Interference Structure Phrases

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 36 views

Introduction

In today's interconnected world, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is a highly valued asset. However, for students learning Mandarin as a foreign language, the challenge of overcoming language interference from their native language, Indonesian, can be significant. This study aims to explore the interference that occurs between the structure of Indonesian and Mandarin in narrative essays written by semester VI students of the Chinese Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, University of North Sumatra (USU). With a focus on a vacation-themed narrative (放假, fàngjià), this study aims to identify and describe various forms of interference that occur, especially in the structure of phrases and sentences.

Research Methodology

In this study, the method used is descriptive qualitative. The data analyzed are phrases in narrative essays written by students. With data sources originating from student narrative essays, this study aims to provide a clear picture of the influence of Indonesian as a mother tongue on the use of Mandarin among students. To analyze data, this research uses the Agih method put forward by Sudaryanto. This method allows researchers to separate various elements that show interference between the two languages.

Research Result

The results showed that there were several forms of interference:

Interference Structure Phrases

Occurs in some elements, such as a locative phrase, prepositional phrases, and class numeralians. For example, in the use of a local phrase, students often adapt the structure of Indonesian which may not be entirely in accordance with the structure of the Mandarin language. This can be seen from the choice of words and unusual words in the context of Mandarin. The use of Indonesian structure in Mandarin phrases can lead to confusion and make the text difficult to understand.

Interference Structure Sentences

Occurs in the placement of syntactic functions in Mandarin sentences that follow the pattern of single sentences and compound sentences from Indonesian. Students often transfer the way they arrange sentences in Indonesian into Mandarin, which results in their Mandarin sentences sometimes feel odd or not in accordance with the rules of Mandarin grammar. This can lead to a lack of clarity and coherence in the text.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Language interference is a common phenomenon among foreign language learners, especially for those who speak a language that has a significant different structure. In this context, students who are accustomed to using Indonesian as a mother tongue tend to bring the mindset and structure of Indonesian into their Mandarin writing. This can lead to a range of problems, including difficulties with grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.

The importance of this research lies in efforts to understand more deeply how students can overcome the interference. By understanding the forms of interference, teaching Mandarin can be adjusted to be more effective. For example, teaching that emphasizes the structure differences between these two languages can help students develop better Mandarin skills, while reducing the habit of carrying Indonesian structure into their writing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has shown that language interference is a significant challenge for students learning Mandarin as a foreign language. The use of Indonesian structure in Mandarin phrases and sentences can lead to confusion and make the text difficult to understand. However, by understanding the forms of interference, teaching Mandarin can be adjusted to be more effective. This study contributes to the understanding of the challenges faced by students and helps them overcome the obstacles that might arise in the learning process of foreign languages.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Teaching that emphasizes the structure differences between Indonesian and Mandarin can help students develop better Mandarin skills.
Providing students with opportunities to practice writing in Mandarin can help them develop their skills and reduce the habit of carrying Indonesian structure into their writing.
Encouraging students to use Mandarin in their daily lives can help them develop a more natural and intuitive understanding of the language.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study only focused on semester VI students of the Chinese Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, University of North Sumatra (USU). Secondly, the study only analyzed phrases in narrative essays written by students. Finally, the study only used the Agih method to analyze data.

Future Research Directions

Future research can build on the findings of this study by exploring the following directions:

Investigating the use of Indonesian structure in other languages, such as English or Japanese.
Analyzing the use of Mandarin structure in other languages, such as Indonesian or English.
Exploring the use of technology, such as language learning apps or online resources, to help students overcome language interference.

By understanding the forms of interference and developing effective teaching strategies, educators can help students overcome the obstacles that might arise in the learning process of foreign languages.

Q: What is language interference?

A: Language interference is a phenomenon where a learner's native language influences their use of a foreign language. In this study, we explored how Indonesian structure interferes with Mandarin structure in narrative essays written by semester VI students of the Chinese Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, University of North Sumatra (USU).

Q: What are the forms of interference that occur in Mandarin structure?

A: The study found two main forms of interference: Interference Structure Phrases and Interference Structure Sentences. Interference Structure Phrases occurs in the use of locative phrases, prepositional phrases, and class numeralians, while Interference Structure Sentences occurs in the placement of syntactic functions in Mandarin sentences.

Q: How does Indonesian structure influence Mandarin structure?

A: Indonesian structure influences Mandarin structure in several ways. For example, students often adapt the structure of Indonesian phrases into Mandarin, which may not be entirely in accordance with the structure of the Mandarin language. This can lead to confusion and make the text difficult to understand.

Q: What are the implications of language interference for teaching Mandarin?

A: The study suggests that teaching that emphasizes the structure differences between Indonesian and Mandarin can help students develop better Mandarin skills. Additionally, providing students with opportunities to practice writing in Mandarin can help them develop their skills and reduce the habit of carrying Indonesian structure into their writing.

Q: How can students overcome language interference?

A: Students can overcome language interference by developing a more natural and intuitive understanding of Mandarin. This can be achieved by using Mandarin in their daily lives, practicing writing in Mandarin, and receiving feedback from teachers and peers.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study only focused on semester VI students of the Chinese Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, University of North Sumatra (USU). Secondly, the study only analyzed phrases in narrative essays written by students. Finally, the study only used the Agih method to analyze data.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research can build on the findings of this study by exploring the following directions:

Investigating the use of Indonesian structure in other languages, such as English or Japanese.
Analyzing the use of Mandarin structure in other languages, such as Indonesian or English.
Exploring the use of technology, such as language learning apps or online resources, to help students overcome language interference.

Q: What are the implications of this study for language teaching and learning?

A: This study highlights the importance of understanding language interference in teaching and learning Mandarin. By acknowledging the influence of Indonesian structure on Mandarin structure, teachers can develop more effective teaching strategies to help students overcome language interference and develop better Mandarin skills.

Q: What are the implications of this study for language policy and planning?

A: This study suggests that language policy and planning should take into account the influence of native languages on foreign languages. By acknowledging the potential for language interference, language policy and planning can develop more effective strategies to promote language learning and use.

Q: What are the implications of this study for language testing and assessment?

A: This study highlights the importance of considering language interference in language testing and assessment. By acknowledging the influence of native languages on foreign languages, language testing and assessment can develop more effective measures to evaluate language proficiency and identify areas for improvement.