LANGUAGE ERRORS IN OF LANGUAGE-INTENSIVE PROGRAM STUDENTS AT WALISONGO ISLAMIC STATE UNIVERSITY OF SEMARANG

Abstract

This language error analysis aims to (1) describe the types of language errors in writing of Language-Intensive Program students at Walisongo Islamic State University (UIN Walisongo) Semarang, (2) investigate factors causing these errors, and (3) explain efforts to overcome these errors. This research was conducted in Indonesian classes of the Language-Intensive Program at UIN Walisongo Semarang. The research subjects were Language-Intensive Program students. This quantitative-qualitative study employed a content analysis with case study research.
This study reveals two types of language errors in writing: spelling and sentence errors. Spelling errors consist of mistakes in rewriting words and using italics, conjunctions, prepositions, affixes, standard words, capital letters, scientific dictions, and punctuations. Meanwhile, sentence errors consist of redundancy, disintegration, and irrational sentences. These writing errors are influenced by two factors: external and internal factors. External factors consist of the quality and competence of lecturers, the suitability and completeness of the teaching materials, and textbook compatibility. Meanwhile, the internal factors consist of the students’ inability to comprehend the material and their lack of motivation to learn. These language errors in writing have disturbed the achievement of the learning objectives of the Indonesian Language-Intensive Program. Therefore, this study proposes three solutions to overcome these errors: increasing the number of qualified and competent lecturers, improving textbooks and course materials, and fostering students’ interest and motivation to participate in the Indonesian Language-Intensive Program.