Common Errors among ESP Students at the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split

Abstract

Insufficient proficiency and errors in Maritime English (ME), as a type of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), may affect the communication, safety of navigation, efficiency and daily operations in various branches of the maritime industry. This study aims to identify and analyse the typical errors made by Croatian students attending ME classes at the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split. Various tools are used, including cognitive, observational and empirical methods (e.g. testing and in-class activities), contrastive analysis, qualitative data analysis and description, in order to clarify the results obtained. Common errors related to pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, syntax, tenses, misuse of negation, prepositions, articles, etc. are categorised and examined. Understanding common mistakes is essential for educators to develop teaching strategies that address specific learner needs, as well as effective pedagogical approaches and tools for mitigating or eliminating the errors.