Lexical Errors in First-Year Undergraduates’ English Compositions: An Error Analysis Approach
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Date
2025-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences
Abstract
This article explores the use of the Error Analysis (EA) approach in investigating
lexical errors in the written English compositions of first
-
year undergraduate
students. Lexical competence is a crucial component of academic writing
proficiency, yet it re
mains a persistent challenge for second
-
language (L2) learners
at the university level. The study employed a qualitative research design, which was
descriptive in nature. Using a corpus of essays collected from 20 first
-
year
undergraduates who were studyin
g English Communication Skills for Professional
Development, the study applied a structured EA framework to identify lexical
deviations in the students’ compositions. It then categorised the lexical deviations
using the distinction between form
-
oriented an
d content
-
oriented lexical errors,
which had nine subcategories. The study justifies the choice of EA over other
analytical approaches by emphasising its learner
-
centred focus, practical
applicability, and methodological clarity. While acknowledging critiq
ues of EA
—
such as its limited focus on errors and potential subjectivity in error classification
—
the paper defends its relevance by drawing on the work of scholars who support its
use in pedagogical research. Findings revealed that errors in word
formation
/morphology, as well as misspelling errors, were the most prevalent,
highlighting the need for targeted vocabulary instruction. The study concludes by
discussing the pedagogical implications of the findings and proposing directions for
future research into
lexical development and instructional design
.
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Citation
Awino,M. & Ikaria,N.(2025). Lexical Errors in First-Year Undergraduates’ English Compositions: An Error Analysis Approach.East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences,8(3),20-33.https://doi.org/10.37284/eajass.8.3.3391