The use of English modal verbs may and can by young Polish learners.

Justyna Bieliska-Spodobalska, PWSZ Konin

Abstract
The aim of this study is to show the level of difficulty in using English modal verbs by
young Polish learners. The study is to point out that the modal auxiliaries are not always used
by students automatically. They are often omitted, instead of them other constructions are
used e.g. She is probably at home or Maybe she is at home rather then She may be at
home now. The most serious problem for young Poles is to distinguish the difference
between may and can. This study is to show if the learners in Poland know the differences
between these two modal auxiliary verbs and what mistakes are typical for Polish young
learners. Twenty participants took part in the following research. The research project was
designed in order to investigate data about the correctness of the using English modal
auxiliaries by young Polish learners. The project consisted of three phases: pre-test, tutoring
and post-test. In pre-test all participants were first checked how much they know about modal
can and may , how natural are these two auxiliaries to them and if the difference between
may and can is obvious to them. All of students were to write a test which consisted of four
exercises. After having written a test, each student was explained what mistakes he or she
made and took part in the lesson about the uses and differences of may and can. When the
teacher made sure the taught material had been mastered, the participants were asked to write
post-test which showed the learners progress. The result of the study was making clear to
students all the differences in using may and can. All of the participants wrote the post-test
for more than ninety percent. Thanks to it, we may suppose they will not use the verb can to
talk about possibilities as they did before the tutoring. What is more, the formal uses of may
will become clear for them. Now they will be aware of the proper ways of asking for
permission in formal situations e.g. while talking to the teacher or the boss (May I leave now
instead of Can I go now). Furthermore, using may instead of maybe or probably to talk
about the possible situations should be more natural and automatic for all of the projects
participants.