Examining the English Complex Prepositions “according to”, “because of”, and “due to” in Thai University Student Writing

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Published: Jan 1, 2011

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D. Scott Humphries
Supakorn Phoocharoensil

Abstract

This article explores the way certain second year students atChulalongkornUniversityinBangkokuse three specific phrasal or complex prepositions – namely, ‘according to’, ‘because of’, and ‘due to’ – in their composition and business letter writing.  Using language transfer theories such as Contrastive Analysis Hypothesis (CAH), Error Analysis (EA), Interlanguage (IL) and Cross-linguistic Influence, we seek to explain why Thai students use the complex prepositions mentioned in ways that are not standard in English usage. Student writing samples from English composition and English business writing courses were collected both in 2008-2009 and 2010 and were examined for correct and incorrect examples of the usage of the complex prepositions mentioned and the results were analyzed in a manner consistent with error analysis based on the theories mentioned herein.  Finally, empirical research was conducted in which some students using the complex prepositions filled out questionnaires and participated in retrospective interviews designed to find out more about student acquisition and usage of the complex prepositions. A triangulated method of observation, document/literature analysis and empirical research in the form of student interviews, led to the conclusions that first language (L1) influence as well as method and materials used in earlier study played a significant role in causing these errors or non-standard usages.  Recommendations have been made regarding possible future classroom procedures that could lessen or eliminate the non-standard usages.

Article Details

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No. 1 (2011): Thoughts 2011
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Articles

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Author Biographies

D. Scott Humphries

D. Scott Humphries achieved his B.A. in English and German Language and Literature (Summa Cum Laude) from Hunter College, The City University of New York in 2002.  He taught English in Kassel, Germany for five years before becoming a Lecturer of English at the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University in 2007.  In addition to his work at Chulalongkorn, he is also currently completing his MA TEFL at Thammasat University.  The focus of his research is Thai student writing in English at the university level.

Supakorn Phoocharoensil

Supakorn Phoocharoensil, Ph.D. obtained his B.A. in English (Hons.) from the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University in 2000.  He also holds his M.A. in English and his Ph.D. in English as an International Language (Chulalongkorn University).  He has been teaching English at the Language Institute at Thammasat University since 2003.  His areas of research interest concern second language acquisition, interlanguage, and error analysis.

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