Arabic Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in the Use of Non-Arab Learners: A study of Errors Analysis
Jamela Abu Mughnam, Languages Center, Jordan University,Amman, Jordan.
Abstract
This study aims at analyzing the errors made by learners of Arabic from other languages when it comes to using transitive and intransitive verbs. The sample of the study consisted of (54) male and female students at the University of Jordan who are learners of Arabic from other languages at the university’s Language Center. The study required the use of the descriptive statistical approach in counting repetitive errors, and it utilized the error analysis approach in detecting, describing, and explaining errors as well as revealing their sources.
The study has uncovered that mistakes made in the use of transitive and intransitive verbs are at the top of the list of the common grammatical errors (morphological and syntactic) made by learners. It has also exposed some mistakes made by the learners in forming transitive and intransitive verbs, applying the different transitive/intransitive techniques, and using inappropriate prepositions with transitive verbs that required them. The study has also unveiled a diversity of the sources of those errors made by learners where it was found that some of these errors relate directly to Linguistic factors represented in the negative transfer from the learner’s native language into the target language, and non-linguistic factors related to Communication Strategies, and educational environment. The study has concluded that following the functional criterion teaching grammar or syntax minimizes linguistic errors and enables learners to achieve language proficiency.
Key words: Transitive and Intransitive Verb, Error Analysis, Teaching Arabic for Non-Native Speakers.