A Study of Features of Chinese Writing Errors Made by Chinese Majors Students at Thaksin University

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the characteristics of writing errors in Chinese made by 63 third-year Chinese majors enrolled in the Chinese Writing II course during the academic year 2020. Descriptive analysis was employed to scrutinize the students' writing errors in their final exams, and the analyzed data were presented using percentages. The results indicated that the identified error features could be categorized into four groups: 1) punctuation errors, with the misuse of commas being the most prevalent, 2) vocabulary errors, with the use of incorrect words being the most frequently observed, 3) errors related to Chinese sentence structures, particularly phrases modifying nouns, and 4) Chinese character writing errors, primarily involving missing lines in the characters.

Furthermore, it was observed that these errors could be largely attributed to differences between the students' mother tongue and the target language. To address these writing errors, the researcher recommended the implementation of teaching and learning approaches that emphasize the importance of correct Chinese writing. Teachers should design instructional methods covering both Chinese character writing and the development of overall Chinese writing skills. Additionally, these activities should not only enhance Chinese writing proficiency but also cultivate positive attitudes toward writing in Chinese.