The Error Analysis of Chinese State Complement using for Thai Learners

Abstract

The state complement in Chinese is a complex and diverse grammatical structure, one for which Thai lacks an exact structural counterpart. In order to convey similar meanings, Thai relies on alternative expressions, which, however, fall short of fully replicating the functions of Chinese state complements. Such linguistic differences frequently pose learning challenges for Thai students, resulting in a range of error types throughout their acquisition process. In this study, language test results from 74 intermediate and advanced Thai learners were examined to assess their proficiency in using state complements. The results revealed six types of biases in using state complements among Thai learners, including misuse of substitution, omission, mis addition, mis ordering, avoidance, and others. Notably, the highest bias rate recorded was 41.98%. The causes of Thai learners' bias in the use of state complements are mainly influenced by Thai learners is primarily influenced by native language transfer, the complexity of state complements, avoidance tendencies, as well as instructional practices and materials. Chinese language teachers should leverage both the similarities and differences between Chinese and Thai, particularly focusing on elucidating these distinctions. Additionally, they should provide contextual frameworks and specific occasions to encourage students to use state complements, offering ample opportunities for practice in and outside the classroom to facilitate students' comprehensive understanding of the structure, semantics, and pragmatics of state complements.