FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

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An English language learner calling his feet "feets" is an example of what linguistic phenomenon?

Code-switching
Overgeneralization
Dialect interference
Language transfer

The correct answer is: Overgeneralization

The situation described, where an English language learner uses "feets" instead of the correct form "feet," illustrates the phenomenon known as overgeneralization. This occurs when a language learner applies a grammatical rule too broadly. In English, the plural of most nouns is formed by adding "-s" or "-es," leading the learner to incorrectly apply this rule to an irregular noun like "foot," resulting in the incorrect form "feets." Overgeneralization reflects the learner's developing understanding of the language where they may not yet fully grasp the exceptions to grammatical rules. Understanding overgeneralization is essential for educators, as it demonstrates the natural progression of language acquisition. Addressing it effectively can help learners refine their grasp of irregular forms in English, fostering more accurate language use over time.