A study on the error of extra particle /no/ by Singaporean secondary school students

Abstract

This paper explores the possible causes of the error of extra particle /no/ found in Singaporean secondary four studentsa?? Japanese compositions. Surveys, interviews, and error analysis were used in this study to find if the errors diminish as the students advance in their learning and to explore the probable causes. The results suggest that students had difficulties identifying the target errors even after four years of study. It was also found that students who had difficulties identifying the errors tend to be weaker students. The target error seems to be a good indicator of success of learning Japanese. Based on the interviews and error analysis, this paper argues that besides Chinese and English interference, overgeneralization of the usage of particles and fossilization were also major factors.