An Analysis of Errors in Online English Writing made by Thai EFL Authors

Sukanda Kongkaew,Payung Cedar

doi:10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.7n.6p.86

Sukanda Kongkaew, Payung Cedar

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.7n.6p.86

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Abstract

English writing produced by Thai EFL authors inevitably contains errors of various types. Errors can lead to not only wrong interpretations but also unfavorable criticism. This study is an endeavor to examine errors of English writing made by Thai EFL authors on the Tourism Authority of Thailand Website and to suggest revisions to each error found. To do this, the information on tourist destinations in five provinces in the lower north of Thailand, namely, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Phetchabun, Uttaradit, and Tak, was collected. The gathered data consisted of 230 pieces of the information which contained 2,559 sentences. The data were analyzed by applying the framework of Dulay, Burt, & Krashen’s surface structure taxonomy (1982). The results revealed that almost half of all the considered sentences (44.78%) contained errors. Based on the framework, errors of omission were found to be the most frequent, followed by those of misformation, addition, and misordering, respectively. Interestingly, the results also showed that the mechanical errors, not in the list of the framework, occurred with the highest frequency. Based upon research findings, online English writing made by Thai EFL authors need more proofreading, especially on the types of errors committed at the highest frequency according to or beyond the framework. However, in focusing on high frequency errors, it is to be noted that miscellaneous occurred the least yet should not be ignored in the correcting process.

Highlights

EFL WritingEnglish writing is playing an increasingly important role in international workplaces (Yanalek, 2009)
This means that the proportion of error sentences to the total analyzed sentences was almost one to two, or it can be said that 44.78% of the total number of sentences contained errors
Errors were categorized into mechanical errors and miscellaneous errors which were not in the lists of the aforementioned taxonomy concept, but emerged from the data analysis; for example, improper spacing, spelling/typo, hyphen and capitalization

Summary

Introduction

English writing is playing an increasingly important role in international workplaces (Yanalek, 2009). The role of English writing has been substantially evolving in learners, instructors, and various professionals throughout the world (Leki, 2001). Writing is transforming thought into language and this transformation needs several components like grammar, vocabulary, mechanics, and rhetoric (Byrne, 1984). Iamsui (2014) says it is essential to apply appropriate grammar to express ideas in English writing. English writing made by Thai EFL authors cannot avoid committing errors. Praking (2014) says that Thai writing skills are faulty in grammar and Thai officers working for private sectors still need improvement in their English writing skills to be more efficiently English writing made by Thai EFL authors cannot avoid committing errors. Praking (2014) says that Thai writing skills are faulty in grammar and Thai officers working for private sectors still need improvement in their English writing skills to be more efficiently

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Results

Conclusion