An Error Analysis of English Article Usage (A, An, The, and Zero Article) in Translation Tasks by Advanced EFL Learners

Devi Adelia; Siti Ismahani; Aghna Ilmi Parinduri; Nurul Anisya Ray; Ibtisamah Nasywa; Qoeddri Farhansyah

Authors

Devi Adelia Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara
Siti Ismahani Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara
Aghna Ilmi Parinduri Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara
Nurul Anisya Ray Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara
Ibtisamah Nasywa Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara
Qoeddri Farhansyah Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara

Keywords:

Error analysis, English articles, EFL learners, Indonesian, Translation tasks, Grammatical accuracy

Abstract

This study investigates the usage errors of English articles (a, an, the, and zero article) in translation tasks among advanced Indonesian EFL learners. Utilizing a quantitative error analysis approach, the research involved 21 students from the English Education Department. Findings reveal that addition errors (64.4%) were the most prevalent, followed by substitution errors (33.3%) and omission errors (2.2%). Despite expectations, differences in accuracy between 5th and 7th semester students were minimal, indicating persistent first language interference in article usage. Students perceived English articles, particularly the zero article, as moderately difficult, primarily due to the absence of an article system in Indonesian. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive instruction focusing on the functional and phonetic aspects of articles to improve learners' grammatical accuracy in translation.

References

Barella, Y., Fergina, A., & Khalifa, M. (2024). Quantitative methods in scientific research. Jurnal Pendidikan Sosiologi dan Humaniora, 15(1), 281–287. https://doi.org/10.26418/j-psh.v15i1.71528

Corder, S. P. (1981). Error analysis and interlanguage. Oxford University Press.

Corder, S. P. (1982). Error analysis and interlanguage (Vol. 198, No. 1). London: Oxford University Press.

Kaharuddin, K. (2016). Detecting Errors in English Made by Intermediate Indonesian Learners of English in English Department Students of STAIN Parepare. Kuriositas, 1-19.

Lado, R. (1957). Linguistics across cultures; applied linguistics for language teachers.

Mamatoyibov, X. (2024). The role of grammar in English fluency. In Conference on the Role and Importance of Science in the Modern World (Vol. 1, No. 8, pp. 81–85).

Sabrina, N. M. I., & Maksum, H. (2024). An error analysis of Indonesian EFL learners at the university level: The types and factors leading to the error production. Jurnal Kinerja Kependidikan (JKK): Facilities of Educator Career and Educational Scientific Information, 5(2), 402–411. https://doi.org/10.32672/jkk.v5i2.232

Siddiq, S. M., Oktaviani, L., Herwiana, S., & Suryanovika, C. (2023). Lexical and grammatical errors analysis on Indonesian-English translation of EFL students in Indonesia. JEES (Journal of English Educators Society), 8(1), 104-113.

Sitepu, J. B., Abdulloh, & Sarsono. (2021). An error analysis on students’ translation: Case-study at college Students In West Jakarta. Journal of English Language and Literature, 6(2), 21-30. doi: 10.37110/jell.v6i2