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Fossilized errors can be a source of enormous frustration for English language learners.
Many clients have told me that they feel their fossilized errors have held them back...from speaking confidently, from seeking promotions, and progressing in the way they would like.
The good news is that linguists have been studying fossilized errors and methods of correcting them for decades. We know what to do about them and they can be fixed.
A fossilized error is an error in speaking and/or writing that, despite correction, a language learner repeats over and over again. It becomes part of the learner's ingrained speech or writing pattern and they continue to make the error.
Fossilized errors frequently occur in spontaneous speaking when there is little time to think. It doesn't matter if the speaker knows the correct form; muscle memory kicks in, the mouth takes over, ignores the brain and the error is made.
Fossilized errors create problems in communication. They cause speakers to hesitate and to lose confidence. They prevent people from speaking up in meetings and joining in conversations and, in a fast-paced work environment, they hold otherwise excellent professionals back.
Also, native speakers will notice fossilized errors. They might not comment on them or even understand the nature of the error but they will instinctively know that something is not right. With that comes a reduction in respect and perhaps a reduction of trust. These are subtle points but in professions where forming a bond is important, they do matter.
With the right guidance, and with focused practice, fossilized errors can be fixed. Many of my clients have fossilized errors so identifying them, then correcting them, is a big part of my teaching methodology.
Identify all of them with the help of a fluent English speaker who has an eye for detail.
Understand why they are there, where they came from, and how to correct them.
Practise specific exercises to remove them while receiving guidance, support and feedback.
These are the steps to reducing and removing fossilized errors:
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Irma
Nurse, Spanish Speaker
"You understood my weak points and you totally believed in me from the beginning.
You probably repeated to me something like a million times that I don't have to put a double subject but you were so patient with me and you never gave up."
Would you like to remove your fossilized errors, communicate better with clients and co-workers, and excel in your career?
I offer all seriously interested clients a free 30-minute video consultation.
Click the button below to go to my contact form and let me know that you're ready to fix your fossilized errors.
We'll meet for a short planning session, then I'll create a plan for you and we'll get started.
LET'S CHAT
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If you'd like to find out more about my methodology for correcting fossilized errors then check out my blogpost by clicking the picture opposite.
Even after several years, it remains one of my most popular posts and in it, I explain the steps I have followed with hundreds of English language learners to help them fix their fossilized errors for good.
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Remember, fossilized errors:
Should NOT be ignored because they don't go away by themselves.
Require a focused, methodical strategy for correction.
Should be tackled early on in any phase of language instruction.
CAN be corrected with the right approach.
Together we can work to remove your fossilized errors and increase your speaking confidence allowing you to move forward in your career and chase the promotions you deserve.