THE STUDY OF STRUGGLES OF CHINESE PHONETICS ALPHABET OF STUDENTS AT RAJAMANGALA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SUVARNABHUMI, USING QUALITY CONTROL TOOLS

Abstract

This article aimed to study Chinese phonetic alphabet pronunciation problems of students at Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi – Hantra Campus. This qualitative research was carried out in order to develop their Chinese pronunciation to be clearer and more appropriate. The quality control tools used in this study included check sheets,  Pareto diagram, and  cause and-effect diagrams. The research results identified problems and causes of Chinese phonetic alphabet pronunciation problem of students at Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi. The findings concluded that the main causes were the unfamiliarity with Chinese sounds and pronunciation which did not exist in Thai language, the lack of confidence in pronouncing Chinese words, the confusion between Chinese and English pronunciation, and the lack of vocabulary knowledge. Therefore, implementing activities and creating atmosphere both inside and outside classroom were essential for encouraging students to routinely review and practice Chinese phonetic alphabet pronunciation so that they would be more familiar and confident in pronouncing words. Moreover, there should be a classroom for students to drill and practice Chinese phonetic alphabet pronunciation by themselves. This would improve their skills and expertise in Chinese language sustainably.