An Error Analysis of Korean Learners in the Use of the Modern Chinese Preposition “向”: Focusing on the Substitution Errors of “向”, “对”, and “给”

This paper examines the errors that Korean learners make when using the preposition “向”. Most of the errors occur when “向” is used to indicate a target, rather than a direction. The results of the discussion can be summarized in two points:<br/> First, the most frequent substitution errors in the use of “向” to indicate a target involve confusion with the prepositions “对” and “给”. Korean learners fail to fully grasp the usage of “向” in this context, especially confusing it with the usage of other semantically similar prepositions. On the other hand, errors involving addition and omission occur less frequently, with the main causes being the interference of the native Korean particle “에게” and a lack of understanding of the correct usage of “向”.<br/> Second, to reduce the frequency of substitution errors, it is essential to distinguish the verbs that commonly combine with the three prepositions “向”, “对” and “给”. “向” originally means “to face forward(面向)”, so when indicating a target, it primarily combines with verbs related to the sense organs, concrete physical actions, actions implying potential directionality, comprehensive expression verbs, and acquisition verbs. In contrast, “对” originates from the basic meaning of “to face (面对)”, and the verbs it combines with when indicating a target differ from those that combine with “向”. “给” which originally means “to give”, typically combines with verbs that involve transmission or creation, distinguishing it from “向”.