An analysis and teaching methods of word order of Chinese directional complements and locative objects: Focusing on ‘V + 进+ locative object + 来/去’

This study aims to propose effective methods to teach the word order of locative objects and directional complements in Chinese language education. Focusing on the ‘V + 进+ Locative Object + 来/去’ structure, the study examines the characteristics of predicate verbs and explores the rationale behind the rule that the directional complements ‘来/去’ should follow the locative object. By analyzing the spectrum of action properties of the directional verbs ‘来/去’ based on the criteria of ‘mobility,’ ‘directionality,’ and ‘location,’ the study concludes that ‘来/去’ follows the locative object due to the principle of proximity centered around the predicate verbs. Based on this discussion, a conceptual diagram was developed that can be effectively used in teaching as a pedagogical tool.