A study on errors made by tamil speaking adult students in using wh-questions in english

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of using Wh-questions on the quantity and quality of students in English grammar. Fifty students from different Tamil speaking communities were chosen as the sample of this study. The data comprising 50 Wh-questions with subjective and objective forms was used for this survey. L2 learners often imitate their mother tongue in the use of questions. They use statements for questions. The order of words in sentences, that is, SVO (subject – verb - object) in an affirmative sentence and the position of auxiliaries in interrogative sentences become complicated for Tamil speaking students. The different approaches followed in forming questions for subjective mode and objective mode have become more problematic, especially in simple present. Lack of knowledge on the accurate meaning and appropriate function of question words, incorrect use of order of words have frequently become main causes of errors. I believe that the finding of the present study could provide useful insights to language teachers who teach Wh-questions in English grammar.