Understanding of Using Particles of Basic Japanese Language Learners

Abstract

This research aims to study the understanding of using particles among basic Japanese language learners as well as the nature of errors and causes of using Japanese particles incorrectly by basic Japanese language learners. A 42-item multiple choice test was employed to measure particle comprehension. The population was 120 Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University students enrolled in the course of AGE211 Japanese for Communication in the first semester of the academic year 2021. Percentage was used for statistical analysis. The research findings showed that the population had a 48.27% average level of understanding in using particles. The particles that the population scored an average of less than 50 percent and the least in the top three were: the particle ‘mo’ which was used to express the accordance with the noun phrase(s) in the content of preceding sentence.  As the meaning of preceding sentence should be considered, the particle ‘mo’ is difficult to use.  Next, the particle ‘kara,’ showing the place where the move came from, is used only in the chapter 2 of the textbook of AGE211 Japanese for Communication and is not used in other chapters.  Finally, the particle ‘to’ is used to connect nouns to show what is being said.  There are two usages of the particle ‘to’ written in the textbook and this method to connect nouns is described in the last chapter so the population might not remember how to use it very well. 

The key factors that caused errors of using particles were that the population often chose particles based on the position in sentences or from familiar words especially the predicate verbs without considering the holistic meaning of sentences.