An Error Analysis on Chinese Conjunctions by Undergraduates.

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss the history of Chinese conjunctions with emphasis on the four periods of history, namely, the ancient, the medieval, the modern and the transition from modern to present times. Firstly, the definitions of the Chinese conjunctions are discussed while a further discussion will be carried out regarding the characteristics of Chinese conjunctions and the usage of each category subsequently. For this error analysis, the students of the Chinese unit at the University of Kelaniya were considered as the sample. Data collection was done through a questionnaire. Accordingly, the study examines and analyses the knowledge of the usage of Chinese conjunctions by the Chinese learners at University of Kelaniya, where the students‟ problems pertaining to the Chinese conjunctions including their classification and the causes are discussed. Based on the findings, the best teaching methods are recommended for the teachers while the students are suggested with the best learning methods involving Chinese conjunctions. The main aim of this error analysis is to identify solutions for the students who learn Chinese conjunctions and to introduce new and effective teaching methods for Chinese teachers. It was found that the university students make mistakes in using the Chinese conjunctions. As a result, common errors done by the students in using Chinese conjunctions were found and different learning and teaching methods were introduced in overcoming the difficulties.