A Comprehensive Learning Tool for Measure Words
The use of measure words (also known as classifiers) is a unique grammatical feature in the Chinese language.
When students begin to learn Chinese they encounter the use of measure words such as: 把 bǎ for a chair, 張 zhāng for paper or a table, and the general measure words 個 gè for a person or 位 wèi for a guest.
Sometimes, the use of a measure word is wrong.
For example, it is correct to say 一年 yìnián but not 一個年 yí ge nián.
Therefore measure words are usually learned on a case-by-case basis.
In other words, the use of certain measure words with certain nouns is considered conventional.
In fact, there are different types of measure words. Some describe an action, other measure words are derived from containers, there is also a group of measure words that are used in measuring length and weight, etc. In formal writing, there are measure words that are less commonly seen in everyday conversation. Because of the complexity of measure words, common mistakes are seen even at the advanced level where a more specific measure word should be used instead of the general measure word gè. For example, one would not say 一個牆 yí ge qiáng, but 一道牆 yí dào qiáng.
In fact, there are different types of measure words. Some describe an action, other measure words are derived from containers, there is also a group of measure words that are used in measuring length and weight, etc. In formal writing, there are measure words that are less commonly seen in everyday conversation. Because of the complexity of measure words, common mistakes are seen even at the advanced level where a more specific measure word should be used instead of the general measure word gè. For example, one would not say 一個牆 yí ge qiáng, but 一道牆 yí dào qiáng.
In this set of materials, different types of measure words will be introduced with examples.
It is crucial that students remember what measure word is used with what nouns. These multimedia features will help with the understanding and memorization of measure words. The types of measure words discussed will include ones required by nouns, actions, objects, activities, containers, length, and collective or plural ones. Audio and pinyin are included throughout. After learning the measure words, students can quiz themselves on it in unit 2.
If you need further information regarding the methods of teaching and learning measure words, please contact Prof. Der-lin Chao.
It is crucial that students remember what measure word is used with what nouns. These multimedia features will help with the understanding and memorization of measure words. The types of measure words discussed will include ones required by nouns, actions, objects, activities, containers, length, and collective or plural ones. Audio and pinyin are included throughout. After learning the measure words, students can quiz themselves on it in unit 2.
If you need further information regarding the methods of teaching and learning measure words, please contact Prof. Der-lin Chao.