Error Analysis and Recommendations of Teaching on Thai Students Learning Chinese Idioms

Abstract

This thesis analysis the background and conditions regarding the teaching of Chinese
idioms to Thai students. The study involved 36 third and fourth year students of the Royal
Thai Chiangrai Rajabhat University of Literary Studies. A detailed questionnaire was prepared
and administered to the students. The questionnaire gauged the aptitude of the students in
the areas of concept, scope, pertinent features and origins of Chinese idioms. From the
analysis of results, recommendations were provided to enable Thai students improve their
understanding and proper usage of Chinese idioms.
The frst section of the questionnaire explored the interest and comprehension towards
Chinese idioms. The results showed a general low level of interest among the students. They
agreed their comprehension of Chinese idioms improved after undergoing a course of instruction
in Chinese idioms. The second section focused on the errors arising with the usage of Chinese
idioms. These errors are broadly classifed into 2 categories:
1. Understanding and comprehension errors:
1.1 Literal interpretation
1.2 Semantic misinterpretation
1.3 Poor mastery of semantic principles
2. Improper and poor construct of words
2.1 Incorrect use of expressions of feelings and meaning in Chinese idioms.
2.2 Word/Speech context
2.3 Lack of understanding of the principles of word construct in Chinese idioms
From the results of the questionnaire, one can also derive the causes of error,
namely:
1. Influence of mother tongue (Thai)

2. Limited understanding of the Chinese language and idioms
3. Cultural differences
4. Teaching methods
The direct consequence of these causes are either the erroneous usage of idioms or
the direct avoidance of idioms in speech of the students. Based on the causes of errors, the
researcher has made 6 recommendations, namely:
1. The setting up of an independent Chinese idiom course
2. Less rigid emphasis on classifcation of idioms for beginners
3. Enhance comparative methods
4. Comprehensive teaching material
5. Use of multi-media to aid educators
6. Instruction in speech context
These recommendations are provided with the aims of generating interest, increased
knowledge and understanding of Chinese idioms. They also served to concurrently reduce
mistakes, promote correct usage and confdence among Thai students. It is hope that these
recommendations provide educators, authors and readers alike, an aid and reference in
research and policy formulation.