachers of language, errors are inevitable. (Causes of Errors) The factors causing or contributing towards errors in use of language are neither limited in number, nor fully understood. These could be broadly classified as: (a) Pertaining to the process of acquiring or learning language. (b) Related to teaching environment and experiences and (c) Associated with the Personal variables of the learner The factors about the learner himself, like his age, intelligence, aptitude, attitude, strategies, locale, gender, etc, are the most numerous, the most prominent and the commonest causative factors. Major among other, less researched factors, could be listed the Cognitive Styles and Hemisphericity of the learner.