Investigating the Difficulties that Face Sudanese Students in Using and Translating English Prepositions

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the problems that the second year students majoring English at Sudan University, College of languages encounter when using English prepositions.The study also focused on the difficulties encountering English learners in using and translating English prepositions.The instrument administered to analyze and collect data for the purpose of the study was two part achievement test examine the hypotheses of the study.The test aimed at investigating both semantic and syntax of English propositions.A sample of 35 students was drawn from the students of the English language department, during the Academic year (2017 -2018).The results of this study show the Sudanese students have syntactic and semantic difficulties, in using certain types of English prepositions. The study has revealed that the most problematic prepositions for Sudanese students are idiomatic prepositions and prepositional verb. The causes for such errors are many.However, the most frequent ones are due to mother – tongue interference. This thesis is concluded with recommendations and suggestions for further studies.