Investigating Spelling Errors of Moroccan EFL University Students

Abstract

Spelling is a real problem for learners of English as a foreign language and Moroccan learners are no exception. The present study analyses and categorizes the spelling errors made by Moroccan university students of English. The errors were taken from 100 essays of composition for two academic levels (first and third year students). The main objective of the study is to investigate the patterns of spelling errors made by the subjects. Another objective is to investigate the extent to which academic level affects the patterns of spelling errors. The study aims also to attribute the errors to possible sources. The findings indicate that spelling errors fall mainly into four categories; omission, addition, substitution and ordering. Another finding is that academic level has no effect on error patterns. Findings equally show that spelling errors can be attributed to many sources.