Errors which prevent a listener from understanding a message, obstructing communication, are known as which type of errors?

• A. Global errors
• B. Local errors
• C. Pragmatic errors
• D. Structural errors

Answer: (A)

Global errors refer to mistakes that affect the whole message and block overall understanding. When the discourse lacks clear organization, logical progression, or consistent topic development, the listener can’t reconstruct the intended meaning because the problem is with the entire message, not just a single part. Local errors stay confined to one sentence, such as a mispronounced word or a grammar slip, and often don’t prevent grasping the main idea. Pragmatic errors deal with how something is said in context—tone, intent, or social meaning—so the issue is more about interpretation of meaning than the ability to understand the words. Structural errors are about sentence-level grammar or syntax, which can cause confusion in specific sentences but not necessarily the overall message. Therefore, the type described is global errors.