A Study Of The Misuse Of Japanese Verbs Of Giving And Receiving Caused By First Language Interference

It is difficult for Chinese scholars of Japanese to master the Japanese verbs for giving and receiving. It is widely held that Japanese verbs of giving and receiving are essential for making meanings clear in Japanese social interaction. Failing to use them, or using them incorrectly, can be rude, or can even be the cause of a damaged relationship. It is believed that this is due to differences in the use of verbs of giving and receiving, which are present in both Japanese and Chinese. One of the difficulties in mastering Japanese, not only for beginners, but also for mid-and high-level scholars, stems from first language interference in the use of Japanese verbs of giving and receiving. To date, various research papers have been done on the topic of verbs for giving and receiving. Some research has been done concerning differences in their use in Japanese as verses Chinese. However, there has actually been little detailed study done concerning the link between the mastery of Japanese as a second language, and the mastery of verbs of giving and receiving.This paper presents a comparison of Chinese who have been exchange students in Japan, and Japanese college students. It is an inquiry into differences in their use of verbs of giving and receiving. Data was gathered from a survey, and a comparative analysis of the use of verbs of giving and receiving was made. Next, a list of examples of the improper use of Japanese verbs (and auxiliary verbs) of giving and receiving, compiled by Chinese linguists, was analyzed. Finally, using the results of the survey, and the above mentioned list, an analysis was made of the problems caused by first language interference, and reasons for these problems, as presented by Chinese scholars of the Japanese language.