THESIS SYNTACTIC AND SEMANTIC FEATURES OF PROVERBS AND IDIOMS DENOTING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS IN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE Đặc điểm cấu trúc và ngữ nghĩa của các tục ngữ và thành ngữ có chứa
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
In response to globalization, Vietnam has undergone significant transformations across various sectors, including the economy, environment, and culture English, the world's most widely spoken language, plays a vital role in societal and technological advancement It serves not only as a key communication tool but also positively impacts many aspects of daily life Recognized as an essential foreign language, English is a core part of the curriculum in nearly all Vietnamese schools and universities However, mastering any language, including English, poses challenges, particularly in learning its numerous proverbs and idioms, which reflect cultural wisdom.
The differences between English and Vietnamese encompass various aspects such as phonetics, lexicology, translation, and grammar Metaphorical meanings in literature, idioms, and proverbs highlight both the similarities and contrasts between the two languages While the study of English idioms and proverbs is often associated with literature, they are also prevalent in everyday communication EFL students must understand the use of idioms and proverbs in daily speech to enhance their vocabulary and grasp innovative expressions when encountered.
Memorable proverbs and idioms are valuable tools for English language learners, offering both ease of learning and enjoyment, especially for those with limited vocabulary For older learners, these expressions provide familiarity and comfort in unfamiliar situations Proverbs and idioms vividly convey perspectives and are learned through various sources, including family, teachers, and literature They embody folk wisdom accumulated over time, reflecting universal human experiences that cross cultural and linguistic boundaries Incorporating proverbs and idioms into language instruction enriches learners' vocabulary while also imparting essential cultural knowledge inherent in these expressions.
Proverbs and idioms, shaped by generations through keen observation, serve as rich linguistic tools that encapsulate fundamental human experiences and cultural nuances Their condensed nature allows for diverse interpretations across time and contexts, making them fascinating elements of communication These expressions play a vital role in families and communities, preserving cultural traditions and conveying behavioral norms While numerous studies have examined the characteristics and significance of proverbs and idioms, most focus on them in a general sense, highlighting the need for more targeted research in language education.
This study focuses on proverbs and idioms related to family relationships, comparing them with their Vietnamese counterparts Proverbs and idioms enrich learners' understanding of language by highlighting its cultural significance and beauty The researcher aims for learners to effectively comprehend English proverbs and idioms, especially those that express family ties, which serves as a primary motivation for this research.
Aims and objectives
This study focuses on assisting English teachers and learners in mastering proverbs and idioms related to family relationships in both English and Vietnamese It emphasizes the syntactic and semantic aspects of these expressions to enhance the effectiveness of English language teaching and learning.
This study has three objectives as follows:
- To identify the syntactic and semantic features of proverbs and idioms denoting family relationship in English and Vietnamese
- To find out the similarities and differences between proverbs and idioms denoting family relationship in English and Vietnamese
- To provide some suggestions for teaching and learning the proverbs and idioms denoting family relationship in English and Vietnamese
Scope of research
In this research, the author expects to find out, analyze and contrast syntactic and semantic features of English and Vietnamese proverbs and idioms denoting the
3 family relationship In terms of proverbs, there were 26 Vietnamese and 34 English proverbs used for the analysis Accordingly, the number of Vietnamese and English idioms analyzed was 41 and 49 respectively.
Research questions
The research attempts to answer the following questions:
1 What are the syntactic and semantic features of proverbs denoting family relationship in English and Vietnamese?
2 What are the similarities and differences between proverbs and idioms denoting family relationship in English and Vietnamese?
Research methods
In this research, the author expects to find out, analyze and contrast syntactic and semantic features of English and Vietnamese proverbs and idioms relating the family relationship.
Structure of thesis
The present study consists of 5 chapters, in addition to the references:
Chapter 1: Introduction: presents rationale, aim and objectives of study, significance of the study, scope of the study, method of the study and organization of the study
Chapter 2: Literature review: displays the theoretical background on proverbs and idioms denoting family relationship in English and Vietnamese
Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion: gives a detailed presentation of data and detailed description of data analysis This focuses on presenting, analyzing and discussion the syntactic and semantic features of proverbs and idioms denoting family relationships in English and Vietnamese And then the comparison between English and Vietnamese denoting family relationships will be concluded
Chapter 5: Conclusion: is a review of the study and points out implications for the improvement, its limitations and suggestions for research In this research, the author expects
LITERATURE REVIEW
Previous studies
Idioms are a focal point for linguists globally, as they are essential for achieving fluency in both native and non-native English conversations In 1986, the Penguin Dictionary of English Idioms, authored by linguists Gulland, was published, providing a comprehensive collection of commonly used colloquial expressions in English Additionally, John Wright contributed to the field with his own book on the subject.
The "Idioms Organization" features a comprehensive list of idioms organized alphabetically by metaphor, subject, and keyword Esteemed references such as "The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms" by Ammer and "Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms" by Richards meticulously compile these idioms, providing clear English definitions and usage examples Linguists and educators in the field of linguistics should consider these resources essential for conducting research or analysis on idiomatic expressions.
Idioms have been analyzed through various linguistic theories, categorized into five main schools of thought They enrich language and enhance daily communication, adding color and depth Furthermore, idioms provide valuable insights into a country's culture, making them a captivating and universal aspect of all languages.
Fernando (1996) classifies English idioms into three categories based on cognitive perspectives: pure idioms, semi-idioms, and literal idioms Additionally, Taylor (2002) highlights the relationship between idioms and constructions, suggesting that both serve as symbolic units that connect phonological representations with their semantic meanings.
The connection between constructs and idioms lies in their schematic detail and usage range Constructs are often highly detailed and can accommodate various phrases, but their usage may not always be predictable due to differing levels of idiomaticity Idioms, which require less schematicity, are tied to specific phonological forms and conventional meanings in particular contexts It is rare for idioms to be completely unanalyzable in terms of their formal or semantic characteristics, suggesting that even idioms can fit into broader schemas.
Idioms can be classified into two main categories: encoding and decoding, as outlined by Makkai (1972) Within the decoding category, idioms are further divided into lexemic and semantic types Semantic idioms encompass six specific categories: phrasal verbs, tournures, irreversible binomials, phrasal compounds, incorporating verbs, and pseudo-idioms Additionally, Seidl and Mordie (1988) along with Cowie, Mackin, and McCaig categorize idioms based on their subjects and grammatical structures.
Fraser (1970) defines an idiom as a group of constituents whose meaning is not derived from the meanings of its individual parts, a concept rooted in transformational grammar He also identifies six levels of idioms: unconstrained, reconstitution, extraction, permutation, insertion, adjunction, and fully frozen.
In summary, English idioms are analyzed through various lenses, particularly focusing on grammar, semantics, rhetoric, and pragmatics Most scholars concentrate on two primary approaches: the first emphasizes structural characteristics to define idioms and their idiomaticity, while the second, adopted by idiomatologists, views idiomaticity as a reflection of the underlying conceptual framework of the language This latter approach delves into cognitive processes, offering psycholinguistic validity to the study of idioms.
Numerous overseas studies have explored English proverbs from a linguistic standpoint, highlighting their significance to scholars globally Various works delve into the discussion of proverbs, with Richard's (1861) "Proverbs and their teachings" offering an extensive examination of their origin, nature, distribution, meaning, and relevance.
The article discusses various works that explore proverbs and their implications in the English-speaking world Kerschen (2012) analyzes the portrayal of women in American proverbs, highlighting the persistence of conventional knowledge Martin's (2002) "The Fact on File Dictionary of Proverbs" offers comprehensive definitions of common proverbs organized alphabetically Additionally, Mieder's (2004) "Proverbs: A Handbook" provides an extensive comparative study of paremiology, specifically focusing on Anglo-American proverbs within the context of the English language.
Vietnamese idioms are a vital aspect of the language's lexicology, attracting significant research interest from linguists Hoàng Văn Hành (2004) conducted an in-depth analysis of the structural and semantic features of numerous Vietnamese idioms Furthermore, Nguyễn Như Ý, Nguyễn Văn Khang, and Mai Xuân Thành (2009) published a comprehensive dictionary of Vietnamese idioms, providing definitions and examples sourced from various publications Additionally, Nguyễn Lực and Lương Văn Đang (1978–2009) showcased a wide array of idioms and their variations in "Thành Ng Ting Vit," drawing from original materials in Vietnamese literature and media Nguyễn Lân (2005) also contributed by organizing idioms alphabetically and offering clear definitions.
In her 2001 research titled "Simile in English and Vietnamese - A Contrastive Analysis," Lê Thi Thu Hà conducts a comparative study of similes in both languages, examining their conceptualization, formulation, cultural significance, syntactic roles, and categorization The study also highlights common errors made by Vietnamese speakers when using English similes and provides solutions and recommendations for translating similes from English to Vietnamese.
Accordingly, Hoàng Văn Hành conducted research on Vietnamese idioms
In 2004, renowned Vietnamese linguist Hoàng Văn Hành dedicated significant time and effort to a comprehensive study of Vietnamese idioms This research explored various aspects, including the purposes, goals, tasks, and issues related to idiomatic expressions The author analyzed idioms from multiple perspectives, encompassing synchronic and diachronic approaches, structural and functional analyses, as well as cultural considerations.
7 social, and psychological The study also provided a systematic collection of three different kinds of Vietnamese idioms
Trịnh Thị Thu Trang (2006) explored comparative idioms from a cultural perspective, analyzing English and Vietnamese idioms Her research revealed both similarities and differences in the approaches and motivations of speakers from these two languages.
In her 2011 study, Trần Ngọc Quế Châu explored the semantic and syntactic features of idioms related to family relationships in English and Vietnamese using a contrastive approach The analysis revealed that idioms in both languages can be categorized into phrasal structures, including noun phrases, verb phrases, adjective phrases, and prepositional phrases, while also highlighting comparative structures The study systematically listed English idioms followed by their Vietnamese counterparts to identify similarities and differences Semantically, the idioms express meanings through devices such as metaphor, metonymy, hyperbole, and symmetry, with a focus on describing events and phenomena Additionally, the research examined semantic fields across six key aspects: husbands and wives, parents and children, siblings, other relationships, home and house, and family lifestyles.
An overview of syntax and semantics
According to Nordquist (2020), "syntax" in linguistics refers to the principles that control how words combine to form phrases, clauses, and sentences The term
"syntax" is derived from the Greek word for "arrange together." The term can also refer to the study of a language's syntactic features
Effective syntax is characterized by subject-verb agreement, appropriate word selection, and the correct arrangement of phrases A common language facilitates the expression of ideas and mutual understanding, while syntax serves as a framework that ensures everyone adheres to the same grammatical rules for clear and efficient communication (Nordquist, 2020).
Miller (2008) emphasized the importance of syntax as a fundamental aspect of grammar, which helps individuals construct questions with question words, position adjectives before nouns, and arrange subjects before verbs in declarative sentences Additionally, it highlights the structure of prepositional phrases starting with prepositions and the placement of helping verbs before main verbs.
Aitchison (2001) highlights that English parts of speech follow specific ordering patterns in sentences and clauses, such as using conjunctions (and, but, or) to join compound sentences and arranging multiple adjectives by class (e.g., number-size-color, as in "six small green chairs") These word order guidelines enhance the coherence and logic of the language.
In most cases, a sentence begins with a subject, then a predicate (or simply a verb in the simplest phrases), and then ends with either an object or a complement
The sentence structure in English typically follows a subject-verb-object order, as illustrated by the example "Beth slowly ran the race in crazy, multicolored flip-flops." In this sentence, adjectives and adverbs modify the noun and verb they precede, such as "slowly" modifying "ran" and "crazy, multicolored" describing "flip-flops." Additionally, the prepositional phrase "in crazy, multicolored flip-flops" starts with the preposition "in," followed by the object "the race" after the verb "ran."
3) Syntax vs Diction and Formal vs Informal
Miller (2008) explains that syntax involves the arrangement of words in spoken or written phrases, while diction pertains to the style of communication shaped by word choice For instance, academic journal articles and college lectures exemplify formal writing with elevated diction, whereas texting and casual conversations among friends reflect a simpler, more relaxed diction The differences in language use arise not from the historical development of written languages, such as English or Chinese, by a limited group, but rather from the perception that spoken languages are less sophisticated than their written counterparts (Miller, 2008).
Formal writing and speeches often utilize specialized language and longer phrases tailored for a specific audience, contrasting with the varied backgrounds of a general audience In spoken language, grammar rules are more relaxed, and word choice is less precise compared to formal writing Additionally, English syntax is notably more flexible than that of many other languages (Copeland, 2009).
There are various types of sentences and syntactic structures, including simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences (Fatchul, 2008) Compound sentences consist of two clauses of equal length connected by a conjunction (Haegeman, 2004) Complex sentences contain dependent clauses, while compound-complex sentences include both dependent and independent clauses (Evans & Sasse, 2002).
Simple sentence structure: subject-verb agreement "She went to school."
The basic components of a compound sentence are as follows: subject, verb, object, conjunction, subject, and verb "She graduated from the university, and his husband did, too.‖
Complex sentence structure: dependent clause-subject-verb-object ("Despite the researcher’s efforts, there are still some limitations in the current study.")
A compound-complex sentence consists of four clauses, including both dependent and independent structures For example, "Although they didn't like crowds, they determined that this was different because of the same aim that had brought everyone together."
Semantics, as defined by Frawley (2013), pertains to the meaning of statements, which can drastically change without proper semantics and grammatical structure Linguists categorize semantics into various fields, such as lexical semantics, which focuses on word meanings and their interrelations, and conceptual semantics, which examines how language users understand and acquire meaning Understanding semantics is crucial for enhancing document comprehension, individual reading skills, and effective interpersonal communication.
2) Semantics Meanings: Formal, Lexical, and Conceptual
The study of semantic meaning in linguistics can be approached at various levels, as noted by Tyler et al (2011) The field of semantics is primarily divided into three key subfields: formal semantics, lexical semantics, and conceptual semantics.
Formal semantics is a philosophical and mathematical exploration of the relationship between words and their meanings, focusing on the truthfulness of utterances and the methods to determine that truth This subfield prioritizes the modeling of potential language utterances over real-world interpretations, analyzing these models to uncover semantic connections Typically, the study of formal semantics is integrated within the broader field of linguistics, which is considered more traditional.
Kearns (2017) highlights that discussions about semantics often focus on lexical semantics, which involves the study of individual word meanings This field examines how literary devices, such as metaphors, can influence the interpretation of words and phrases Key aspects of lexical semantics include context, which provides specific meanings based on surrounding material, and subtlety, which encompasses the various shades of meaning inherent in a word.
Conceptual semantics, as defined by Kimball (2019), focuses on the dictionary definitions of terms prior to any contextual influence It explores the associations between specific words and ideas, the criteria for determining word meanings, and the evolution of these meanings over time In linguistics, a word that represents a concept is referred to as a sign, making conceptual semantics particularly relevant for the study of signs.
3) Semantics Types: Connotation vs Denotation
In semantics, figurative definitions hold equal importance to dictionary definitions, with connotation and denotation being key concepts (Enfield, 2013) Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a term, which is what people typically consider when discussing its definition (Xu & Wang, 2017).
"mansion" for a moment A massive mansion that is often striking in its scale is what the word connotes when used in this context
Connotation encompasses the metaphorical meanings and additional layers of significance that individuals associate with a word, extending beyond its dictionary definition (Xu & Wang, 2017) For instance, the term "mansion" may evoke notions of luxury and wealth for many.
"The apartment only had two bedrooms, but it was a mansion compared to their old place," they said, referring to their current home In certain other settings, the word
"mansion" could imply that the building is haunted, dilapidated, or overgrown with vegetation
When studying semantics, it is essential to take into account both the denotation and the connotation of a word in order to obtain a comprehensive
13 understanding of what a word means, both independently and in relation to its surroundings
2.2.3 Relation between syntactics and semantic
An overview of proverbs
Speakers use proverbs for various reasons, including as a subtle means of communication and to support a weaker perspective in discussions by referencing traditional customs Additionally, proverbs can enhance the liveliness of a conversation In many cultures, the use of proverbs is regarded as a hallmark of a skilled orator.
Proverbial study offers valuable insights across various professions, extending beyond folklore and literature researchers Academics from diverse fields utilize proverbs to enhance their research on topics such as children's abstract thinking, immigrant acculturation, IQ, mental illness, and cultural issues Additionally, social workers, educators, preachers, and politicians incorporate proverbs into their lesson plans, demonstrating their practical application in teaching and communication.
Both in English and Vietnamese, proverbs have a wide variety of definitions
An English proverb is defined as "a well-known phrase or sentence that conveys the truth or offers counsel" in Oxford Dictionary (2008) In contrast, Mieder (2004, p
3) states that ―a proverb is a brief, commonly understood sentence of the folk that incorporates wisdom, truth, morals, and traditional ideas in a metaphorical, fixed, and memorizable form and that is handed down from generation to generation‖ A proverb is also a phrase that typically reflects a general truth about life, according to Martin (2002, p 9)
Proverbs have garnered significant attention from both international and Vietnamese scholars Mã Giang Lân (2012) defines proverbs as complete sentences that convey their full meaning, offering insights into psychology, criticism, advice, or experiences related to nature and society Similarly, Vũ Ngọc Phan (2010) describes proverbs as sentences that encapsulate a complete idea, comment, experience, moral, or critique In essence, proverbs serve as concise expressions of wisdom and cultural narratives.
Proverbs are concise, often rhythmic expressions that encapsulate the knowledge, life experiences, and moral principles of a community.
Proverbs can be characterized in various ways, but Mieder's definition is particularly relevant to current research He describes a proverb as "a brief, generally known utterance of the people that incorporates wisdom, truth, morals, and customary beliefs in a metaphorical, fixed, and memorizable form." These expressions of wisdom are traditionally passed down through generations.
Proverbs have largely remained unchanged throughout history, and understanding their metaphorical language is crucial for accurate interpretation Common proverbs like "don't count your chickens before they've hatched," "don't throw the baby out with the bathwater," and "a stitch in time saves nine" may not reflect our daily activities, yet they hold significant meaning Additionally, proverbs often employ grammatical and theoretical devices such as alliteration, rhyming, parallelism, repetition, and vivid imagery to enhance their memorability.
Different academics have come up with a variety of classification systems for proverbs to fit into The first classification is one that was presented by Mieder
In 2004, research was conducted on proverbs from the Oxford Dictionary of English Proverbs, leading to a new classification system This system focuses on the factual aspects of proverbs, categorizing them based on the type of figurative language they use Five distinct types of figurative proverbs were identified: synecdoche, metaphoric, metonymic, hyperbolic, and paradoxical Notably, Mieder (2004) emphasizes that proverbs possess figurative meanings that differ from their literal interpretations.
Proverbs often illustrate a relationship between literal and figurative meanings, exemplified by phrases like "the early bird catches the worm," "make hay while the sun shines," and "fair words break no bones." In these cases, the literal interpretation diverges significantly from the standard proverbial interpretation, highlighting the depth of their meanings (Mieder, 2004).
In metaphoric proverbs, a nominal transforms into a metaphor through its interaction with other elements of the proverb, or it symbolizes a specific characteristic attribute (Mieder, 2004) For instance, the proverb "Favor will as surely perish as life" illustrates the first type, while "Fair play is a jewel" exemplifies the second.
Metonymic proverbs establish a connection between a literal term and its intended meaning (Mieder, 2004) For instance, the proverb "who has a fair wife needs more than two eyes" uses "eyes" to represent "sight," highlighting the deeper implications of perception in relationships.
Hyperbole, as noted by Mieder (2004, p 9), is a significant rhetorical figure, comparable to synecdoche, metaphor, and metonymy It serves as a form of amplification, expressing more than what is necessary A prime example of this is the proverb "faint heart never won fair lady," which exemplifies hyperbole through the use of the word "never."
Paradoxical proverbs are those that contain contradictions or interpretations leading to logical inconsistencies (Mieder, 2004) These proverbs often possess a "second interpretation." For instance, the proverb "fair is not fair, but that which pleases" presents a clear logical contradiction in its first clause Similarly, the saying "a man's house is heaven and hell as well" exemplifies a paradoxical proverb.
The second categorization of proverbs was established by Norrick (2011) with three types of proverbs, including:
1) Universal proverbs - on comparing proverbs of culturally unrelated parts of the world, one finds several ones having not only the same basic idea but the form of expression, i.e the wording is also identical or very
17 similar These are mainly simple expression of simple observations became proverbs in every language
2) Regional proverbs – in culturally related regions – on the pattern of loan-words – many loan-proverbs appear besides the indigenous ones A considerable part ot them can be traced back to the classical literature of the region’s past, in Europe the Greco-Roman classics, and in the Far East to the Sanskrit and Korean classics
An overview of idioms
Words have distinct meanings and can appear in expressions or groupings, with idioms being among the most commonly used Before studying idioms, it's essential to define what they are, as providing a clear and universally accepted definition can be challenging Some scholars focus on the structure of idioms, considering the number of grammatical components involved, while others emphasize their unique meanings, suggesting that idioms cannot be simplified Different perspectives on idioms highlight the need for thorough research to gain a comprehensive understanding Mastering a language requires familiarity with its idioms, which are crucial for effective communication.
Many linguists, such as Robins (1989) and Palmer (1981), view idioms as a specialized type of collocation Unlike collocations, which consist of lexical items that frequently occur together and retain individual meanings, idioms cannot be understood by analyzing their individual components According to the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, an idiom is defined as "a phrase or sentence whose meaning is not evident from the meaning of its component words and which must be mastered as a full unit." Seidl and Mordie (1988) further emphasize that idioms represent a unique linguistic phenomenon.
Idioms are collections of phrases that convey meanings distinct from the individual words when considered alone Both authors agree on this concept For instance, the idiom "kick the bucket" signifies "die," but the meanings of "kick" and "bucket" do not reveal this interpretation This phrase is formally identical to "kick the bucket," where its meaning cannot be deduced from the individual lexemes, which literally describe hitting a specific type of container with one's foot.
According to Hoàng Văn Hành (2008, p.31), an idiom is a stable group of words that maintains a firm structure and metaphorical meaning, commonly used in everyday conversation The fixed qualities of an idiom can be identified through two key aspects: first, the literal translation of an idiom remains unchanged, indicating that its components do not alter in usage; second, the fixed structure of an idiom is demonstrated by the consistent order of its components.
An idiom is commonly defined as a predetermined phrase whose meaning cannot be inferred from the individual words it contains Most linguists concur on this definition, highlighting the unique nature of idiomatic expressions in language.
Idioms are unique phrases that reflect the culture and values of specific communities, making them both vivid and thought-provoking They consist of preset expressions that cannot be easily understood through their literal meanings Generally, idioms can be categorized as catchphrases, slang, proverbs, colloquialisms, and other forms of terminology, showcasing their diverse interpretations within society.
English scholars have faced significant challenges in classifying idiomatic expressions, leading to various grouping methods These classifications include categorizing idioms based on their grammatical type, such as verb-adverb idioms, or by the specific concept or emotion they convey.
The idiom "bite the dust" is categorized under expressions of failure or death, while "weak at the knees" falls under the category of body parts, highlighting the significance of imagery in idiomatic expressions (Lattey, 1986).
Fernando (1996) highlights the significant role of idioms in the English language, which appear in various forms including proverbs, similes, dead metaphors, allusions, slang, social formulas, and collocations Ghazala (2003) further categorizes idioms into five key types: 1) full/pure idioms, 2) semi-idioms, 3) proverbs and popular sayings, 4) phrasal verbs, and 5) metaphorical catchphrases and popular expressions.
Palmer (1976) also makes three classifications of the idiom, including:
A phrasal verb is formed by the combination of a verb and an adverb, creating a fixed term established through repeated use in various contexts This type of idiom is referred to as a fixed collocation, with examples such as "put down," "give in," and "make up." Often, the meaning of a phrasal verb differs from that of its individual components, and there are instances where a single verb can convey a similar meaning, such as "invent," "yield," or "quell" (Palmer, 1976).
Prepositional verbs, like "look after" and "go for," combine a verb with a preposition Additionally, there are phrases that include a verb, adverb, and preposition, such as "put up with," meaning "tolerate," and "get rid of," which means "murder." These expressions are not fixed collocations and cannot stand alone; they require a complete sentence to convey their meaning (Palmer, 1976).
Partial idioms are two-word phrases where one word retains its standard meaning while the other has a unique interpretation within the sequence For instance, "red hair" refers to hair that isn't strictly red According to Palmer, distinguishing between idioms and non-idioms often depends on the degree of opacity Additionally, identifying whether a word or phrase is opaque can be quite difficult, as seen in expressions like "kick the bucket" and "red herring."
24 directly translated into French or German could, potentially, be considered idioms under the definition of non-equivalence in other languages (Palmer, 1976)
Vietnamese idioms are categorized by Nguyễn Lực and Lương Văn Đang
(1978) based on the quantity of words that make up each idiom as well as the structures of the idioms:
1) Idioms with three single words or more: ―bạn nối khố‖, ―bở hơi tai‖, ―treo đầu dê bán thịt chó‖, ―trẻ không tha già không thương‖, etc
2) Idioms with a single word and a compound word: ―bé hạt tiêu‖, ―câm miệng hến‖, ―có máu mặt‖, etc
3) Idioms with two compound words: ―buôn gian bán lận‖, ―nhắm mắt xuôi tay‖, ―năm xung tháng hạn‖, etc
4) Idioms as simple sentences: ―châu chấu đá xe‖, ―êch ngồi đáy giếng‖,
―mèo mù vớ cá rán‖, etc
5) Idioms with alliterations or compound words: ―hì hà hì hục‖, ―lảm nhảm lảm nhàm‖, ―ăn bớt ăn xén‖, etc
6) Idioms with symmetrical comparisons: ―nát như tương‖, ―đen như mực‖,
―nặng như chì‖, ―nguây nguẩy như mẹ quẩy tôm‖, etc
7) Idioms with summary comparisons: ―như cá gặp nước‖, ―như đỉa phải vôi‖, ―như nước đổ đầu vịt‖, etc
1) Syntactic and Semantic Features of English Idioms
Idioms are typically fixed expressions that do not allow for alterations in structure, word order, or vocabulary For example, the idiom "black and blue" effectively describes bruising, while reversing the order to "blue and black" creates an odd impression Additionally, idioms often resist conversion to passive voice; for instance, using "to stuff one's face" in a sentence makes it awkward to say that her face is loaded with chocolates due to her eating habits.
Some idioms are flexible and can be modified while still preserving their idiomatic meaning, indicating that only certain components are fixed Altering specific words in an idiom can lead to a phrase that retains the same or conveys a different meaning This approach is often employed in media, where the full form of the idiom is not always used.
To enhance the vividness of your writing, especially in articles, consider incorporating additional elements Modifying the tense of verbs in idioms can be particularly effective; for instance, transforming "give someone the cold shoulder" or "have one's finger" into "to obtain one's finger" adds depth and clarity to your expressions.
The distinction between idioms and proverbs
According to Riemer (2010), proverbs are complete statements with a solid structure, such as "where there's a will, there's a way," conveying comprehensive information despite their concise form In contrast, idioms are phrases that lack syntactic independence and require contextual changes to express their full meaning The distinction between proverbs and idioms lies in their form, structure, and function, with idioms being contemporary expressions that cannot be understood by analyzing their individual components Thus, idioms must be used in their entirety to effectively communicate meaning.
Đặng Nguyên Giang (2014) characterizes Vietnamese proverbs as a form of folklore that embodies a complete literary work, serving essential literary functions such as perception, beauty, and instruction In contrast, idioms are merely a subset of language that cannot convey a concept independently, akin to a single word Consequently, idioms lack the comprehensive functions of proverbs and are often employed to enhance the expressive power of statements.
Using the table below, Nguyễn Thu Hiền (2014) has tried a more exact distinction between the two
Table 2.1 Distinctive features of proverbs and idioms (Nguyễn Thu Hiền,
Proverbs and idioms denoting family relationships
In linguistics, family idioms are commonly found in everyday conversations, literature, newspapers, and films These idioms reflect kinship relationships, encompassing terms related to fathers, mothers, siblings, spouses, and other familial connections across generations.
In Vietnamese, idioms related to family highlight the roles and relationships among family members, including fathers, mothers, and children Examples of these idioms include "mất cha còn chú," which reflects the importance of extended family support, "cha sinh mẹ dưỡng," emphasizing the nurturing roles of parents, and "con có mẹ như măng ấp hẹ," illustrating the protective nature of a mother Additionally, "con bế con bồng" signifies the close bond between parents and their children.
Vietnamese idioms such as "hiền con thảo" and "có nếp có tẻ" highlight the significance of parental roles and cultural values surrounding child-rearing Additionally, expressions reflecting the dynamics between spouses, like "của chồng công vợ" and "chồng hoà vợ thuận," emphasize familial relationships Similarly, English idioms such as "like father, like son" and "two peas in a pod" convey the importance of family ties and connections.
Proverbs that express emotional connections within families are known as proverbs denoting family relationships These proverbs exist in both Vietnamese and English, illustrating the universal nature of familial bonds An example of such a proverb is "Vợ chồng như đũa có đôi," which highlights the importance of unity in marriage.
Vietnamese proverbs such as "Harmony among siblings brings fortune to the family" and "Sisters-in-law are like water" highlight the importance of family relationships Similarly, English sayings like "As is the father, so is the son" and "The family that prays together stays together" emphasize the significance of familial bonds and shared values.
METHODOLOGY
Research orientations
The study attempts to answer the following questions:
1 What are the syntactic and semantic features of proverbs denoting family relationship in English and Vietnamese?
2 What are the similarities and differences between proverbs and idioms denoting family relationship in English and Vietnamese?
This article compiles idioms and proverbs that describe family relationships in both English and Vietnamese, sourced from dictionaries, publications, and dedicated online resources The selected expressions were carefully read, chosen, and organized based on their literal and symbolic meanings To facilitate research, all collected idioms and proverbs are arranged in alphabetical order, ensuring a more efficient selection process for investigation.
The thesis integrates both quantitative and qualitative research methods, utilizing resources such as books, dictionaries, and the Internet It involves the simultaneous collection of examples from online and printed sources, with a focus on qualitatively describing, analyzing, and presenting data in terms of syntactic and semantic aspects To ensure the accurate collection of proverbs and idioms in English and Vietnamese, specific keywords were employed during the research process.
The study focused on the collection of family-related keywords in both English and Vietnamese, including terms such as "family," "man," "woman," and "children" in English, and "gia đình," "bố," "mẹ," and "trẻ con" in Vietnamese A total of 61 proverbs (26 Vietnamese and 34 English) and 90 idioms (41 Vietnamese and 49 English) were selected for analysis The findings highlight the implications for teaching and learning family-related idioms and proverbs in both languages.
Research methods
3.2.1 Major methods vs supporting methods
This study analyzes the syntactic and semantic features of proverbs and idioms related to familial relationships in English and Vietnamese It employs descriptive, comparative, and quantitative methods to explore how these characteristics can be effectively taught, learned, and translated By examining examples from various sources, including reference books and online materials, the research provides an in-depth characterization of these linguistic elements The comparative approach highlights similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese expressions of family ties, ultimately offering insights into their syntactic and semantic properties.
In conclusion, this article analyzes the syntactic and semantic features of idioms and proverbs through a descriptive approach, utilizing reliable dictionaries and texts By comparing Vietnamese counterparts, a comparative and quantitative method reveals the similarities and differences in the use of proverbs and idioms related to family relationships Key findings are derived from statistical and observational methods.
I collected data from various dictionaries, books, and idiom websites to explore proverbs and idioms related to family relationships in both English and Vietnamese To facilitate the selection process for analysis, I organized these expressions alphabetically in both languages The following outlines the specific techniques used for data collection.
• Gathering proverbs and idioms referring to family relationships in English and Vietnamese from various sources
• Choosing family-related proverbs and idioms in English and Vietnamese alphabetical order
This study employs a contrastive approach to analyze data from both English and Vietnamese, focusing on semantic and syntactic perspectives It begins with the collection of quantitative data regarding the number of proverbs and idioms in each language The analysis then shifts to qualitative data, examining the syntactic features of idioms and proverbs related to family relationships, including aspects such as conciseness, symmetry, and various sentence structures Following this, the semantic features are explored, addressing attitudes towards women, husband-wife dynamics, parent-child relationships, sibling interactions, and hyperbole Each section concludes with a comparison highlighting the similarities and differences in the syntactic and semantic characteristics of family-related idioms and proverbs in both languages.