Chapter I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND Background Purpose of Study The Problem Chapter II REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE Second Language Acquisition A Historical Perspective Role of NL on SLA:A Historical Overview Current Perspective on the Role of NL in SLA Teaching Language in Context Second Language Acquisitin and Cultural Understanding Traditional Chinese Language Teachers'Philosophy and Views Towards Errors Error Analysis and Chinese Language Teaching Chapter III METHODOLOGY Introduction Type of Inquiry-Oral Proficiency Interview Stage I:Pilot Study Stage II:The Main Study ACTFL-OPI Rating Data Collection Chapter IV RESULTS Introduction Analysis of Data Error Types Chinese Ethnic Backgrounds Previous Overseas Experiences Errors Versus Mistakes Chapter V CONCLUSION REFERENCES