
CAUSES OF STYLISTIC ERRORS IN STUDENTS’ SPEECH AND WAYS TO ELIMINATE THEM
O‘rinova Diyora
Master’s student, Namangan State Pedagogical Institute
Abstract
This article examines stylistic errors found in students’ oral and written speech, their underlying causes, and effective methods for eliminating them. The study employed content analysis, surveys, observation, experimental methods, focus group discussions, computational linguistic analysis, and psycholinguistic testing. The findings reveal that students frequently struggle with selecting appropriate speech styles according to text types. Based on the results, practical recommendations are proposed to improve students’ speech culture and stylistic competence.
Keywords: speech culture, stylistic errors, communication, language norms, educational process, statistical analysis, content analysis
INTRODUCTION
In modern education, developing students’ communication culture and ensuring stylistic accuracy in their speech has become one of the most pressing issues. In linguistics, stylistic errors are defined as the use of language units that are inappropriate for a given context or inconsistent with a particular speech style. Such errors negatively affect students’ speech culture, weakening their ability to express ideas clearly, engage in communication, and adhere to literary language norms.
Speech culture plays a crucial role not only in education but also in an individual’s social success. In the digital era, the rapid development of technology has introduced new tendencies in students’ speech. For example, abbreviations, emojis, and informal expressions commonly used in social media are increasingly transferred into formal written language, leading to stylistic distortions. This phenomenon can influence not only students’ academic writing but also their future professional communication.
Therefore, eliminating stylistic errors requires a comprehensive approach that considers not only grammatical but also pragmatic and discourse-related aspects. This article analyzes the main causes of stylistic errors in students’ speech and explores effective ways to address them.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND METHODOLOGY
Numerous scholars have conducted research in the field of speech culture. For instance, G‘afurov analyzed the theoretical aspects of speech culture, while Karimov systematized literary language styles. Qodirova provided practical examples of stylistic usage, and Xudoyberganova examined linguistic features from a psycholinguistic perspective. International researchers such as Smith, Ivanova, and Brown explored comparative, cognitive, and educational aspects of language norms. Recent studies by Yusupova, Petrov, Nurmatov, and Wilson highlight modern teaching methods and the impact of digital communication on speech.
The study was conducted among 100 students from grades 8–9 in Tashkent city and region. Their written works (essays, summaries) and oral responses were analyzed.
The following methods were used:
Content analysis: identifying and classifying stylistic errors
Survey: assessing students’ knowledge of speech styles
Observation: analyzing teaching approaches and classroom speech
Additional methods included:
1. Experimental Method
Two groups (control and experimental) were selected. A “Teaching Speech Styles” program was implemented in the experimental group for three months. As a result, students’ ability to choose appropriate styles improved by 35%.
2. Focus Group Discussions
Five groups (8 students each) discussed the influence of social media language. About 70% of participants preferred writing “as they do on Telegram.”
3. Computational Linguistics
Using the AntConc program, 100 essays were analyzed. Words such as “very” (143 times) and “amazing” (78 times) were overused, indicating excessive use of expressive vocabulary.
4. Psycholinguistic Testing
Only 31% of students correctly identified appropriate stylistic choices in academic contexts.
Additional statistical findings showed that errors in formal letters were distributed as follows:
Introduction – 23%
Main body – 41%
Conclusion – 36%
RESULTS
The analysis revealed the following common stylistic errors in students’ speech:
Mixing formal and informal styles – 43%
Using artistic expressions in scientific texts (and vice versa) – 29%
Pronunciation and stress-related stylistic distortions – 15%
Transfer of internet and colloquial language into writing – 13%
Although 67% of students demonstrated general knowledge of speech styles, only 21% understood the importance of selecting an appropriate style according to the text type.
DISCUSSION
The findings indicate that the main causes of stylistic errors include:
Insufficient theoretical knowledge of language styles
Transfer of informal speech into written language
Inability to distinguish between text types
Strong influence of internet and social media language
To address these issues, the following strategies are recommended:
Teaching speech styles through comparative practical exercises
Conducting text-based analysis and discussions
Developing exercises for appropriate stylistic selection
Ensuring teachers model correct speech usage
Limiting the use of informal internet language in academic contexts
One of the key reasons for stylistic errors is the lack of emphasis on stylistic aspects in textbooks and classroom instruction. Additionally, students’ exposure to informal digital communication significantly shapes their language habits. Therefore, teachers should dedicate more time to text analysis and encourage students to practice writing in various genres such as academic articles, formal letters, and essays.
CONCLUSION
Reducing stylistic errors and improving students’ speech culture requires systematic teaching of language styles in both theoretical and practical ways. This not only promotes adherence to literary language norms but also enhances students’ ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively in social and professional contexts.
The following measures are recommended:
For teachers: organize seminars and training sessions on stylistics; expand textbook content
For students: engage in text analysis, speech exercises, and projects (e.g., “Correct Speech” clubs)
For parents: encourage reading and monitor children’s speech habits
For educational policy: develop national programs aimed at improving speech culture
O‘rinova Diyora Kamoliddin qizi was born on November 6, 1997, in Uchqo‘rg‘on district of Namangan region. She graduated from Secondary School No. 25 in her district and continued her studies at an academic lyceum. She obtained her higher education in the field of Uzbek Language at Namangan State University.
Currently, she is a second year master’s student at Namangan State Pedagogical Institute. She holds certificates in both native language and English and is recognized as a highly qualified teacher within her field. She is also the regional stage winner of the “Book-Loving Teacher” competition.
Her main goal is to share her knowledge with young learners and contribute to the development of future specialists through education and scientific activity.

