An analysis of the usage of the similar words "感觉 (feel) and 觉 得 (feel)"; a study taking Chinese major students of University of Kelaniya as an example

Abstract

The present study aims at investigating the Sri Lankan Chinese learners‟ ability to differentiate the proper usage of two similar words 感觉 （/gǎnjué/ feel）and 觉得（/juéde / feel）which are not identical. To achieve this aim a quantitivequalitative study was employed. The sample of this study consisted of Chinese major first, second and third-year undergraduates of the University of Kelaniya who are learning Chinese as their foreign language. A test was given to find the students' ability to differentiate the words "感觉” and “觉得" and the test was given to 140 students. The undergraduates were tested based on their ability in familiarization of similar words, learning sources and ability to use similar words in different sentence patterns. The data collected through the test was analyzed and synthesized. The synthesized data showed the lack of knowledge of undergraduates using these similar words according to the correct context, even though the majority of them knew the meaning of these two similar words. A majority had less understanding of the common features, personality characteristics, main types of possible bias and mistakes of these two Chinese mental verbs “gǎnjué, juéde". The findings of this study further imply that more learning opportunities should be given for Chinese foreign language learners in enhancing their knowledge of using similar words appropriately.