INTRODUCTION
Rationale for the study
English serves as the official language in 53 countries and is spoken by approximately 400 million people worldwide It plays a crucial role in global diplomacy and is the official language of major organizations such as the European Union, the United Nations, and NATO With an estimated 1.5 billion English speakers globally and around one billion individuals currently learning the language, the advantages of studying English surpass those of any other language, according to ETS Global.
English is widely spoken globally, including in Vietnam, making it essential for students and job seekers to obtain certificates from recognized tests like TOEIC and IELTS Despite its importance, many Vietnamese learners struggle to master the language due to various challenges, one of which is the difficulty in understanding and correctly using idioms in appropriate contexts.
This study explores English idioms related to "love" and their Vietnamese equivalents, aiming to assist English learners in Vietnam in using the language more flexibly.
As I mentioned above, English has become a common language all over the world However, to achieve effective communication, it is required that Vietnamese and foreign students are not only proficient in the English language, but also know how to "say a little but make more sense" Therefore, the problem of idioms in English is always an important issue in both theory and practice because idioms are always difficult but inspirational for creativity associated with different functions and meanings
Idioms play a crucial role in language, reflecting the evolution of human communication over time These expressions are not meant to be taken literally; instead, they convey deeper meanings through metaphorical language Their vivid nature allows speakers and writers to effectively express their thoughts and emotions regarding various subjects.
Idioms serve as a vital cultural language unit, deeply intertwined with our daily lives and prevalent in both everyday conversation and literature By studying idioms, learners gain insights into not only the syntax and semantics of language but also the rich culture and customs of the country from which they originate.
Idioms play a crucial role in the vocabulary of every language, reflecting the unique cultural nuances of each nation As languages evolve, new idioms emerge, mirroring the changes in social life However, non-native English speakers often struggle with understanding and using idioms, particularly those related to "love," due to significant differences between English and Vietnamese expressions.
Love is the most beautiful and noble emotion in the human heart, serving as a powerful expression of relationships It acts as a source of strength that initiates, forms, and preserves true values in life Without love, life becomes bland and devoid of meaning.
For this reason, I choose the topic “A sudy of English idioms relating to
The research topic for my graduation thesis focuses on the concept of "love" and its Vietnamese equivalent Through this study, I aim to assist language learners in effectively understanding and using idioms, particularly those related to the theme of "love."
Aims and objectives of the study
This study investigates the syntactic and semantic attributes of English idioms related to love, comparing them with their Vietnamese equivalents It highlights the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese love idioms The findings aim to support English learners in their studies, teaching, and translation efforts, while also providing solutions to help them effectively use idioms in both languages.
This article aims to analyze and explain the similarities and differences in expressions of love between couples as reflected in English and Vietnamese idioms Additionally, it seeks to identify the factors contributing to these similarities and differences.
- To identify and describe syntactic, and semantic features of English and Vietnamese idioms relating to “love”
- To motivate, encourage and submit certain solutions which could assist English learners to apply and use both English and Vietnamese idioms correctly.
Research questions (in form of questions)
The study attempts to answer the following questions:
- What are syntactic and semantic features of English and Vietnamese idioms relating “love”?
- What are similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms relating to “love” in terms of syntax and semantics?
Scope of the study
This study was restricted to English and Vietnamese idioms relating to
“love” The thesis focuses mainly on selecting and analyzing the idioms in both
This study explores the syntactic, stylistic, and semantic features of idioms related to "love" in four languages It focuses on key syntactic characteristics, particularly phrase structure, and conducts a comparative analysis of love idioms in English and Vietnamese to examine their semantic aspects.
Significance of the study
The question is, why do you choose English out of nearly 600 languages?
English, the third most spoken language globally, is taught in over 118 countries and serves as a key trade and diplomatic language It plays a crucial role in fields such as science, aviation, computers, diplomacy, and tourism Additionally, English is the primary language for international communication, media, and the internet.
Meeting someone from another country often means you can both communicate in English, which opens doors to global interactions English serves as a bridge to connect with people worldwide Additionally, idioms provide a clear and straightforward way to communicate, while also offering insights into the culture, customs, and practices of different nations.
This study aims to analyze English idioms related to "love" and their Vietnamese counterparts, focusing on their syntactic and semantic features The findings will provide English users in Vietnam with valuable insights and suggestions for the correct and flexible use of these idioms.
Design of the study
Apart from abstracts, references & appendices, this thesis clearly designed into three parts:
• Part 1 is the Introduction for the study with presenting the rationale, aim, objective, scope, significance and structural organization of the thesis
• Part 2 is Development with three chapters:
- Chapter 1 is Literature Review which generally analyze the theoretical background of the study as well as the definition of the concept of idiom and love
- Chapter 2 is Methodology of the study which are discussed to explain
- Chapter 3 is Findings and discussion where individual’s opinions of me are demonstrated to support the concept of love idioms
• Part 3 is Conclusion with the overview about the result of the report and suggestions of solution for further research
Finally, references are respectably noted in the end of the study
DEVELOPMENT
In English, there are many famous linguists such as Ferdinand de Saussure (1857 - 1913); Roman Jacobson; Edward Sapir (1884 – 1939); Paul Grice (1913 – 1988); Noam Chomsky(1928);…
In Vietnamese, idioms have been also an interesting field for linguists They are: Cao Văn Hạo, GS Hoàng Thị Châu, Nguyễn Văn Khang, Mai Xuân Thành and so on
At the University of Da Nang, numerous research papers explore different facets of idioms, including works by authors such as Nguyễn Thị Mộng Cầm, Nguyễn Hoàng Trà My (2011), and Nguyễn Thị Phương Thu (2008).
In her 2012 work, "An Investigation into English and Vietnamese Idioms Related to Love and Marriage," NGUYỄN THỊ MỘNG CẦM highlights that idioms reflect specific cultural traditions and embody national character She notes that idioms can be perplexing, as their collective meaning often bears little resemblance to the individual meanings of the words involved (page 3) The insights from this research have significantly informed my paper.
According to Hornby (1995, p 589), idioms are phrases or sentences whose meanings cannot be deduced from the individual words, and they must be learned as complete units.
In Vietnamese, Hoàng Văn Hành [37, p.25] defined that “idioms are set expressions which are stable in morph _ structure, complete and figurative in meaning, used widely in daily communication.”
LITERATURE REVIEW
Review of the previous studies (At home & abroad)
In English, there are many famous linguists such as Ferdinand de Saussure (1857 - 1913); Roman Jacobson; Edward Sapir (1884 – 1939); Paul Grice (1913 – 1988); Noam Chomsky(1928);…
In Vietnamese, idioms have been also an interesting field for linguists They are: Cao Văn Hạo, GS Hoàng Thị Châu, Nguyễn Văn Khang, Mai Xuân Thành and so on
The University of Da Nang has produced several research papers exploring various aspects of idioms, including works by Nguyễn Thị Mộng Cầm, Nguyễn Hoàng Trà My (2011), and Nguyễn Thị Phương Thu (2008).
In her 2012 work, "An Investigation into English and Vietnamese Idioms Related to Love and Marriage," NGUYỄN THỊ MỘNG CẦM highlights that idioms reflect specific cultural traditions and embody national character She notes that idioms can be perplexing, as the collective meaning often diverges significantly from the individual meanings of the words (page 3) The insights gained from this research have greatly informed my paper.
According to Hornby (1995, p 589), idioms are phrases or sentences whose meanings cannot be deduced from the individual words, and they must be learned as complete units.
In Vietnamese, Hoàng Văn Hành [37, p.25] defined that “idioms are set expressions which are stable in morph _ structure, complete and figurative in meaning, used widely in daily communication.”
Grains and Redman [1986, p.45] and Amelia [2000, p.37] have considered semantic opacity or semantic ambiguity as one of the salient features of idioms
Greenbaum (2002) defined “the technical term phrase is used even if there is only one word _ the main word alone”
“The typical structure of the verb phrase consists of a main verb preceded optionally by a maximum of four auxiliary verbs The four belong to different subclasses of auxiliaries.” [27, p.53]
“The main word in an adverb phrase is an adverb They may be preceded by premodifiers and (less commonly) followed by post modifier.”[28, p.69]
Research indicates that Vietnamese idioms are a distinctive linguistic unit, playing a crucial role in the vocabulary of the language They serve as a valuable resource for preserving cultural knowledge and reflect the socio-cultural characteristics of the nation Consequently, idioms attract significant interest from linguists and researchers in the social sciences and humanities, highlighting their importance in cultural studies.
Idioms represent a unique aspect of every language, showcasing distinct structural, morphological, and semantic features Their significance extends beyond language mechanics, as they effectively convey the cultural and cognitive traits of the nation that uses them As a reflection of thought, idioms encapsulate the profound impressions of each ethnic group's mindset.
In Chinese, the Han Chinese were very interested in idioms soon Duong
According to Tu Tran [142], the concept of idioms has been documented in literature since the Zhou dynasty The earliest known research on Chinese idioms can be traced back to the 1915 publication "From the Era" [132] (p.27).
Review of theoretical background
1.2.1 Statement of theoretical framework chosen
Idioms are shaped by experiences and phenomena passed down through generations They help learners grasp not only the syntax and semantics of language but also gain insights into the culture and customs of a country.
Idioms serve as cultural linguistic units that reflect our daily lives and are prevalent in both speech and literature However, their unique characteristics and meanings across different regions can pose challenges for English learners, creating barriers that hinder effective communication and the translation of English idioms into Vietnamese and vice versa.
Love is a fundamental human emotion that, while difficult to define, is vividly conveyed through idioms These expressions are prevalent in various forms of language, from poetry to everyday conversations, highlighting the significance of love in our communication This is why I have chosen to explore this topic.
Semantics, originating from the French word "sémantique" and introduced by Michel Bréal in 1883, focuses on the psychology of language It stems from the Greek term "semantikos," meaning "signify," and is concerned with the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences Every language serves as a medium for expressing meaningful ideas, and semantics systematically explores how these meanings are conveyed The structure of a language reflects the meanings that reside in our minds, facilitating effective communication of ideas.
Semantics is the study of meaning in language, encompassing both written and spoken forms It represents a level of linguistic analysis focused on understanding meaning, which is inherently abstract and cannot be directly observed like sounds This field is closely tied to human logical thinking and comprehension According to the Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics by Jack C Richards and Richard Schmidt, semantics plays a crucial role in how meanings are expressed and understood.
The study of meaning in language encompasses various approaches, as highlighted by David Crystal in "A Dictionary of Linguistics and Phonetics," which describes it as a major branch of linguistics focused on meaning Martin Gray's "A Dictionary of Literary Terms" further elaborates on this by examining how words convey their meanings and how these meanings evolve over time Additionally, theories of semantics, particularly from a structuralist perspective, explore both word meaning and sentence meaning.
There are many theories of semantics which has been studied and analyzed for centuries and they could generally classified into three basic concepts:
Model-theoretic semantics is a specialized form of truth-conditional semantics where the truth-values of sentences are determined by abstract objects known as models These models are mathematical structures that interpret the non-logical lexical expressions of a language and establish the truth-values of its declarative sentences Initially developed for the semantic analysis of mathematical logic, model-theoretic semantics has gained prominence in linguistic semantics, largely due to Richard Montague’s influential work highlighting the parallels between formal and natural languages.
Truth-conditional semantics is a theory that focuses on the relationship between language and the world, emphasizing that language describes states of affairs rather than the mind According to this theory, a speaker's semantic competence is defined by their understanding of the conditions under which a sentence would be true in the world (Robyn Carston, John Benjamins Publishing Company).
Lexical semantics focuses on the study of word meaning, examining both the internal semantic structure of words and the semantic relationships within vocabulary Key phenomena include polysemy, metonymy, metaphor, and prototypicality, while dominant topics encompass lexical fields, lexical relations, and conceptual metaphors The evolution of theoretical approaches in lexical semantics has transitioned from prestructuralist historical semantics to structuralist semantics and cognitive semantics, each contributing uniquely to the understanding of word meaning through different perspectives, whether system-oriented or usage-oriented.
Syntax in linguistics refers to the rules and principles that dictate sentence structure, including word order, within a language It encompasses the study of these rules and aims to identify the common syntactic principles shared across different languages.
Syntax, derived from the Ancient Greek word σύνταξις meaning "coordination," combines the elements of "together" (σύν) and "an ordering" (τάξις) In linguistics, syntax refers to the set of rules and standards that govern the structure of sentences in a language, particularly the arrangement of words.
Human brain processing directly influences language, leading to the idea that "there is a single, most natural way to express a thought" (Antoine, 1660) However, this notion was challenged in the nineteenth century by the rise of linguistics and progressive language theorists, who argued that this perspective is inaccurate due to the impact of both internal and external environments on human thought Consequently, the rationale for examining the structure of language has been called into question (Bickerton, 1990).
In the late twentieth century, language specialists refined contemporary theories of grammar, notably through Noam Chomsky's influential work on "generative grammar." This framework posits that "language is a construct of the human mind," serving as a foundational theory for the study and analysis of grammar.
“syntax is based upon the component structure of sentences”, following the idea that syntax absolutely focus on the arrangement of a sentence more than its communication purpose (Chomsky, 2002).
Overview of idioms
Idioms have long captivated linguists, and recent trends in English lexical studies have shed new light on these complex multi-word expressions with often unpredictable meanings Even etymologists struggle to provide a comprehensive definition for the term "idiom."
An idiom is a unique expression in a language whose meaning cannot be inferred from the individual words it comprises, as defined by Merriam-Webster For example, the phrase "up in the air" illustrates this concept, as its meaning is not directly related to the literal definitions of "up" and "air."
"undecided") or in its grammatically atypical use of words (such as give way)
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, idioms are phrases composed of a specific arrangement of words that convey a unique meaning, distinct from the individual meanings of each word.
Hornby (1995) announced that idioms is “a phrase or sentense whose meanng is not clear from the meaning of its individual words and which must be leant as a whole unit”
An idiom is defined as an expression that operates as a single unit, with a meaning that cannot be deduced from its individual components, according to the Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics.
The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines an idiom as a phrase or sentence whose meaning cannot be deduced from the individual words, emphasizing that it must be understood as a complete unit.
David Crystal defines an idiom as a grammatical and lexicographical term that describes a sequence of words that is both semantically and syntactically restricted, allowing it to function as a single unit (D Crystal, 1995).
Definitions of idioms vary among linguists, but they generally convey a similar core idea: idioms are words, phrases, or expressions that cannot be interpreted literally In everyday language, their meanings extend beyond the basic definitions found in dictionaries, as noted by Sinclair.
Idioms play important role in our daily lives We can see them all around us We use them in our speech and writing
In conversations, discussions, or written works like articles and essays, it's essential to convey your ideas effectively Utilizing fixed expressions and idioms can help connect these ideas, signaling to your audience when you are introducing a new point, expressing disagreement, or concluding your argument These phrases not only provide you with a moment to gather your thoughts but also guide your listeners or readers, enhancing their understanding of your argument.
Idioms are prevalent in our language, yet many individuals feel uneasy about using them They often struggle to accept that these unique word combinations carry specific meanings beyond their literal interpretations.
In general, for using the idioms correctly, it is important to understand the proper meaning and the right situation in which particular idiom can be used
In Vietnam, linguistic researchers have offered various definitions of idioms According to Professor Hoang Van Hanh in his work "Ke Chuyen Thanh Ngu, Tuc Ngu" (2002), idioms are structured expressions that consist of meaningful and complete words, frequently utilized in communication and other contexts.
According to Hoang Van Hanh (1994), an idiom is a fixed expression characterized by a stable structure and a figurative meaning, which is commonly used in everyday conversation.
Hồ Lê defines an idiom as a stable word combination that conveys a figurative meaning, used to depict an image, phenomenon, characteristic, or state This highlights the symbolic and emotive richness inherent in idiomatic expressions.
According to the Vietnamese Dictionary of The Linguistic Institution, idioms are defined as fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be derived merely from the meanings of their individual components (Vietnamese Dictionary, 2003).
Since the late 1970s, Vietnamese idioms have been systematically recognized, compiled, and clarified Many of these idioms are derived from Chinese, yet they have been skillfully adapted to fit the Vietnamese way of expression Extensive research has been conducted to create collections of Vietnamese idioms in relation to various dialects.
Maxims are universally recognized across different nations, cultures, and societies, highlighting a shared understanding of their significance While interpretations may vary, they consistently emphasize that a maxim is a fixed expression whose meaning cannot be derived simply by combining the literal meanings of its individual words.
Summary
To summarize, this chapter tends to deliver the general concepts and definitions of idioms as well as idioms related to “love”.
METHODOLOGY
Research governing principles
This research addresses two key questions: first, it explores the syntactic, stylistic, and semantic features of English and Vietnamese idioms related to "love." Second, it examines the similarities and differences between these idioms in both languages, focusing on their syntax and semantics.
Idioms, both in English and Vietnamese, play a crucial role in effective communication and learning They enhance our speech and writing by providing fixed expressions that help convey ideas clearly during conversations, discussions, or written works As noted by Warren (1994), idioms allow speakers to signal new points, express disagreement, or conclude arguments, giving them time to think and guiding listeners or readers in understanding the message Among the myriad of idioms, those related to love are particularly prevalent, reflecting the depth of human emotions In summary, idioms significantly enrich our daily interactions.
The paper is applied with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies
Quantitative research is a systematic approach that involves gathering quantifiable data to analyze phenomena through statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques Essentially, it focuses on collecting and interpreting numerical data from existing and potential subjects via methods such as online surveys, polls, and questionnaires In contrast, qualitative research aims to understand individuals' experiences of the world, employing flexible approaches that prioritize the retention of rich meaning in data interpretation.
Common qualitative research approaches include grounded theory, ethnography, action research, phenomenological research, and narrative research While these methods share similarities, they focus on different objectives and perspectives Qualitative research is essential for collecting and analyzing non-numerical data, such as text, video, or audio, to gain a deeper understanding of concepts, opinions, and experiences This approach is valuable for uncovering in-depth insights into problems and generating innovative ideas for future research.
This study aims to enhance English learners' understanding of idioms related to "love" by comparing them with their Vietnamese equivalents It employs both inductive and deductive approaches, beginning with a presentation of relevant theories, including definitions of idioms, syntax, and semantics, to clarify theoretical concepts Subsequently, data on English and Vietnamese idioms will be collected, synthesized, and analyzed from various sources, including dictionaries, books, and online resources, leading to insightful conclusions for the research.
2.1.5 Principles for data collection and data analysis
There are two essential standards to choose the models:
- Having the characteristics and features of an idiom: a fixed expression with figurative meanings
- Its meaning or individual words must relate to love concept or, at least, support and assist the study to achieve the aims and objectives
The English and Vietnamese idioms included in this article have been meticulously selected from a variety of reputable dictionaries, academic studies, books, and online resources Relying primarily on credible academic research, the collection features a total of 180 idioms, with 105 sourced from English and 75 from Vietnamese.
Vietnamese is assessed and used for covering this paper
The gathered information will be analyzed using comparative and descriptive approaches to contrast idioms and identify suitable interpretations in specific contexts All idioms adhere to the two essential standards previously mentioned They are carefully selected from a variety of books, studies, research, and dictionaries Ultimately, the chosen idioms will be meticulously categorized based on their syntactic and semantic features.
This article compiles a diverse collection of English and Vietnamese idioms related to love, sourced from reputable dictionaries, studies, books, and websites It also includes well-chosen examples to illustrate these idioms effectively.
- Classifying and assessing English idioms and Vietnamese ones as far as syntactic and semantic features
- Finding out and examining about both the similitudes and dissimilarities of English sayings and Vietnamese ones as far as syntactic and semantic highlights
- Carrying out various implications for teaching and learning idioms as well as wider knowledge in English
- Making a few ideas for additional explores, including showing the investigation's constraints
- Ending the study with References
This study will be analyzed based on two aspects: reliability aspect and validity aspect
This paper relies on carefully selected data from reputable sources, including studies, dictionaries, books, and online resources The six original references cited are relevant to the theme, ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of the information presented Additionally, robust analysis techniques have been employed to achieve accurate findings, discussions, and conclusions.
This study ensures the validity of the idioms in both English and Vietnamese by meeting all necessary criteria The reliability of the materials is supported by reputable sources, including books, dictionaries, and academic studies The examples provided are meticulously selected from well-known bilingual dictionaries, such as the Cambridge and Oxford dictionaries, enhancing their effectiveness and credibility Consequently, the validity of this paper is firmly established and verified.
Research methods
Theoretical research will be utilized to analyze and highlight the gathered information The syntactic and semantic features of idioms will be clearly defined, primarily using a descriptive method that draws from a variety of reliable sources, including dictionaries, studies, and academic papers Additionally, observational and statistical methods will be employed to enhance the quality of the findings.
Summary
This chapter outlines the research methodology, focusing on two primary approaches: qualitative and quantitative Key methods employed include descriptive, analytical, and contrastive analysis to examine the similarities and differences in the structural and semantic features of English and Vietnamese idiomatic expressions (IRLs) Idioms were meticulously gathered from credible sources to ensure the study's reliability and validity Data analysis was conducted in accordance with the theoretical framework established in Chapter 2.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Similarities and dissimilarities between English and Vietnamese idioms
English IRL are somewhat referable to the Vietnamese ones
- The common models of English IRL incorporate:(Art) + N + N, (Art) + Adj + N, (Art) + N + PP
- The Vietnamese ones contain: N + N / N + N, N + V / N + V, N + Adj / N + Adj, N / NP + N / NP, N/ NP + V, (Num) + N / (Num) + N a In English (13)
(Art) + N + N: The apple of someone’s eye, Dark Horse, Puppy Love, A love nest, Cupboard Love, A love rat, No pains no gains, eye candy
(Art) + Adj + N: A hot potato, a double date
(Art) + N + PP: A penny for your thoughts, Head over heels, Affinity for sth b In Vietnamese (8)
N + N / N + N: Cành vàng lá ngọc, đất khách quê người
N + V / N + V: Ai biết ngứa đâu mà gãi
N + Adj / N + Adj: Đêm ngắn tình dài, thanh mai trúc mã
N / NP + N / NP: Chồng chung vợ chạ
N / NP + V: Châu về Hợp Phố
(Num) + N / (Num) + N: Chín nhớ mười thương
Verb phrases in both English and Vietnamese exhibit a significant variety of models In English, these models typically include structures such as V + N / NP, V + N / NP + P / PP, V + PP, and V + Adv.
PP Vietnamese IRL mostly follows two models: V + N / NP and V + N / V + N
V + N / NP: Catch someone’s eye, fancy someone, have a crush on someone, make someone’s day
V + N / NP + P / PP: Have eyes only for someone, have the hot for someone
V + PP: Be loved-up, split up, settle down
V + Adv + PP: Let someone down gently b In Vietnamese (9)
V + N / NP: Ăn ở hai lòng, dốc bầu tâm sự
Ăn cháo đá bát, chọn mặt gửi vàng, chung chăn chung gối, có mới nới cũ, yêu nhau yêu cả đường đi, trộm thương thầm nhớ, yêu hoa nên phải vin cành.
The general models in the Adjective Phrases of Vietnamese IRL are Adj +
VP and Adj + N / Adj + N In similar manners, English IRL carrying Adjective Phrases mostly appear in three models: Adj + N, Adj + V and Adj + PP 44 a In English (9)
Adj + N: Tough love, Blind date, Perfect couple, True love
Adj + PP: Crazy about, New one in old one out, Sweet on someone
Adj + V: Easy come easy go, Easier said than done b In Vietnamese (5)
Adj + VP: dễ đến dễ đi, dễ được dễ mất
Adj + N / Adj + N: Bạc như vôi, đồng sàng dị mộng, đen bạc đỏ tình
The prepositional Phrases often appear in English IRL in three patterns: P +
N / NP + (N / NP), P + N + PP, P + Adj + N On the contrary, Vietnam IRL only present in one models: P + N / NP
P + N / NP: Out of sight out of mind, In the end things will mend, With all my heart, Over the moon
P + N + PP: Close to someone’s heart, In one’s heart of hearts b In Vietnamese (2)
P + N / NP: Trước sau như một, chung chăn chung gối
The basic models in the verb phrase structure are: Adv + Adj, Adv + V /
VP, Adv + N / NP which are found in the verb phrase structure of Vietnamese IRL However, English ones do only present two model: Adv + N / NP, Adv +
Adv + N / NP: Here we go, There we go, Still water running deep
Adv + V / VP: Here to stay, Here goes nothing, Here we go again b In Vietnamese (6)
Adv + Adj: Càng mong lại càng lâu, Nhà sạch thì mát
Adv + V / VP: ở đầy gặp vơi, ở chọn nơi chơi chọn bạn
Adv + N / NP: Đồng vợ đồng chồng, lâu ngày dày kén
In terms of clause structures, English IRL mainly present in two typical patterns which are: S + V + O, S + V / V + O Otherwise, Vietnamese IRL only appear in a basic structure: S + V + O a In English (7)
S + V + O: A match made in heaven, A fair face may hide a foul heart, Appearances are deceptive, Love cannot be forced, Love is blind, Misery loves company
S + V / V + O: It is an ill turn that does no good to anyone
S + V + O: ai ở trong chăn mới biết chăn có rận, ông ăn chả bà ăn nem, chồng cú mà lấy vợ tiên
Idioms in both Vietnamese and English often employ parallel structures, characterized by the correspondence among their components and words This pattern enhances expressions related to love, allowing for the use of connecting words and harmonies within the sentences Notable examples of such structures in Vietnamese include "đồng vợ đồng chồng," "nồi nào vung nấy," "thanh mai trúc mã," "Gái tham tài," and "trai tham sắc." Similarly, English idioms like "head over heels," "feel like a million dollars," "grin like a Cheshire cat," and "laugh like rain" exemplify this linguistic feature.
Comparison idioms related to love in English typically follow the structure “A + like / more / less / as + B,” exemplified by the phrase “As cheerful as the birds.” Similarly, Vietnamese idioms utilize comparative structures, with common patterns including có A + như + B or A + hơn + B + thì + O For instance, phrases like "Trai có vợ như rợ buộc chân" and "Gái không chồng như thuyền không lái" illustrate the figurative meanings achieved through these structures Additionally, some idioms, such as "Nồi đồng dễ nấu, chồng xấu dễ sai" and "sông có khúc, người có lúc," do not strictly adhere to these patterns yet still embody comparative elements.
This study provides an overview of English and Vietnamese idioms related to love, focusing on their syntactic features Both languages exhibit a system of idioms categorized into grammatical groups, including noun phrases, verb phrases, adjective phrases, prepositional phrases, and clauses Notably, English and Vietnamese idioms predominantly utilize verb phrases and noun phrases, characterized by the structures (Art) + N + N for noun phrases and V + N / NP for verb phrases Additionally, both languages employ parallel structures to enhance the effectiveness of their idioms While there are other syntactic similarities, such as grammatical structures and operations, they are less significant in this context.
The investigation reveals a diverse range of phrasal patterns in English idioms, while Vietnamese idioms exhibit fewer variations Vietnamese idioms, particularly those related to love, often utilize rhythmic elements such as repeated themes, intermittent repetition, and alliteration to create a lyrical quality In terms of verb phrasal types, English idioms demonstrate a greater variety than their Vietnamese counterparts Additionally, English idioms typically include adjective and prepositional phrases due to their grammatical advantages, whereas Vietnamese idioms feature a broader array of noun phrase constructions Notably, comparative and parallel structures are more prevalent in Vietnamese idioms, attributed to their unique and engaging vocabulary.
Similarities and dissimilarities between English and Vietnamese idioms
One key aspect of idioms is that their meanings cannot be derived from the individual words, as discussed in Chapter 1 of this study This presents challenges for English learners, especially non-native speakers, in understanding and using idioms effectively in communication The difficulties stem from the complex semantic features of idioms To explore this further, the study will examine the semantic characteristics of idioms in both English and Vietnamese across various categories, including Passion, Harmony, Promise, Failure, Foolishness, Forgiveness, Happiness, Truthfulness, Deception, and Parting.
From the moment she laid eyes on him, it was love at first sight, and she instantly realized that she wanted to marry him.
You really blow my mind (Em như thổi bay tâm trí của tôi đi vậy) b In Vietnamese
Tiếng sáo của Thưởng thổi thì không phải nói, lắm cô ở vùng đóng quân nghe cứ say như điếu đổ
The lovers walked along the river bank, hand in hand (Những đôi tình nhân nắm tay nhau đi dạo trên sông)
Hai người tâm đầu ý hợp có thể biến một túp lều tranh thành tổ ấm, trong khi đó, dù sống trong biệt thự, nếu không có sự hòa hợp, cuộc sống cũng chỉ như mặt trời và mặt trăng.
I assure you that my gaze is solely for you.
Tôi nghe rằng Chung đã thề non hẹn biển với Nghi rồi
Anh đâu có thương em, anh chỉ toàn hứa nhăng hứa cuội mà thôi
Chúng tôi đã thề sống chết có nhau
Sue expresses that her heart has been shattered multiple times, leading her to vow that she will not allow herself to fall in love again.
Trăm ngàn gửi lạy tình quân
Tơ duyên ngắn ngủi chỉ ngần ấy thôi
My son and his girlfriend plan to marry in the spring, but I question the wisdom of their decision due to their lack of savings for establishing a home However, love often overrides practical considerations.
Úi dà! Khôn ba năm dại một giờ Con gái hơ hớ ra thế đi ngày đêm kè kè bên cạnh người ta Lửa gần rơm lâu ngày phải bén.
After their argument, they initially separated but quickly reconciled and forgave each other.
Sau nhiều thử thách và mất mát, chị đã nhận ra giá trị đích thực của tình yêu Chị cảm nhận hạnh phúc sâu sắc hơn bao giờ hết, như gương vỡ lại lành.
It does my heart good to hear that you’re coming home (em cảm thấy rất vui khi nghe tin anh sắp trở về nhà)
You make my heart leaps (em làm tim anh loạn nhịp)
Whenever I am with you, I am all smiles (Anh luôn vui vẻ khi ở bên em) b In Vietnamese
Em vui lắm sao mà mặt tươi như hoa thế kia?
He is head over heels in love with his wife (anh ta toàn tâm toàn ý với vợ mình)
Don’t believe in what others said, you are the one and only (đừng tin vào những gì người khác nói, anh chỉ có một mình em thôi) b In Vietnamese
Em xin nguyện một lòng một dạ với anh
Who are you with behind my back (anh đang qua lại với ai ở phía sau lưng tôi?)
Go away, love-rat (hãy đi khỏi đây đi đồ phản bội) b In Vietnamese
Anh đúng là đồ bắt cá hai tay
Tại sao anh lại lừa dối tôi hả, đồ Sở Khanh ?
People often say "out of sight, out of mind," but I hope you will come back to me soon.
Tôi chán cảnh đầu sông cuối sông này lắm rồi
Idioms are stable expressions that cannot be broken down into smaller semantic parts Both English and Vietnamese idioms related to love encompass similar themes, including Passion, Harmony, Promise, Failure, Foolishness, Forgiveness, Happiness, Truthfulness, Deception, and Parting This indicates that love encompasses a range of emotions, not just happiness but also sadness The idiomatic expressions in both languages reflect the diverse emotional experiences of love, enriching the cultural understanding of this complex sentiment.
The cultural characteristics of idioms reveal significant contrasts between English and Vietnamese, particularly in their semantic features These differences stem from the distinct values and beliefs inherent in Eastern and Western cultures.
The differences between English and Vietnamese cultures are evident in various aspects, including traditions, social life, and language English idioms related to love tend to be more straightforward and accessible, reflecting Western cultural norms, while Vietnamese idioms often emphasize advice and guidance, rooted in the tradition of valuing elders' wisdom Additionally, Vietnamese culture imposes strict gender roles, particularly affecting women, which is reflected in love-related idioms that often highlight negative influences on women In contrast, English idioms do not carry the same cultural burdens, benefiting from the more progressive nature of Western societies.
Summary
On the whole, this chapter perform similarities and dissimilarities between English and Vietnamese idioms denoting ‘love’ in term of syntactic and semantic features