THESIS A CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ON EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE IN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE So sánh cách biểu đạt sự biết ơn trong tiếng Anh và tiếng Việt từ góc độ giao văn h
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
English has rapidly developed and spread, becoming the most influential language in the world It is often referred to as the "golden key to every door" because of its widespread adoption and significant practical advantages.
The demand for English has surged in Vietnam due to open policies and social support, driven by globalization's impact on international interaction Effective communication requires not only linguistic proficiency but also an understanding of social norms Mastery of the language is essential to avoid rudeness, misunderstandings, cultural shocks, and communication breakdowns.
Language and culture are uniquely human traits, and a lack of awareness regarding socio-cultural norms can lead to communication breakdowns in cross-cultural interactions For instance, a Vietnamese speaker may feel disappointed if a native English speaker responds to their offer of help with a simple "Thank you," expecting a more emotional reaction instead This highlights the importance of understanding cross-cultural communication Nguyen Quang (1998) emphasized that mastering a language requires a deep awareness of its cultural context, as culture significantly influences both verbal and non-verbal communication.
To effectively master the Vietnamese language, students must understand the intricate relationship between culture and language This study explores the connection between these two elements by examining expressions of appreciation in both English and Vietnamese Although the research is limited in scope, it highlights key examples from both languages and cultures to aid Vietnamese speakers in their language learning journey.
This study explores the most appropriate verbal expressions of gratitude in English and their cultural nuances, particularly in comparison to Vietnamese It aims to identify both similarities and differences in how gratitude is expressed across these languages, thereby enhancing understanding in intercultural communication The researcher seeks to uncover suitable expressions for various contexts to minimize misunderstandings, facilitating better connections between Vietnamese English learners and native English speakers in diverse situations.
1.2 Aims and objectives of the study
This study focuses on enhancing the understanding of gratitude expressions among Vietnamese learners of English, particularly second-year students at Foreign Trade University It also highlights the implications for improving cross-cultural communication skills in this demographic.
The objectives of the study can be elaborated into the research questions as follows:
- To investigate the components of Vietnamese and English expressions of gratitude
- To distinguish between Vietnamese and English expressions of gratitude
- To help English language learners avoid cultural shock in communication by increasing knowledge of cross-cultural variables in expressing gratitude
(1) What are the features of gratitude expressions in English and Vietnamese?
(2) What are the similarities and differences between gratitude expressions in English and Vietnamese?
(3) What are suggestions for Vietnamese learners of English in making gratitude expressions to raise awareness of cross-cultural factors in expressing gratitude and to avoid cultural shock in communication?
This study provides a cross-cultural comparative analysis of gratitude expressions as a speech act in English and Vietnamese, highlighting the key features, similarities, and differences in how gratitude is expressed in both languages.
This study focuses on the expressions of gratitude among a limited group of English and Vietnamese informants, specifically 35 native English speakers from the UK and 38 Vietnamese informants, including second-year students from Foreign Trade University It examines their responses to a survey questionnaire in two distinct social situations However, the research does not address other communication aspects, such as paralinguistic features, mood factors, or environmental influences.
A study conducted in 2022 reveals that a significant portion of respondents, particularly half, lack proficiency in the English language This research gathers data on various factors such as age, gender, and tendencies related to expressions of gratitude The findings are based on authoritative sources, literature, and survey questionnaires completed by both English and Vietnamese participants.
This study offers some benefits as presented below:
The study's findings are expected to offer valuable insights and resources for readers and students of cross-cultural communication, especially regarding the expressions of gratitude in English and Vietnamese.
This study aims to enhance understanding of cross-cultural communication in both professional and everyday contexts It will reveal the perspectives and behaviors of native English and Vietnamese speakers regarding expressions of gratitude The findings are expected to serve as a valuable resource for linguists interested in exploring the cross-cultural nuances of gratitude expressions.
The present study consists of five chapters, in addition to the appendices and references:
Chapter 1 is the Introduction gives a brief overview of the research with the rationale for choosing the topic of the research, aims, objectives, scope, the significance of the thesis, and structural organization of the thesis
Chapter 2 is the Literature review, which presents the previous studies relating to the research area and theoretical background employed for conducting the thesis
Chapter 3 is the Methodology that describes all research governing orientations and research methods in detail
Chapter 4 is the Findings and Discussion that shows the findings which address the research questions through the data gathered and analyzed This section also discusses the results obtained from the research questions and some previous studies The last part of this chapter discusses the research implications for English and Vietnamese readers and language learners
Chapter 5 is the Conclusion, which summarizes the whole thesis, points out some limitations, and gives a recommendation and suggestions for further study References come at the end of the study.
Research questions
(1) What are the features of gratitude expressions in English and Vietnamese?
(2) What are the similarities and differences between gratitude expressions in English and Vietnamese?
(3) What are suggestions for Vietnamese learners of English in making gratitude expressions to raise awareness of cross-cultural factors in expressing gratitude and to avoid cultural shock in communication?
This study provides a cross-cultural comparative analysis of gratitude expressions as a speech act in English and Vietnamese, highlighting the key features, similarities, and differences in how gratitude is expressed in both languages.
This study focuses on the expressions of gratitude among a limited group of English and Vietnamese informants, specifically 35 native English speakers from the UK and 38 Vietnamese informants, including second-year students from various provinces in Vietnam The research is constrained to survey responses and does not address other communication aspects such as paralinguistic features, mood factors, or environmental influences.
A study conducted in 2022 reveals that a significant portion of respondents, particularly half, lack proficiency in the English language This research gathers data on various factors such as age, gender, and tendencies related to expressions of gratitude The findings are based on authoritative sources, literature, and survey questionnaires completed by both English and Vietnamese participants.
This study offers some benefits as presented below:
The study's findings are expected to offer valuable insights and resources for readers and students of cross-cultural communication, especially regarding expressions of gratitude in English and Vietnamese.
This study aims to enhance understanding of cross-cultural communication in both professional and everyday contexts It will reveal the perspectives and behaviors of native English and Vietnamese speakers regarding expressions of gratitude The findings are expected to serve as a valuable resource for linguists interested in exploring the cross-cultural nuances of gratitude expressions.
The present study consists of five chapters, in addition to the appendices and references:
Chapter 1 is the Introduction gives a brief overview of the research with the rationale for choosing the topic of the research, aims, objectives, scope, the significance of the thesis, and structural organization of the thesis
Chapter 2 is the Literature review, which presents the previous studies relating to the research area and theoretical background employed for conducting the thesis
Chapter 3 is the Methodology that describes all research governing orientations and research methods in detail
Chapter 4 is the Findings and Discussion that shows the findings which address the research questions through the data gathered and analyzed This section also discusses the results obtained from the research questions and some previous studies The last part of this chapter discusses the research implications for English and Vietnamese readers and language learners
Chapter 5 is the Conclusion, which summarizes the whole thesis, points out some limitations, and gives a recommendation and suggestions for further study References come at the end of the study.
Structure of study
Extensive research has explored the complex relationship between language and culture While perspectives may vary, it is widely accepted that language mirrors cultural values, and in turn, culture shapes language.
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping linguistic meaning, as highlighted by William Frawley (1992), who states that "culture is the final arbiter of meaning." Language serves as a vital symbol system within any culture, influencing human behavior and enabling individuals to understand a nation's cultural characteristics Despite its significance, there has been limited research on expressions of gratitude in English compared to Vietnamese This gap has led to the selection of "A cross-cultural comparative analysis on Expressions of Gratitude in English and Vietnamese" as a research topic Expressions of gratitude are essential speech acts that foster rapport among various interpersonal relationships, from family to strangers Properly conveying gratitude enhances social connections, while missteps in expression can lead to misunderstandings and weaken relationships Understanding these culturally specific language functions is vital for learners to navigate differences between their native and target languages, as emphasized by Nguyen Van Anh (2015).
This section explores key theories that inform the survey questions and analysis, including culture and communication, cross-cultural pragmatics, speech acts theory, politeness theory, face, and expressions of gratitude.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Review of previous studies
Extensive research has explored the complex relationship between language and culture While perspectives may vary, it is widely accepted that language is a reflection of culture, and in turn, culture shapes language.
Culture plays a pivotal role in shaping linguistic meaning, as highlighted by William Frawley (1992), who asserts that "culture is the final arbiter of meaning." Language serves as a vital symbol system within any culture, making it essential for understanding cultural characteristics, as noted by Bromfit (1995) Despite its significance, there has been limited research on expressions of gratitude in English compared to Vietnamese This gap has led to the selection of "A cross-cultural comparative analysis on Expressions of Gratitude in English and Vietnamese" as a research topic Expressions of gratitude are crucial speech acts that enhance interpersonal relationships across various contexts, from family to strangers Eisenstein and Bodman (1986) emphasize that appropriate expressions of gratitude hold substantial social value It is essential for language learners to recognize the culturally specific nuances in expressing gratitude, as misunderstandings can lead to negative interactions and weaken relationships (Nguyen Van Anh, 2015).
Theoretical background
This section explores key theories that inform the survey questions and analysis, including culture and communication, cross-cultural pragmatics, speech acts theory, politeness theory, face, and expressions of gratitude.
In the second decade of the twenty-first century, as noted by Quang (2012) referencing Myron W Lustig & Kolene Koester, culture and cultural distinctions play a crucial role in our lives In a world where interaction with diverse cultures is inevitable, individuals must choose to learn how to navigate these interactions effectively.
Today's world is vastly different from just a generation ago, with the significance of culture becoming increasingly prominent This cultural emphasis fosters both tolerance and understanding among diverse individuals while also presenting challenges Cross-cultural exchanges are now commonplace, occurring in neighborhoods, across borders, and through various media These interactions are essential in business, personal relationships, tourism, politics, and nearly every aspect of life, including work, leisure, education, family, and community engagement.
Culture is a multifaceted concept that has been defined in various ways by numerous scholars, reflecting the diverse fields of inquiry into human existence At its core, culture encompasses the non-natural aspects of everyday life, including thoughts, clothing, food, and language However, its definition extends beyond these elements; as Richards (1993) notes, culture represents the comprehensive set of beliefs, attitudes, customs, behaviors, and social habits of a society's members Thus, culture encompasses all dimensions of human life, incorporating both material culture—such as physical artifacts like the "ao dai," vases, and pagodas—and non-material culture, which includes abstract creations like symbols, norms, customs, and values.
The essence of culture lies not in its tangible elements, such as artefacts and tools, but in the interpretations and perceptions of these elements by group members (Banks, 1999) Ferraro (1995) defines culture as encompassing everything that individuals possess, think, or do as members of a society.
Figure 2.1: Ferrnado‟s diagram of culture
Human life and culture are deeply intertwined, with our cultural practices serving as a guiding map for navigating life.
Communication has been a fundamental aspect of human civilization, integral to daily life and occupying a significant portion of our time Numerous studies have explored the meaning of communication, focusing on its perceptual purpose and the broad scope of its definition.
Communication, as defined by S Hybels and Weaver (1992), encompasses the process through which individuals exchange information, ideas, and emotions This definition highlights that communication extends beyond just spoken and written words; it also includes body language, personal mannerisms, style, and the context that enriches the meaning of a message.
Communication is the process of exchanging information, where a sender conveys a message to a receiver through a medium This medium encompasses both verbal methods, such as speech and tone, and nonverbal methods, including body language, sign language, touch, eye contact, and writing William (1989: 10) provides a more detailed definition of communication.
(1) The exchange of symbols, common messages, information
(2) The process of exchange between individuals through a common system of symbols
(3) The art of expressing ideas
(4) The science of transmitting information
Communication is defined as the process of sharing meaning through both verbal and nonverbal behaviors (Levine and Adelman, 1993) A diagram by Nguyen Quang (2002) can provide valuable insights into the understanding of communication and its underlying system.
Figure 2.2: Communication component schematic by Nguyen Quang (2002)
Communication is essential to our lives, serving multiple functions and implications As Nguyen Quang suggests, we engage in communication to fulfill our dual nature as "social beings."
Communication is fundamental to our identity and existence as conscious beings From a young age, affirmations from parents, such as "You're so pretty" or "You are so smart," shape our self-perception As we grow, interactions with friends, teachers, and colleagues further refine our sense of self Additionally, communication fulfills our social need for connection, as it forms the basis of relationships through sharing personal identities, asking questions, and recalling shared experiences The importance of communication is underscored by the example of a child raised by wolves, who lacked a human identity due to the absence of social interaction Ultimately, without communication, individuals would become inert, and society itself would cease to exist.
The intrinsic link between culture and communication has been thoroughly analyzed, revealing their interdependent relationship As noted by Samovar and Jain (1981), understanding this connection is crucial for effective interaction across diverse cultural contexts.
Culture and communication are deeply intertwined, as culture influences the dynamics of interactions, including who communicates with whom, the topics discussed, and the methods of communication It shapes how individuals encode and interpret messages, as well as the contexts in which messages are conveyed, recognized, or understood Ultimately, culture serves as the essential foundation for effective communication.
Culture significantly shapes communication styles, as evidenced by differences in language use For instance, an English speaker might say, "The bus is coming," using the present progressive, while a Japanese speaker would opt for the present perfect, stating, "The bus has come." Additionally, Westerners often initiate conversations with topics like the weather, whereas Eastern cultures, particularly Vietnamese, tend to focus on personal matters such as marriage and family Thus, communication practices are deeply influenced by cultural contexts, highlighting the interplay between culture and communication.
Summary
This chapter reviews previous studies by renowned authors and highlights key theoretical concepts essential to the research, including language and culture, their interrelationship, the politeness principle, face, politeness, gratitude, and expressions of gratitude as speech acts The discussion of these concepts provides valuable insights for the study Chapter 3 will outline the major and minor methods, tools, and techniques employed in the research.
METHODOLOGY
Research-governing orientation
The upcoming chapter will outline the survey's methodology, including the design of the questionnaire and the participants involved I will discuss my chosen approach and detail the execution of the survey Furthermore, I will describe the methods used for distributing, collecting, and analyzing the data.
Research questions
This paper aims to explore the similarities and differences in expressions of gratitude between English and Vietnamese cultures.
(1) What features of the expressions of gratitude among English and Vietnamese people?
(2) What are the similarities and differences between the two cultures?
(3) What are the implications of the study to help Vietnamese learners and English persons master communication?
Hypothesis
The author posits that expressing gratitude to those who assist us is a common practice, transcending cultural boundaries This universal behavior suggests that the ways in which people show appreciation remain largely consistent, regardless of their geographical location.
Research setting
After 20 years of studying and teaching English, I have identified several barriers to effective communication for English language learners, particularly in Vietnam The unique cultural context often leads to difficulties in expressing gratitude in English This motivated me to conduct a survey aimed at providing insights into how native English speakers convey gratitude in real-life situations.
The study involved native English and Vietnamese speakers to explore the similarities and differences in expressions of gratitude across both languages Participants completed surveys detailing their nationality, age, occupation, gender, and education level, which are essential for understanding the factors that influence gratitude expression The Vietnamese group included engineers, nurses, teachers, and second-year university students, with half being Intermediate level students from Foreign Trade University in 2022, while the others had limited English proficiency The English group comprised 35 native speakers from the UK, including principals, English teachers, engineers, and doctors All participants, aged 18 to 50, were male and female and took part in the study voluntarily.
The data collection was conducted from March 2022 to July 2022 Opinions are collected at different places such as university campuses, bookstores and parks.
Research Approach
This study is conducted by combining the four types of research: descriptive, analytical, quantitative, and qualitative to fulfil the aim of the research
This study employs descriptive research methods, including surveys, to examine the expressions of gratitude in English and Vietnamese cultures It utilizes both quantitative and qualitative approaches, with a primary focus on quantitative data analysis The research is supported by statistics gathered from survey questionnaires, specifically the Metapragmatic Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Discourse Completion Task (DCT), which are administered to informants from both cultures Additionally, the author's personal observations and experiences in cross-cultural communication, along with consultations with her supervisor and peers, contribute valuable insights to the study's findings.
Research methods
The study employs a combination of primary quantitative and qualitative methods, along with additional effective techniques for data collection and analysis.
The data collection technique utilized a survey questionnaire comprising 2 items from the MPQ and 7 from the DCT, available in both English and Vietnamese Due to geographical constraints, the questionnaires were distributed to informants via Gmail or in person, accompanied by instructions for completion Assistance from managers, colleagues, relatives, and friends facilitated the distribution of the survey to their contacts in Vietnam, who then helped gather the responses For data analysis, the numerical results from the survey were processed using descriptive statistics, allowing for presentation in tables and statistical tests After compiling the data from both English and Vietnamese respondents, it was input into a pre-designed survey website, which automatically generated various statistical representations, with column charts being the primary format used for analysis.
3.6.1 Major methods and supporting methods
This thesis aims to explore the similarities and differences in expressions of gratitude between English and Vietnamese The study employs both quantitative and qualitative research methods to achieve its objectives.
The quantitative approach was employed to initially tally data, create charts and graphs, and conduct statistical analysis post-collection The results primarily focused on the frequency of gratitude expression across various categories For each respondent group, the percentages of gratitude expression in different situations were illustrated in relevant charts, allowing for comparison between groups.
The qualitative method was utilized to formulate survey questions and gather data, enabling the description, interpretation, analysis, and prediction of gratitude expressions across cultures This study focused on the similarities and differences in how gratitude is expressed in English and Vietnamese Additionally, a comparative method was applied to analyze and present the statistical results in charts, highlighting the findings from both languages.
3.6.2 Design and distribution of the questionnaire
Questionnaires are vital for data collection and analysis, functioning as surveys that include two questions and seven scenarios focused on expressing gratitude Each questionnaire begins with a mandatory section for participants to provide background information, such as nationality, gender, age, occupation, educational background, and English proficiency, which significantly influence their request-making manners in various contexts The main section features seven scenarios and several discourse completion questions designed to capture data for the study, specifically emphasizing the similarities and differences in expressions of gratitude between Vietnamese and English.
The study involves two types of questionnaires, one designed for native English speakers and the other for native Vietnamese speakers, each presenting seven scenarios The objective is to explore culturally appropriate strategies for expressing gratitude and to examine how social factors such as social status, age, and gender influence these expressions Data collection spans approximately eight weeks, followed by an analysis of the various thanking strategies employed in each culture.
Vietnamese second-year students from Hanoi Foreign Trade University participated in a study by completing a revised Discourse Completion Test (DCT) questionnaire They were instructed to answer honestly based on the scenarios provided, with an emphasis that spelling and grammar errors would not affect their responses, and there were no right or wrong answers The questionnaire was unrelated to their grammar class and was part of a master's thesis on the English language Additionally, native English speakers from the UK were also given a questionnaire, both in person and via email, with instructions to share it with their friends This group represented diverse educational, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
In my study, two versions of the questionnaires were utilized, consisting of two parts The first half aimed to gather private information that could influence participants' responses while maintaining group homogeneity The second section contained the actual DCT, or conditions, as research indicates that various factors can affect how speakers express themselves.
Summary
This chapter outlines the research orientations and methods employed, detailing the design and distribution of the questionnaire, the participant demographics, and the data analysis process It compares the responses of native English speakers with those of Vietnamese participants The findings and discussions of these results will be presented in Chapter 4.
SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ENGLISH
The expressions of gratitude in English culture
This study explores various strategies for expressing gratitude among different co-interactants, analyzing seven distinct strategies across four contexts: home, work, school, and public settings The findings are presented in pie charts for clarity and ease of comparison Data was collected through a survey questionnaire consisting of seven items.
Chart 4.1 Question 1: How often do you express gratitude?
Native English speakers exhibit a wide range of responses regarding their expression of gratitude, with answers varying from never to always; however, none reported never expressing gratitude Notably, 51% of respondents frequently show appreciation to others, as illustrated in Chart 4.1 below.
Chart 4.2 Question 2: The frequency of expressing gratitude among English people of different ages
Responses from native English speakers indicate that individuals of all ages express gratitude when examining the link between age and the frequency of verbal gratitude Notably, older individuals consistently demonstrate a higher tendency to thank others, while young children appear to show less thankfulness compared to other age groups (Refer to chart 4.2 below)
Situation 1: You find yourself in sudden need of money $3000 You mention this to a friend Your friend immediately offers to lend it to you You promise to pay your debt to her What would you say in this situation?
In situations where a speaker may feel entitled to a raise, the decision ultimately rests on the speaker's performance rather than an obligation from the hearer Research by Brown and Levinson (1988) suggests that expressions of gratitude and politeness are influenced by social distance and the power dynamics between the speaker and hearer However, contrary to findings by Eisenstein and Bodman (1986), which indicate that feelings of indebtedness or surprise typically lead to longer expressions of gratitude, the responses in this case did not conform to this expectation.
Native English speakers exhibited a consistent pattern in their responses, with most participants choosing to express their gratitude towards the vice president of personnel in this manner.
Thank you! or Thank you very much! (A (explicit thanks))
Situation 3: You arrive at a luxurious hotel, and security staff opens the door for you
The speaker can request the hearer to open the door, similar to a "supermarket" scenario where the hearer's actions align with their job responsibilities While most native English speakers chose not to respond, others often employed a straightforward thank-you or greeting Eisenstein and Bodman categorize this situation as one that prompts phatic, ritualistic responses.
Hi, have a nice day! (Greeting, greeting)
While a few participants who were natural English speakers did express their gratitude
Situation 4: Your lecturer meets you after class and she gives some comments for your writing to be improved
A study revealed that most native English speakers, especially college students, felt it was essential to thank their lecturers Coulmas highlights that the nature of the favor or object of gratitude influences how individuals respond (Coulmas 1981:8-9) This indicates a collective belief among students that expressing gratitude to their instructors is both obligatory and significant The varied emotional responses further emphasize this sentiment Additionally, the findings suggest that expressing thanks is a voluntary act, implying that individuals choose to show gratitude based on their willingness.
Based on the illustrations provided in the appendix of Eisenstein and Bodman's 1986 work, this circumstance extracted displays of emotion, classified as category G in Aijmer's techniques (Eisenstein & Bodman 1986:183)
Wow That is extremely useful Thank you (G (expressing emotion), G (expressing emotion), D (expressing appreciation of the act), A (explicit thanks))
The individuals who were English native speakers gave a range of answers
A small percentage of people decided to reject necessity or duty Many people verbalized their feelings the majority opted for short, direct thanks.
Great, thank you! (G (expressing emotion), A (explicit thanks))
Situation 5: You are at a supermarket When you check out, the cashier gives you the change and your shopping bag
In the interaction between the cashier and the client, a slight power imbalance exists, but it does not clearly define authority Clients are entitled to services that cashiers must provide, giving them some control, while cashiers hold the power to remove customers from the store This modest power difference reflects the roles of the speaker (client) and hearer (cashier) as outlined in Thomas' rights and obligations dimension According to Eisenstein and Bodman's study, the cashier is primarily focused on fulfilling their service obligation, indicating a social distance between the interlocutors The lack of familiarity suggests that they do not know each other well, with only a minority expressing gratitude, while most remained unresponsive.
Native speakers not only expressed gratitude but also provided detailed responses that included a statement of appreciation, pleasure, and a desire to maintain the relationship, as highlighted in the examples from Eisenstein and Bodman (1986:183).
Participants who were native English speakers echoed the responses highlighted in Eisenstein & Bodman's article, often expressing gratitude to the hostess for the invitation and complimenting the meal and the overall evening.
The expressions of gratitude in Vietnamese culture
This article explores two key research questions: first, how native Vietnamese speakers convey gratitude within Vietnamese cultural contexts, and second, how both native Vietnamese speakers and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners express gratitude in English within these contexts.
Situation 1: Bạn cần gấp một số tiền lớn (80 triệu VNĐ) Bạn nói điều này với một người bạn và người này ngay lập tức cho bạn vay tiền Bạn hứa sẽ trả khoản nợ đó cho người này
The findings from Vietnam align with the observations made by Eisenstein and Bodman, highlighting a tendency for lengthy responses Notably, participants expressed a sense of debt and a commitment to repay the hearer promptly Additionally, there was a pronounced use of explicit thanking strategies and expressions of gratitude towards the addressee English-speaking participants from Vietnam consistently conveyed feelings of indebtedness and a promise to reciprocate, with many also expressing appreciation to the addressee.
Situation 2: Bạn làm việc cho một công ty lớn và công việc rất bận rộn Một hôm, bạn gửi thư cho quản lý để xin nghỉ phép vài ngày Sau đó, phó phòng nhân sự gọi bạn lên văn phòng và mời bạn ngồi nói chuyện Ông ấy bảo bạn ngồi xuống Bạn lo lắng vì bạn mới làm ở đó được sáu tháng Ông ấy nói rằng: ―Bạn đang làm việc rất tốt Công ty rất hài lòng về bạn và tôi quyết định sẽ tăng lương cho bạn trong thời gian tới đây.‖
Vietnamese participants provided lengthy responses to the situation, unlike native English speakers Their replies varied, but a common theme was the expression of emotion While many expressed surprise or confusion, several participants conveyed their gratitude, with some explicitly thanking the gesture.
Eisenstein and Bodman's work, particularly in "Mr (1986:181)," presents similar occurrences, although they do not indicate the frequency of these instances in their material, with their appendix featuring only one example Notably, this aspect is completely absent in the English-language material, as highlighted by Thomas.
"honorifics" like Sir is quite uncommon in British English (Thomas 1995:151)
Situation 3: Bạn đến một khách sạn sang trọng, khi bạn tiến vào sảnh thì nhân viên bảo vệ mở cửa giúp bạn
Particularly those who resided in large cities in Eisenstein and Bodman's
A 1986 study indicated that participants were unlikely to engage with a security guard performing their duties normally, implying that they expected the guard to open the door without expressing gratitude Most responses in Vietnamese were either a simple welcome or no acknowledgment, although some participants did choose to explicitly thank the guard.
Cám ơn and/chị nhé! (A (explicit thanks))
This is also similar to the native speakers of English behaviour
Situation 4: Giáo viên của bạn gọi bạn lên, góp ý để bạn sửa bài viết của bạn tốt hơn
Vietnamese speakers often exhibit strong emotional responses, particularly feelings of pleasure, when communicating in their native language Many express gratitude towards the actions or the individuals they are addressing Participants who responded in both English and Vietnamese conveyed a range of emotions, highlighting their feelings alongside a sense of obligation or duty.
Situation 5: Bạn đi vào siêu thị mua đồ Lúc bạn thanh toán, nhân viên siêu thị đưa tiền thừa và túi đồ cho bạn
A group of Vietnamese participants responded to the situation by communicating in Vietnamese, with most expressing explicit gratitude or choosing to opt-out, often accompanied by a greeting One participant mentioned uncertainty about whether she would have said goodbye, ultimately opting to express her thanks instead.
Thanks, goodbye (A (explicit thanks), greeting)
Vietnamese participants exhibited different response patterns compared to English native speakers, with only two individuals offering greetings followed by explicit thanks A significant number of Vietnamese participants responding in English chose to opt out, while 50% of those responding in Vietnamese engaged more actively Among the latter group, half preferred to use overt greetings and expressions of gratitude, with "thanks" and "thank you" being the most commonly employed strategies, alongside occasional use of "cheers."
Situation 6: Bạn được mời đến nhà một người bạn mới Bạn dùng bữa với vợ chồng họ cùng một số người bạn khác Thức ăn rất ngon và bạn thực sự đã có một bữa tối tuyệt vời Khi rời đi chủ nhà đã nhiệt tình tiễn bạn ra cửa
It stands to reason that the Vietnamese participants would view the scene differently than English native speakers
Vietnamese participants, along with native English speakers, shared similar sentiments, expressing appreciation for various aspects of their experience, such as the evening and the food They also conveyed a desire to maintain connections, although their motivations may differ Eisenstein and Bodman identified phrases like "Let's get together again soon" as indicators of a wish to sustain relationships However, it seems that the Vietnamese participants might have used such expressions as a form of reciprocation, feeling a sense of obligation to their new acquaintances while genuinely wishing to stay in touch.
Situation 7: Bạn đã kết hôn Cả hai vợ chồng đã cùng nhau phân chia dọn dẹp nhà cửa Bạn về nhà muộn và nhận ra chồng/vợ bạn đã thay bạn làm tất cả công việc trong nhà mà bạn đã hứa sẽ làm nhưng chưa thực hiện được
Vietnamese participants who responded in English tended to make more excuses, while those who replied in Vietnamese primarily employed a thanking strategy or a combination of such strategies An example of this is the expression, "Ôi anh/em đã làm hết việc nhà sao, cám ơn anh/em nhiều nhé!" which conveys emotion, elaboration, and explicit gratitude.
Similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese culture in terms
Mastering a foreign language goes beyond pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and idioms; it involves understanding the cultural context that shapes the language This includes grasping the mental frameworks and societal values of its speakers, allowing learners to perceive the world through the perspectives of English speakers Therefore, cultural knowledge is essential for truly understanding a language.
Social scientists highlight the uniqueness of each culture, emphasizing the significant differences that exist between them, including variations in language Understanding these distinctions in everyday communication is crucial, as they reflect deeper cultural differences This study is particularly relevant and beneficial for both Vietnamese English language learners and English speakers.
The study examines how Vietnamese and English speakers express gratitude, focusing on speech act theory, politeness, and cross-cultural communication contexts It highlights both similarities and differences in the cultural and linguistic expressions of gratitude between the two groups These differences stem from the distinct characteristics of each language and culture, as well as their specific communication styles and politeness norms The identified similarities suggest shared traits that facilitate cross-cultural communication and cultural exchange.
The survey questionnaire is divided into two parts, each designed to address specific research questions Part 2 analyzes the politeness strategies used by different groups, while Part 1 assesses the validity of expressing gratitude in various contexts: at home, in public, at school, and at work The study also considers the impact of informant status indicators, including gender, age, and occupation The main conclusions are summarized as follows.
After a great detailed discussion of strategies used to express the gratitude of both English and Vietnamese informants, several common points between the two groups can be deduced as follows
Participants' responses can often be compared, highlighting Gadamer's prediction that even minor cultural differences can influence language acquisition and creation For instance, Vietnamese and native English speakers tend to prefer different strategies for expressing gratitude in similar situations, as demonstrated by their responses in the DCT.
Situation 1 demonstrates a propensity for Vietnamese respondents to select the same techniques in both Vietnamese and English
In the context of a dinner party, both Vietnamese and native English speakers commonly express gratitude While there are several frequently used "thanks for" phrases in Vietnamese, the expectation that Vietnamese speakers would mirror this in English was not met Instead, some participants opted for equivalent responses in English.
Many participants chose alternative expressions over a direct translation of Vietnamese thank-you sentiments into English This preference likely stems from their awareness of the potential risks and misunderstandings that can arise when translating cultural nuances, which may seem amusing or peculiar to outsiders.
Both Vietnamese informants exhibit a tendency to express gratitude with greater precision towards close acquaintances, while adopting a more negative politeness approach with those who are socially distant This observation aligns with Holmes' assertion that individuals typically employ negative politeness more frequently with those they wish to maintain distance from, and more often with friends or potential friends Thus, as social distance increases, so does the use of negative politeness.
Figure 8: Solidarity- social distance dimension (Holmes)
Despite differences in geography, culture, and lifestyle, both Vietnamese and English speakers favor explicit expressions of thanks as their preferred method of showing gratitude This concise response is versatile, suitable for various situations and interactions, highlighting the communication styles of Vietnamese individuals Globalization has influenced many to adopt Western cultural norms, leading them to prefer brief and polite acknowledgments of gratitude, thereby maintaining their privacy and avoiding detailed explanations.
Vietnamese and native English speakers often employ distinct strategies for expressing gratitude in similar contexts, as shown by their responses in the DCT Additionally, many of the techniques used by Vietnamese speakers when communicating in English are also reflected in the responses of native English speakers.
According to Eisenstein and Bodman (1986), the replies consisted of lengthy professions of gratitude, such as explicit thanking strategies coupled with appreciation, a commitment to pay back, or feelings of relief
In the "$3000 loan" scenario, responses from native speakers differed significantly from those of native English speakers, with Vietnamese speakers showing a stronger inclination to express indebtedness While only a few English native speakers acknowledged their debt, many Vietnamese participants explicitly conveyed gratitude using phrases like "thank you" and "cheers." This emphasis on debt was more evident in English produced by Vietnamese speakers, who often included expressions of gratitude or vocatives indicating a commitment to repay Additionally, participants with study abroad experience or fluency in English favored this strategy, highlighting a consistent pattern in Vietnamese communication, where the notion of indebtedness was universally acknowledged in both Vietnamese and English.
To underscore this, some people repeated their debt acknowledgement
Eisenstein and Bodman (1986) found that effective responses often included a clear thanking strategy, sometimes combined with expressions of joy, while emotional expression was generally minimized The "raise" condition elicited the most varied responses from Vietnamese native speakers, who expressed gratitude in lengthy and passionate ways, contrasting with native English speakers who preferred brief, explicit, and reserved replies.
Although the circumstance has never been mentioned previously, in this
In a "lecturer" situation, native English speakers expressed gratitude, though only a few showed deeper emotions Vietnamese speakers of English often used similar communication techniques as in their native language, illustrating positive transfer Notably, only a small percentage of native English speakers indicated a lack of obligation As a result, the Vietnamese participants articulated their feelings in both languages, emphasizing a strong sense of necessity and duty.
Eisenstein and Bodman (1986) found that responses to gratitude varied significantly between Vietnamese participants and native English speakers, with many opting out of expressing thanks Vietnamese participants often expressed gratitude explicitly or chose not to respond at all, while those speaking Vietnamese frequently combined greetings with explicit thanks Some participants indicated they would remain silent if the cashier merely performed their duties, while others felt compelled to express gratitude to anyone who assisted them Eisenstein and Bodman noted that "in these circumstances, the display of gratitude seems to be a social amenity" (1986:171).
Eisenstein and Bodman (1986) found that responses included expressions of appreciation, pleasure, and a desire to maintain connections The analysis shows that the English responses of Vietnamese participants are similar to those of native English speakers in this context.
According to Eisenstein and Bodman (1986), the answers consist of an expression of gratitude followed by a compliment or a statement of affection
Summary
The concluding chapter encapsulates the analysis results and findings of the study, highlighting their significance for both English and Vietnamese readers as well as language learners It also addresses certain limitations of the research and offers recommendations for future studies.
This study examines the similarities and differences in expressions of gratitude between English and Vietnamese cultures It is grounded in the theory of speech acts, politeness strategies, and cross-cultural communication, drawing on existing linguistic research, books, and journals in both languages.
The main source of data for the analysis is provided by two major groups of participants: thirty-five native speakers of English who were born and bred in the
The research involved participants from the UK and thirty-eight Vietnamese native speakers residing in Vietnam A survey questionnaire, comprising seven questions, was utilized as the data collection instrument The questionnaires were distributed in both English and Vietnamese, reaching thirty native speakers of each language through electronic and direct methods.
The primary objective of this study is to explore the similarities and differences in expressions of gratitude between English and Vietnamese individuals The findings aim to validate the hypothesis and answer the research questions posed.
5.2 Main conclusion on the objectives
Based on survey data from English and Vietnamese respondents, this section presents an analysis of the similarities and differences in expressions of gratitude between the two cultures, leading to several key conclusions.