Mother Tongue Influence: Error Analysis of Tribal Learners

Abstract

This study investigates the structural and pedagogical factors contributing to written errors in Tamil, with a specific focus on marginalized student demographics, such as tribal learners. Drawing upon classical grammatical frameworks and modern error analysis (EA), this paper delineates the critical distinction between systemic “errors”- which stem from competence deficiencies and deep-seated structural misunderstandings - and transient “mistakes,” which arise from performance variables like cognitive fatigue or inattention. The analysis reveals that the systematic disregard for grammatical norms, compounded by a lack of pedagogical engagement in language education, manifests in widespread orthographic, lexical, syntactic, semantic, and sandhi (morphophonemic juncture) anomalies. By categorizing these deviations, this research underscores the vital role of explicit grammar instruction in preserving linguistic integrity and provides a foundational framework for developing targeted, culturally responsive remedial pedagogy