ANALYSIS OF ERRORS IN USING THE VERBS "保持、维持" MADE BY STUDENTS OF FACULTY OF CHINESE, SCHOOL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES, THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY AND TEACHING RECOMMENDATIONS

Abstract

The lexical meanings of the two verbs “保持” and “维持” are quite similar. However, there are many differences between them in terms of usages and word combinations. Adopting the qualitative and quantitative method, the study investigated the errors in using the two verbs “保持, 维持" by 120 second-year and third-year students of  Faculty of Chinese, School of Foreign Languages, Thai Nguyen University in order to help learners identify the differences between these two verbs. The results show that the most common errors are related to meaning, using scope and word combinations. The students made these errors because they were not aware of the two verbs’ differences in terms of semantics and syntax. Based on analyzing those errors, the article has pointed out specific causes and provided some suggestions in the teaching and learning process, helping learners understand and use these two verbs more accurately. Additionally, the lecturers also grasp the difficulties of learners to design suitable teaching content.