An Error Analysis on the Use of Chinese Structural Particles 的，地，得

Abstract

When learning Chinese language, the use of structural particles “的，地，得” is confusing, as they are one of the hardest components of Chinese grammar. Nevertheless, they are commonly used function words in Chinese grammar. These three particles are all pronounced “de” with the neutral tone when used as a particle, which is why people can easily confuse them with one another. The structural particles “的，地，得” have no specific meanings and cannot be used alone. Lot of studies have already done on these three particles by many domestic and foreign scholars, but the purpose of this study is to explore the biased errors on the use of Structural particles“的，地，得”among the Chinese major 2nd year and 3rd year undergraduates at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, through a study of the difference and relation of the three ‘de ’. The researcher will include a questionnaire survey to the selected sample of 115 Chinese major undergraduates and will incorporate a statistical analysis. Finally the researcher will forecast the possible biased error for which the researcher speculate the reasons and will explore the undergraduates’ suggestions on an appropriate way to teach the undergraduates the use of these three particles. This research is mainly based on the difficulties of the undergraduates encounter when using these three structural particles and the solutions to get rid of those difficulties. Furthermore, this study will comprise of an overview of particles and structural particles in Chinese language and an analysis on the usage of these three structural particles in “New Practical Chinese Reader Textbook-1” and “New Practical Chinese Reader Textbook-2”. Finally, there will be an error analysis on the use of the structural particles “的，地，得”among the undergraduates.