English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (GAB)
Errors relating to negative transfer
Many times, in an attempt to speak English, we merely translate our native languages into English, hence negotiating English through indigenous languages. Some examples are discussed below.
1. How’s your dad?
They are not around (instead of saying: He is not around).
This error is borne out of the differences in the choice of pronouns for different age bracket among the Yoruba.
2. I’ve been here since morning (instead of saying: I’ve been here for a long time). Nigerians, especially Yoruba, use the expression ‘since morning’ to mean a long time even for events that begin at night.
…to be continued
Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (GAB)
Academic Advisor, Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan;
&
Doctoral Student of English, University of Ibadan.
