Exploring language transfer errors in simplified–traditional Chinese conversion among Hong Kong university students

Abstract

This study investigates the language transfer errors in simplified–traditional Chinese conversion among Hong Kong university students. Applying empirical research methods, the study assesses the students’ abilities to convert between traditional and simplified characters through single-character and contextual dynamic examinations. The results highlight significant writing errors, predominantly at the component level for simplified–traditional conversion and stroke level for traditional–simplified conversion. Misused characters and non-conversion errors were also prevalent. The findings suggest that students rely on visual similarity and existing orthographic knowledge, leading to systematic errors influenced by language transfer. The study underscores the need for targeted instructional strategies to improve students’ proficiency in both scripts, emphasizing explicit teaching of conversion rules and integrating characters within meaningful contexts to enhance overall writing proficiency. These insights offer theoretical and practical implications for understanding and improving bilingual script proficiency in Chinese.