Overgeneralization

Abstract

Overgeneralization is a phenomenon in which language learners—first, second, or additional—apply a rule or a pattern in a situation where it does not apply in the target language, resulting in a nonconventional form. It is most obvious in morphology, where it is often referred to as overregularization, but can also be found in the domains of argument structure, syntax, and phonology. Overgeneralization provides evidence of rule application, analogical reasoning, or use of a template, as opposed to rote memorization. As such, it demonstrates evidence of acquisition of a language as a system and of a language learner's ability to extract regularities and apply them.

Fostering Students' English Grammar Learning Outcomes and Handling Classroom Technological Inclusivity by Integrating Quizizz Paper Mode

“…Based on the result of the test analysis, the students' challenges in learning simple past tense included the difficulty in changing verbs to their appropriate past tense forms, such as irregular verbs like "go" and changing to "went" instead of "Goed" this phenomenon is called overgeneralization. Overgeneralization in language learning happens when learners use a rule or pattern inappropriately, creating an unconventional form known as an overgeneralization error because it doesn't fit the target language's norms (McKercher, 2018). In the case of "goed" or "eated," learners might overapply the regular past tense form (-ed) to irregular verbs like "go" and "eat.…”