Error analysis on use of “Wa” and “Ga” by the Japanese learners in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The particles “wa” and “ga” of the Japanese Language are identified as one of the difficult parts of grammar for the non -native learners of Japanese. Though these two particles have different functions, non -native learners find difficulty in identifying the clear difference between these two particles. Sinhala does not have the particles “wa” and “ga” or particles that are similar to “wa” and “ga” of Japanese. Though the particles “wa” and “ga” are mistaken, big issue is not occurred as the meaning of what the speaker wants to say is conveyed. But when writing something, if the two particles are used incorrectly the meaning of the writing is not conveyed properly. Hence, this paper aimed to identify how “wa” and “ga” are mistaken by Sri Lankan learners. Further it focuses on finding reasons why these two particles are not used correctly. According to the results of the questionnaire, following instances were identified as the places where there are many errors and difficult to understand when using “wa” and “ga” by the Japanese learners of Sri Lanka. This paper shows that the awareness of the students about the particular rule of using “wa” and “ga” were low in the instances where the error rate was high and the students showed confidence and awareness of the particular rule of using “wa” and “ga” in the instances where the error rate was low. “Wa” is mainly used to indicate the theme of a sentence. Particle “wa” in the above sentence indicates the theme “Watashi”. Particle “ga” is mainly used to indicate the subject of a sentence. In this sentence, particle “ga” indicates the subject “Shacho”. Though there are two different particles to indicate theme and subject of a sentence in Japanese Language, students whose native language is Sinhala does not understand this difference between the particles “wa” and “ga”. In Sinhala Language the ending of the word is changed to indicate the theme and subject. Therefore due to such influences of the mother language students find it difficult to understand the difference between “wa” and “ga” use.