An analysis of orthographic errors in isiXhosa texts: a case of grade 11 isiXhosa home language (l1) in the Western Cape
- Authors: Titi, Nonzolo
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Orthography and spelling
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22210 , vital:51998
- Description: This case study reveals that the written language of a group of Grade 11 isiXhosa first language (L1) learners presents errors which seem to have serious implications for their linguistic competence, performance in their learning, language development and language conservation. These errors include different regular language components, such as grammar, spelling, word division, punctuation, vocabulary, capitalization, syntax and semantics. Additional to these errors are the newly discovered categories of anomalies, such as new lexical items, incomplete words, incorrect word construction, inter-categorical range, multiple deviations and writing inconsistencies. The writing of these learners not only reflects various orthographic errors and inconsistency in their usage of isiXhosa, which translates into language deficiency, but also implies gaps within the education system and its policies, as well as inefficient isiXhosa curriculum design as some of the factors contributing to the existence of these errors. Possible causes of these errors include educational causes; lack of orthographic knowledge and limited reading, socio-cultural causes; interference of other languages and the influence of the media, and attitudinal causes; lack of respect and contempt for the language and lack of learner interest in the language. Adopting a combined mixed method with a predominantly qualitative approach, this study examines errors presented in the writings of Grade 11 isiXhosa L1 learners with a view to establishing the nature and scope of these errors. The key objectives of this study were investigated by means of scientific papers both published and publishable as book chapters, books, dissertations, education policies, online publications and journal articles - both international and accredited journals. Drawing on various conceptual and analytical frameworks (Hymes 1972; Corder 1981), the study scrutinizes the contents and presents observations of the elements and themes that emanate from the eighteen (18) learners’ isiXhosa essays and seven (7) voice-recorded isiXhosa teachers and subject advisers’ interviews which were used as data. Findings reveal that learners struggle to master some language aspects, with their usage reflecting serious deviations from the standard orthography. These findings have serious implications for language teaching and learning as these errors tend to affect the learners’ linguistic competence and performance, language development, as well as language conservation. Also, serious violations of the standard orthographic rules are noticeable; and this observation raises concerns about the fate and sustainability of the language. It is recommended that interventions and strategies be applied in respect of the teaching and learning of isiXhosa in order to maintain its standard orthography, to preserve the language, improve the learning and teaching of the language, maintain communicative competence and facilitate appropriate application of the language in a learning context, especially in speaking and writing. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-05
Nature of spelling errors of grade three isiXhosa background learners in English first additional language
- Authors: Mpiti, Thandiswa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Orthography and spelling , Spelling errors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16175 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/472 , Language and languages -- Orthography and spelling , Spelling errors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: A central concern of education internationally and in South Africa is to develop children's literacy skill. However a literacy crisis exists in spite of efforts to counter this. Some researchers have explored the issue of literacy focusing on second language learners‟ spelling in English as Additional Language. There is, however, insufficient literature that looks into spelling experiences of isiXhosa background learners in English First Additional Language. Hence this study investigated the nature of spelling errors of Grade three isiXhosa background learners in English First Additional Language. In understanding the nature of spelling errors of Grade three isiXhosa background learners, the features of words that learners find difficult to spell and the features of words that learners find easy to spell were investigated. Moreover, learners' barriers in acquiring spelling skills in English First Additional Language and teacher practices for teaching spelling were examined. In exploring these issues the study adopted a qualitative approach in order to ensure reliability and validity of the study. The data gathering process was in the form of semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and document analysis. One isiXhosa medium primary school in a Black Township in Buffalo City Municipality in the East London District was purposively selected to form the context of the study. In this school English is taught as a subject in grade three. Participants were eight grade three learners and one Grade three class teacher who teaches these learners. The findings of the study revealed that learners with an isiXhosa background seemed to be struggling with understanding basic English words and terms. This is exacerbated by the fact that the learners seemed to struggle to understand the rules of the English language. The words that learners find difficulties in to spell in English Second Language were diagraphs. Barriers to spelling were influenced, among other issues, by learners' pronunciation and their heavy reliance on their mother tongue.
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- Date Issued: 2012