An Error Analysis of Chinese Character Writing by Undergraduate Students in the Chinese Language Teaching Program at Sisaket Rajabhat University

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the errors in Chinese character writing and to analyze the problems and causes of such errors among undergraduate students in the Chinese Language Teaching Program, Faculty of Education and Human Development, Sisaket Rajabhat University. The sample group consisted of 70 second- to fourth-year students enrolled in the program. The research instrument was a set of Chinese character writing exercises. The findings revealed that errors could be categorized into five types: (1) incorrect stroke order (笔顺), which was the most frequent, (2) writing a character different from the one assigned, (3) incorrect shape or proportion of the character, (4) omission or addition of strokes, and (5) misplacement of internal components of the character, which occurred least frequently. The problems and causes of these errors were attributed to the structural complexity of Chinese characters, the large number of characters, and the intricate stroke orders, all of which led to confusion and difficulties in memorization. In addition, students’ lack of regular review and practice contributed to forgetfulness and writing mistakes.