The role of error analysis in ELT

In Second Language Acquisition learners usually make errors that are part of the normal learning process. Errors Analysis is, generally, a method through which we can identify and classify these errors which, in turn, reflect a given stage in the learner’s interlanguage. In this article we are going to identify the errors made by a non-native speaker and, taking into consideration the Linguistic Category, the involved Specific Component and the Surface Strategy, we are going to classify such errors. Our discussion will be concerned with the relevance of the Error Analysis method and the possible limitation it shows in dealing with the non-native linguistic output. Generally, we assume that the Error Analysis method is relevant for academic and linguistic purposes, but it does not enable us to mirror accurately the learner’s linguistic competence. In sum, this is an introduction to Error Analysis in Mozambique and we hope English teachers will improve their EA skills through the intended introduction of Error Analysis in English teacher training courses

Breakdown of thermalization in finite one-dimensional systems

We use quantum quenches to study the dynamics and thermalization of hardcore bosons in finite one-dimensional lattices. We perform exact diagonalizations and find that, far away from integrability, few-body observables thermalize. We then study the breakdown of thermalization as one approaches an integrable point. This is found to be a smooth process in which the predictions of standard statistical mechanics continuously worsen as the system moves toward integrability. We establish a direct connection between the presence or absence of thermalization and the validity or failure of the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis, respectively.Comment: 9 pages, 13 figures, as publishe

On the BV formulation of boundary superstring field theory

We propose a Batalin-Vilkovisky (BV) formulation of boundary superstring field theory. The superstring field action is defined in terms of a closed one-form in the space of couplings, and we compute it explicitly for exactly solvable tachyon perturbations. We also argue that the superstring field action defined in this way is the partition function on the disc, in accord with a previous proposal.Comment: 11 pages, harvma

Aharonov-Bohm scattering on a cone

The Aharonov-Bohm scattering amplitude is calculated in the context of planar gravity with localized sources which also carry a magnetic flux. These sources cause space-time to develop conical singularities at their location, thus introducing novel effects in the scattering of electrically charged particles. The behaviour of the wave function in the proximity of the classical scattering directions is analyzed by means of an asymptotic expansion previously introduced by the author. It is found that, in contrast with the Aharonov-Bohm effect in flat space, integer values of the numerical flux can produce observable effects.Comment: 6 pages, 1 figur