Grammatical Errors and Feedback

This article discusses selected theoretical aspects of providing error feedback for language learners. The discussion focuses on feedback for grammatical errors, but many of its tenets appear to be of broader relevance. The theoretical considerations concerning the dialog with the learner about linguistic errors are discussed, and some conclusions for CALL system design will be drawn. This discussion focuses on errors in written text production and occasionally draws on examples from parser-based CALL, in particular on insights gained during the work on Textanaa prototype of a grammar checker for English-speaking learners of German.