The role of error correction in communicative second language teaching

Abstract

According to recent rese~rch, correction of errors in both oral and written communication does little to a~d language proficiency in the second language. In the Natural Approach of Krashen and Terrell the emphasis is on the acquisition of informal communication. Because the message and the understanding of the message remain of utmost importance, error correction is avoided. In Suggestopedia where the focus is also on communication, error correction is avoided as it inhibits the pupil. Onlangse navorsing het getoon dat die verbetering van foute in beide mondelinge en skriftelike kommunikasie min bydra tot beter taalvaardigheid in die tweede taal. In die Natural Approach van Krashen en Terrell val die klem op die verwerwing van informele kommunikasie, want die boodskap en die verstaan daarvan bly verreweg die belangrikste; die verbetering van foute word vermy. In Suggestopedagogiek, waar die klem ook op kommunikasie val, word die verbetering van foute vermy omdat dit die leerling beperk.