What the study found
The study found that Libyan university learners of English made recurring punctuation errors in English writing, and that these errors were linked to differences between English and Arabic punctuation systems. The errors included omission, misuse, and overuse of punctuation marks, especially commas and full stops.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings support the need for explicit punctuation instruction in English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts, which are settings where English is learned as a foreign language rather than used as a main language of daily life. They also present the study as offering pedagogical implications for improving Libyan learners’ writing accuracy.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative error analysis with quantitative analysis. They analyzed 30 English essays written by Libyan undergraduate English majors and a structured questionnaire about learners’ awareness and perceptions of punctuation usage.
What worked and what didn't
The analysis showed significant differences between English and Arabic punctuation systems in form, function, and frequency of use. The essay analysis and questionnaire both indicated limited learner awareness of English punctuation rules and interference from the first language, and the study reports negative transfer from Arabic as a common source of error.
What to keep in mind
The available summary does not describe limitations beyond the study’s focus on 30 essays and one learner group. The findings apply to the punctuation marks examined in the study: full stop, comma, question mark, exclamation mark, colon, semicolon, and quotation marks.
Key points
- Libyan English majors showed recurring punctuation errors in English writing.
- The errors were linked to differences between English and Arabic punctuation systems.
- Common problems were omission, misuse, and overuse of punctuation marks, especially commas and full stops.
- Questionnaire responses indicated limited awareness of English punctuation rules.
- The authors say explicit punctuation instruction is needed in EFL contexts.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Arabic influence linked to punctuation errors in English writing
- Authors:
- Nawal Asayh
- Institutions:
- Al Zawiya University
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-24
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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