RATIONALE
As we approach the 21st century, many individuals are recognizing the challenges of cross-cultural communication, particularly when interacting with people from different linguistic backgrounds Some believe that misunderstandings often arise when giving compliments across cultures This thesis aims to raise awareness of the cultural gap by comparing the ways compliments are given and received in English and Vietnamese Through a contrastive study of verbal responses to compliments in both languages, the research seeks to uncover insights into the similarities and differences in the strategies employed by English and Vietnamese speakers when responding to compliments.
Effective communication is essential in today's globalized world, requiring language learners to understand not only the linguistic structures of their target language but also how to use it appropriately in various contexts (Washburn, 2001) This article presents a thematic study titled “A study on English responses to compliments with reference to the Vietnamese equivalents.” It highlights the lack of focus on the pragmatic and discourse aspects of responding to compliments in English language teaching and learning.
Learners with strong language knowledge may struggle with real communication due to misunderstandings, leading to a loss of confidence Therefore, it is essential to investigate this area to enhance the teaching and learning of English This study aims to provide valuable insights to help language learners improve their skills for effective social communication and to enhance the overall process of foreign language education.
While numerous studies have explored various speech acts like requests, permission, and apologies, there is a notable lack of focus on the speech act of praise This topic is particularly intriguing as it demands a significant level of pragmatic knowledge from the speaker and reveals insights into language learners' cultural orientations In many languages, responding to compliments necessitates a delicate balance to avoid coming across as either boastful or ungrateful, highlighting the complexity of this speech act.
Each country possesses its unique culture and behaviors, making cultural knowledge essential for English learners to enhance their communication skills Understanding the target language's culture, along with practical knowledge and discourse, is crucial for effective interaction Additionally, communication involves natural reactions that serve multiple functions, including the way individuals respond to compliments.
A: How lovely the house is!
That is really a nice compliment, thank you!
Do you really think that? Really?
Responses to compliments can vary significantly, serving different purposes for the recipient Importantly, these responses can enhance conversations, foster interpersonal relationships, and promote understanding between individuals, or conversely, they can disrupt interactions.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study explores the syntactic and pragmatic differences in verbal responses to compliments between English and Vietnamese By analyzing various types of compliment responses, the research aims to enhance understanding and improve the effective use of these responses in teaching and learning English as a foreign language.
This article explores the syntactic and pragmatic features of compliment responses in both English and Vietnamese, highlighting their similarities and differences It defines the structure and function of these responses, analyzing how cultural contexts influence their usage The study reveals that while both languages employ various strategies for responding to compliments, such as acceptance, deflection, or enhancement, the specific expressions and social norms governing these responses differ significantly Ultimately, understanding these features enhances cross-cultural communication and appreciation of linguistic nuances.
- Present suggestions to help teachers and learners of English teach and learn English compliment responses in an effective way.
RESEARCH QUESTION
The study attempts to answer the following questions:
+ What are syntactic and pragmatic features of compliment responses in English and Vietnamese?
+ What are similarities and differences in the syntactic and pragmatic features of compliment responses in English and Vietnamese?
+ What suggestions are made to help teachers and learners of English teach and learn English compliment responses in an effective way?
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
All things considered this research will focus on vocal responses to compliments rather than nonverbal communication within the limits of the thesis
Furthermore, employment, sex, social statuses, geographic locations, and other social factors are considered in this thesis.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study aims to explore the similarities and differences in the syntactic and pragmatic aspects of replies in English and Vietnamese The findings are intended to assist English learners in effectively utilizing the language across various contexts.
The findings of the study might be beneficial in recommending some positive implications for improved compliment responses in teaching and learning
Following the aims, objectives and the scope of performing a study on English and Vietnamese responses to compliments in terms of syntactic and semantic features above.
DESIGN OF THE STUDY
This thesis includes three main parts and three chapters:
This article presents a comprehensive study divided into three main sections: an introduction, development, and conclusion The first chapter offers a literature review that analyzes the theoretical background of the study and defines the concept of compliment responses The second chapter outlines the methodology employed in the study, providing a detailed explanation of the research approach.
Chapter 3: Findings and discussion where I figure out the strategy of responding to compliments Finally, references are respectably noted in the end of the study.
LITERATURE REVIEW
REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS STUDIES (AT HOME & ABROAD) 2 Related research 1
Several studies are pertinent to our research Austin (1962) categorizes compliments as "behabitives" in his work "How to Do Things with Words," describing them as a "subcategory of congratulations," alongside condolences and felicitations, as noted by Bach and Harnish The reading experience of Austin's text can be frustrating due to his shifting distinctions; he introduces and retracts concepts multiple times before focusing primarily on the illocutionary act The performative force is what imparts meaning to an utterance, and Austin identifies three key factors for the successful execution of performatives: (a) the speaker's intentions, (b) adherence to specific conventions based on context, and (c) the appropriate circumstances for the utterance.
The authority of the speaker is crucial in certain contexts, such as in a wedding ceremony where saying "I do" signifies a commitment to marriage, but only if the individual is the groom or bride This highlights the importance of context and role in the validity of such declarations.
Compliments, according to Wierzbicka, are typically designed to make people feel good and are given to keep "good interpersonal relationships" [63, p
Compliments serve as "social lubricants," facilitating smoother interactions (Wolfson, 65, p 89) Orecchioni's definition of complimenting as a verbal gift highlights the reciprocal nature of this act (37, p 219) Additionally, compliments are speech acts designed to maintain, enhance, or support the addressee's self-esteem.
Pomerantz (1978) conducted the first study on responses to compliments in American English, providing numerous examples of both compliments and their responses However, she did not specify the frequency of each type of response.
In addition to, Herbert (1986) conducted a quantitative study of compliment responses in American English She divided compliment responses into three categories: agreement, non-agreement, and Other Interpretation
In her 1988 study, Holmes examined the dynamics of compliments and their responses in New Zealand, focusing on the statistical significance of the subjects being praised and the frequency of compliments exchanged between men and women Research by Manes and Wolfson indicates that women both give and receive more compliments than men, and their responses tend to prioritize social harmony, contrasting with the behavior of men in similar situations.
In his 1990 study, Herbert analyzes the differences in compliments and their responses between genders, revealing that men's compliments are accepted twice as often as women's He finds that women receive compliments more frequently than men, and that male compliments are significantly more likely to be acknowledged, especially by female recipients Additionally, among various interactional pairs, compliments exchanged between men are the least likely to receive any acknowledgment.
A study by Suu (1990) examined the speech act of complimenting in Australian English and Vietnamese The results revealed that while both languages employed similar syntactic patterns for compliments, the topics of these compliments varied significantly between the two languages.
On the other hand, Thai Thi Ngoc Lien (1993) carried out the research
This study explores the expression of compliments in both English and Vietnamese, focusing on how students' native language and cultural background influence their performance in the target language The goal is to equip Vietnamese learners of English with sociolinguistic insights that will enhance their ability to give compliments effectively in English.
In her 2008 study, "A Vietnamese-English Cross-Cultural Study of Positive Politeness and Negative Politeness in Complimenting," Le Phuong Binh highlights the application of Positive and Negative Politeness strategies in the act of complimenting among native speakers of English and Vietnamese.
The most famous in-depth research was carried out by Nguyen Van Quang
In 1999, a study titled "Some Cross Cultural Differences in Vietnamese and American Ways of Complimenting and Responding to Compliments" explored significant disparities in the ways compliments are given and received in Vietnamese-American interactions The research primarily focused on various aspects, including the topics of compliments, strategies for responding, forms of address, and the balance between directness and indirectness in communication.
REVIEW OF THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
One of the most important fields of linguistics is pragmatics According to George Yule (1997: 3) defines pragmatics as the study of:
- How much more is communicated than is expressed
- Interactions between linguistic forms and the people who use it
Pragmatics is challenging to define precisely, but it fundamentally pertains to language in use This concept is closely linked to communication, highlighting the dynamic nature of how language functions in various contexts.
“ Communication is, rather, the successful interpretation by an addressee of a speaker’s intent in performing a linguistics act ” (Georgia M Green, Natural
Language Understanding, p.1) Furthermore, “a linguistic act” is governed by a set of laws or standards that are appropriate for various civilizations
Pragmatics is a linguistic field that examines how language is utilized in various contexts, focusing on both the speaker's and listener's perspectives (Levinson 1983, p 9; Yule 1996, p 3; Stadler 2013, p 2) It aims to uncover the meaning of an utterance by analyzing three key aspects: the speaker's intentions, the actual words spoken, and the listener's interpretation of those words.
Cultural interactions lead to varied approaches to language, raising questions about how pragmatics differs across cultures and how students can recognize this diversity Understanding the concept of "speech acts" can simplify these inquiries, as discussing pragmatics often involves examining speech actions Thus, we will explore the significance of speech acts in this context.
The concept of speech acts, introduced by Austin and further developed by various linguists and philosophers, is a crucial idea in the fields of philosophy of language and linguistics, particularly within pragmatics.
Some scholars argue that speech acts are culturally specific and vary across different cultures (Baicchi, 2009; Huang, 2010) Additionally, Baicchi (2009, p 212) notes that the effectiveness of speech acts in communication differs among various cultures and language groups.
Compliments are categorized as speech actions within the behabitives according to Austin's Speech Act Theory (1962) Searle (1979) classifies the word "thank" as an expressive, emphasizing the need to differentiate each compliment response as an expressive The interaction between a compliment and its response forms a complex speech situation, a binary speech act that has garnered significant interest in pragmatics, particularly in cross-cultural communication Since the advent of speech act theory, there has been a shift in thinking, challenging the notion that statements merely serve to describe facts or claim truths, as highlighted by JL Austin.
In everyday interactions, language serves as a vital tool for communication, embodying the concept of "acting with words" as described by Austin (1962) People engage in conversations to share information, express thoughts, and respond to one another, typically in structured exchanges known as adjacent pairs These pairs consist of two related utterances, such as greetings, invitations, and compliments, which facilitate meaningful dialogue and connection.
B: Em! (T.S Hà Cẩm Tâm; Vũ Minh Huyền trong CÁCH CHÀO HỎI CỦA NGƯỜI VIỆT VÀ NGƯỜI MỸ: Những nét Tương đồng và dị biệt)
A: It’s the loveliest song I ever heard (A: Nó là bài hát đáng yêu nhất mà tôi từng nghe)
Or in Vietnam, we often ask this kind of question:
E.g “ Cậu đang làm gì thế ?” (What are you doing?) Although most Vietnamese people are not interested in knowing where his buddy is going, he simply asks in order to strengthen his relationship with the listener by demonstrating his concern through such a question As a result, his inquiry is simply accepted, and it is part of the Vietnamese welcome ritual Such types of examples have aided theorists in providing a full description of speech actions J.Austin was the first to introduce the concept of speech actions, he stated that:
Speech acts are fundamental acts of communication that convey specific attitudes Each type of speech act corresponds to a particular attitude: statements express beliefs, requests convey desires, and apologies communicate regret The effectiveness of a speech act relies on the audience's ability to recognize the speaker's intended attitude.
The concept of speech acts refers to the activities performed through speech, encompassing various actions that occur when someone communicates These actions include specific terms such as apology, praise, invitation, request, promise, and complaint in the English language.
Speech acts are crucial in everyday communication, as they reflect the language we use This indicates that there isn't a direct one-to-one relationship between phrases and their functions Without considering the context of a speaker's statement, it can be challenging to accurately interpret its meaning.
When a boy tells his mother, "Mum, I'm hungry!" it is grammatically a statement However, the child is actually making a request for food.
In the realm of communication, both speakers (S) and hearers (H) often find themselves confused by the complexities of their interactions This has led to the classification of speaking actions in various ways Notably, J.L Austin identified three primary categories of speech acts: locutionary acts, illocutionary acts, and perlocutionary acts.
A locutionary act consists of sentences that adhere to the phonological and grammatical rules of a language For instance, the phrase "Bonjour madam" would not qualify as a locutionary act in Vietnamese, as its sounds do not convey meaning within that language.
An illocutionary act represents the intended goal or communicative purpose behind a speech, focusing on what speakers aim for listeners to comprehend Common examples of these actions include warnings, requests, and promises.
* Perlocutionary act: When a speaker speaks, he aims to communicate his intention to the listener, which is referred to as perlocutionary act
According to Yule (1996), there is one general classification system that lists five types of general functions performed by speech acts including: declarations, representatives, expressives, directives, and commissives
Declarations : Declarations are speech acts that have the power to transform the world In order to properly conduct a declaration, the speaker must have a distinct institutional function in a specific setting
E.g (The Judge to a couple): You are marriaged
RESEARCH ON COMPLIMENT RESPONSES
Compliments have gotten a lot of attention in the subject of sociolinguistics, and Holmes' (1988, p 446) definition is one of the most often used in the literature:
A compliment is a communicative act where the speaker acknowledges and praises someone else, typically the person being addressed, for their positive qualities, attributes, or skills.
A compliment response is a verbal reaction that occurs after receiving a compliment To understand the linguistic politeness patterns related to complimenting behavior, it is essential to analyze how individuals respond to compliments Numerous studies have explored various aspects of compliments, including how they are given, perceived, and the reactions they elicit.
Pomerantz (1978) was the first to analyze responses to compliments from a pragmatic perspective, suggesting that Americans should refrain from agreeing with the speaker and engaging in self-praise.
1.3.1.1 Compliment responses in American English Actually, it is well-documented fact that be able to accept a compliment with a simple phrase "Thank you" can serve and is considered the most appropriate response in English-speaking cultures (Johnson, 1979, pp 43-44) However, according to Pomerantz (1978), this may not be true in the context of American English Her theory asserts that when a person is asked to respond to a compliment, two opposing rule are at work She states that it is better to avoid conflict in any discussion and that a desirable response should be an accept and agree answer
1.3.1.2 Compliment responses in Vietnamese Nguyen Quang (1999) published the first cross-cultural comparative research on the communication events of praising and reacting to compliments, titled "Some linguistic variations in complimenting and replying to compliments in American English and Vietnamese." He examines the speech actions of paying and delivering compliments through the lenses of addressing words, directness- indirectness, and modality in that study
Pham (2014) explores how Vietnamese individuals respond to compliments and how their perceptions influence these responses The study categorizes responses into three types: accepting, rejecting, and deflecting Pham identifies various distinct responses and arranges them on a continuum based on their strength, from the strongest to the weakest.
Manes and Wolfson are key researchers in the study of complimenting in American English, highlighting that this speech act, similar to requesting, apologizing, and welcoming, is often expressed through formulaic utterances Their work indicates that compliments in English are typically confined to a limited number of structures.
1 Noun Phrase is/looks (really) + Adjective This structure is commonly used to compliment somebody’s appearance, possession or skills
E.g You look nice Have you lost weight?
2 I (really) + like/love + Noun Phrase The second structure tends to showcase your feeling and emotion more than the first one The use of emotional verbs such as “like” and “love” tells others how fond you are of their appearance, belonging, skills or performance
E.g I like the way you play piano
3 Pronoun + is + (a/an) + (really) + Adjective + Noun Phrase
If you want to compliment someone's appearance or their belongings, consider this approach It's important to select the appropriate pronoun that matches the quantity of the object being referenced.
4 You + Verb + (a/an) + (really) + Adjective + Noun Phrase This is the ideal framework for praising a person's performance or abilities Employers, workplace bosses, and schoolteachers commonly use this term E.g You made an impressive speech up there! Congratulation!
5 You + Verb + Noun Phrase + (really) + Adverb This structure can be used in place of structure number 4 above However, we should pay attention to use adverbs correctly Some commonly used adverbs in this structure are “well”, “nicely”, “perfectly”, etc
E.g You cooked the beefsteak perfectly!
6 You have + (a/an) + (really) + Adj + NP When you want to say nice words about something that belongs to a person or about their appearance, keep in mind that you can always use this structure E.g She has lovely eyes
This familiar expression is very useful in case of complimenting With the use of some positive adjectives, we can easily create compliments that can apply in all situations
E.g What a great job you have done with this project!
What if you want to give short and to-the-point compliments? Note down the sentences below:
By using the negative question form, we actually emphasize the positive aspect of something or someone
Compliments often feature adjectives such as "lovely," "beautiful," and "good," while the verbs commonly used include "like" and "love." Typically, compliments are directed towards individuals of equal status, such as co-workers and acquaintances, rather than close family members or friends.
Writers have revealed important nuances in American compliment behavior, indicating that while compliments on appearance and possessions are common, those regarding abilities and accomplishments are typically reserved for situations involving unequal status Research by Manes and Wolfson (1981) and Wolfson (1989) suggests that compliments generally flow from individuals of higher status to those of lower status The primary function of compliments, as argued by the authors, is to foster and enhance friendship and cooperation (Manes 1983; Herbert 1990).
1.3.3 Semantic categories of responses to compliments
Semantically, common responses to compliments can be categorised into accep- tance, mitigation, and rejection with sub-categories within each
1.3.4 English idiom to give someone a compliment
Here are some idioms to express compliments and show kindness to someone who needs a little cheer or wants to show how much you appreciate them:
At one’s fingertips - complete knowledge
Bury the hatchet - to make peace
Bring down the house - receive applause
Blaze the trail - to start a movement
Big draw - gathers huge attraction
Carry the day - to win a victory
Come off with flying colours - to come out successfully
Carry one’s point - win approval
Fight to the finsih - fight to the end
Gain ground - to succeed slowly & steadily
Gird up the loins - to prepare for hard work
Be a good samaritan - help strangers
Be a great hand - be an expert
Have the gift of the gab - have an art of speaking
Hit the nail on the head - to do the right thing at the right time
Hit the jack pot - unexpected success
Man of letters - literary person
Midas touch - a touch which turns anything into gold
Man of parts - a man of qualities
Off hand - without preparation or delay
Pull one’s socks up - work hard
To set Thames on fire - to achieve something impossible
Steal someone’s thunder - make a better impression on someone
Take someone by storm - to surprise someone
Win laurels - to win distinction
Win hands down - win easily
Yeoman’s service - do an excellent work
Let's see a pretty cool example of how to responses to a compliment:
While flirting with a girl use can actually use these compliments in order to impress her!! Or to listen that three magical alphabets (Aww)!!
1 Did it really hurt when you fell from heaven
2 Do you ever questioned god why did he make you so beautiful
3 You shouldn't wear make up because I think it's completely messing up with your perfection
4 Your dusky complexion made me go crazy, you are not just a girl you are a sensation!!
5 Your picture made me think what to comment I think that much that I haven't think at my board exams too
6 I must say on a scale from 1 to 10 You're an 11
7 Your smile is a divine music that soothes my tiresome life, quiets the storm of my heart and adds a beautiful purpose to every good deed of mine!!
8 Your picture got me extra brightness to my screen even at 2% Battery level
James started off by approaching Carrie at the photocopier How did she react when I gave her a compliment?
James: Hello Carrie You’re looking lovely today…
Carrie: What are you after?
James: What do you mean, what am I after? I’m just saying you look lovely I like your purple T-shirt
Carrie: It’s just you don’t ever normally give me compliments so you must be after something…
James: Well, I told you that my colleagues would be shocked by me paying them compliments
When James told Carrie that James thought she looked lovely she said:
The phrase "What are you after?" translates to "What do you want?" In a humorous context, Carrie interprets James's unexpected compliment as a prelude to him asking for a favor, noting that he doesn't typically compliment her, leading her to suspect he must have an ulterior motive This expression is a common British response to unexpected compliments, highlighting a cultural tendency to feel the need to respond after receiving praise.
SUMMARY
In conclusion, I firmly believe that both English and Vietnamese offer a diverse range of compliment responses Effectively using these compliment answers in conversations can significantly enhance communication between speakers.
This research addresses three key questions: first, it explores the syntactic and pragmatic features of compliment responses (CRs) in both English and Vietnamese Second, it examines the similarities and differences in these features between the two languages Finally, the study offers suggestions aimed at assisting teachers and learners in effectively teaching and learning English compliment responses.
Compliments significantly influence our self-perception and shape our understanding of others' intentions during conversations They vary in topics, such as physical appearance, material possessions, and personality traits, each carrying different underlying intentions Research indicates that women often use compliments to foster connections and boost self-esteem, while men tend to focus on materialistic aspects when giving compliments.
The paper is applied with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies
Quantitative research primarily aims to test theories and hypotheses presented by authors in research papers In contrast, interpretive researchers favor qualitative approaches as they provide deeper insights into performance responses to compliments This study employs interpretivism as its theoretical framework to explore complimenting behaviors and analyze perspectives on the use of compliments in both Vietnamese and English contexts.
The study employs descriptive research and comparative analysis as its primary methodologies, supplemented by qualitative and quantitative approaches to enhance the reliability of data analysis.
This study employs inductive and deductive techniques to enhance English learners' understanding of "A study on English responses to compliments with reference to the Vietnamese equivalents." Initially, relevant theories, including definitions of compliments, syntax theory, and semantic theory, will be presented to clarify theoretical concepts for readers Subsequently, data on English and Vietnamese compliment responses will be collected, synthesized, and evaluated using dictionaries, books, and online resources, leading to informed conclusions for the study.
2.1.5 Principles for data collection and data analysis
- The data for this study was obtained from dialogues in linguistic books, course books, novels, short tales, and dictionaries
This article presents a carefully curated guide on how to respond to compliments, drawing from reliable academic sources, including books, dictionaries, and internet references The insights are based on a thorough evaluation of compliments found in doctoral theses, ensuring the information is both valid and trustworthy.
The collected information will undergo analysis using both qualitative and quantitative methods, allowing for a comparison of feedback to derive suitable interpretations for specific situations All compliments adhere to the two essential standards previously mentioned The selected responses are carefully curated from a diverse range of books, studies, research, and dictionaries Ultimately, these selections will be meticulously categorized based on their syntactic and semantic features.
This study employs the comparison-contrast method as its primary research approach, essential for identifying the similarities and differences in how English and Vietnamese respond to compliments.
In addition, the study also uses 2 more research methods to support the major method:
- Statistical method: It used to list responses to compliments in English as well in Vietnamese in order to document the research submission
- Analytical method: This method used for analysing the syntactic and semantic features of compliment responses in English and compliment responses reference with equivalent meanings in Vietnamese
This article explores the interplay between compliment responses in English and Vietnamese, drawing on a variety of credible sources such as dictionaries, academic studies, literary works, and reputable websites It includes a carefully curated selection of examples that illustrate these responses effectively throughout the paper.
- Finding out and examining about both the similitudes and dissimilarities of English sayings and Vietnamese ones as far as syntactic and semantic highlights
- Carried out the aim to study in specific situations There is main situation set and ask informants to give their ideas about: How do they respond compliment?
- Synthesizing the findings and drawing conclusions
- Ending the study with References
- Putting forward some implications for the teaching and learning English and giving some suggestions for further research
This study examines reliability and validity by classifying data according to their structures and pragmatic features, allowing for a comparison that highlights the similarities and differences between the two languages.
The collected data will be analyzed and compared to highlight their distinctive features through theoretical study Additionally, the syntactic and semantic aspects of compliment responses will be elucidated using a descriptive approach, drawing from a carefully curated selection of dictionaries, academic papers, and other relevant sources.
2.3 RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE STUDY
When conducting a study, the key criteria to prioritize are reliability and validity It is essential to maintain high-quality data collection processes, as the study's findings rely heavily on evidence, data, and frequencies This approach ensures the impartiality of the study's results.
Furthermore, all of the samples are from well-known English authors Vietnamese short tales, novels, and conversational books are also available As a result, they may be trusted
The development of research instruments involved a two-stage process, which included determining the type of instruments and identifying the contextual factors to ensure construct validity.
This chapter provides an overview of the research process, focusing on two primary approaches: qualitative and quantitative research design Key methods employed include descriptive, analytical, and contrastive analysis methods, each serving distinct purposes at various stages of the research We collected and analyzed contrastive reviews (CRs) to identify similarities and differences in their structural and semantic features Idioms and samples for the study were meticulously gathered from reliable sources to ensure the study's validity and reliability Data analysis was conducted in accordance with the theoretical framework established in Chapter 2.
PART THREE: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 3.1 A STUDY OF GIVING AND RESPONDING TO COMPLIMENTS IN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE EQUIVALENTS
There is no denying that compliments are very cultural What’s common or acceptable in your culture may not be so normal for Americans
METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH METHODS
The collected data will be analyzed and compared to highlight their distinctive features through theoretical study Additionally, the syntactic and semantic aspects of compliment responses will be clarified using a descriptive approach, supported by a carefully curated selection of sources, including dictionaries, academic papers, and other relevant materials.
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE STUDY
When conducting research, the key factors to prioritize are reliability and validity It is essential to maintain high-quality data collection processes, as the study's findings largely depend on evidence, data, and frequencies This approach ensures the impartiality of the study's results.
Furthermore, all of the samples are from well-known English authors Vietnamese short tales, novels, and conversational books are also available As a result, they may be trusted
The development of research instruments involved a two-step process, focusing on identifying the types of instruments and the contextual factors to ensure construct validity.
SUMMARY
This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the research process, focusing on two primary approaches: qualitative and quantitative research design Key methods employed include descriptive, analytical, and contrastive analysis methods, each serving distinct purposes throughout the research stages We meticulously collected and analyzed contrastive reports (CRs) to identify structural and semantic similarities and differences Idioms and samples were carefully selected 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.
A STUDY OF GIVING AND RESPONDING TO COMPLIMENTS IN
There is no denying that compliments are very cultural What’s common or acceptable in your culture may not be so normal for Americans
When I relocated to Argentina, my study abroad office offered a class aimed at teaching American women how to gracefully accept compliments on their beauty from strangers without taking offense.
In the US, complimenting someone you don't know well, particularly regarding their beauty, is generally considered inappropriate This is especially true in professional or academic settings, where expressing such sentiments to coworkers, classmates, teachers, or professors can lead to discomfort or misunderstandings.
Appearance: refers to one's appearance, including haircuts, clothes, and jewelry such as necklaces, watch
Skills and talents reflect the quality of an individual's effort and creativity, whether it's a meticulously crafted design or a delicious meal Accomplished work signifies the dedication put into achieving goals, particularly in social contexts, highlighting the importance of completeness and achievement in any endeavor.
Possession: refers to a person's house, furniture, car, and other material possessions
3.1 1 Topics of compliment in English
According to the survey, "appearance" encompasses various aspects of one's looks, including haircuts and clothing accessories like necklaces and watches Generally, the English view appearance as an easy subject for compliments Statistically, the results indicate that the English prioritize certain features, such as smooth hair and beautiful skin.
E.g " Hoa cười ngọc thốt đoan trang Mây thua nước tóc tuyết nhường màu da”
(“Truyện Kiều”, Nguyễn Du) “Once she gave her a little cap made of red velvet Because it suited her so well, and she wanted to wear it all the time”
(Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, “Little Red Riding Hood”)
In England, birthday celebrations are cherished, with cakes typically adorned with candles representing the celebrant's age However, this tradition tends to fade after the age of 30, as many individuals become apprehensive about the visible signs of aging.
3.1.1.2 Skill or talents The most common way to compliment someone is to mention his or her performance in the workplace or at school
In American culture, there is a strong emphasis on achievements and successes, making it common to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication individuals put into reaching their goals.
“I read your essay – it was so well written! Congratulations!”
If the person has special talents, skills, or abilities, we can compliment them on that
For example, if you see your friend perform in a play, you can give a compliment on their abilities:
“I loved your performance in the school play! You are a talented actor.”
It is often said that finding ways to congratulate English native is a safe topic when they had to work completed
E.g When someone does a good job or a worthy assignment, you often compliment them: Congratulations on getting that new position, Mary!
3.1.1.4 Possession People don't like talking about ownership as much as they like talking about finished projects Therefore, it seems to be a "sensitive" issue here For example, your husband or wife is beautiful and attractive
In the previous section, we explored the concept of compliments in English by organizing subtopics according to specific criteria The upcoming section will follow a similar structure but will focus on different subjects, with the informants being Vietnamese The findings will be analyzed in particular contexts.
3.1.2.1 Appearance There is no doubt that the first sub-topic which is so popular to give comment here is appearance, such as: “an angle smile or beautiful eyes or lovely voice” tend to get the attractive from the speakers This is supported by the fact that the Vietnamese are very interested in some outstanding features like “smile” or
“tone of voice” It is their opinion that the way people smile, the way they speak are the inflections of their fates
The renowned Chinese philosopher, recognized as a pioneer in global education, introduced the theory of "Tam tong, Tu duc," which encompasses four essential standards: Cong, Dung, Ngon, and Hanh These foundational principles serve as vital guidelines for women, emphasizing the importance of self-cultivation and personal development.
Complimenting someone on their angelic smile or gentle voice is appreciated, but referring to them as a sexy girl can be considered inappropriate, especially in the presence of a strict individual.
3.1.2.2 Skill or talents One more time, we mention the affect of culture on the Vietnamese behavior There is a famous proverb: “Lời nói chẳng mất tiền mua, lựa lời mà nói cho vừa lòng nhau” (words cost nothing, selects suitable words to please other) There are some noticeable points such as: the idea of “she/he is good at business” It emphasizes the ways in which people choose suitable job based in skill or talents It is also considered a blessing from God Knowing that, Vietnamese people tend to compliment people with such special abilities
To succeed in business, employees need to effectively invest and raise capital Vietnam, known for its strong learning capabilities, continually leverages its strengths and addresses its weaknesses, leading to an economy that consistently reaches new heights, often referred to as the "Shark Tank" of Southeast Asia.
Young and ambitious students in today's society seek to establish their identities The author suggests that securing a good job and earning a substantial income are key ways for these individuals to achieve their goals.
3.1.2.3 Work accomplished While it comes to the subject of completed work, there is a widespread consensus that it is also a safe issue to bring up when congratulating others She/he receives a scholarship for a prestigious institution or a good job, she/he is promoted, and she/he passed an important exam or gave a successful presentation at a conference It goes without saying that bright people are revered
CATEGORIES OF COMPLIMENT RESPONSES
We've just looked at what kind of compliments we should and shouldn't give
In this section, we will explore the art of giving effective compliments, a topic that involves various aspects of linguistics The author focuses on a selection of key insights derived from the data collected The survey includes both closed and open-ended questions, allowing participants to choose from provided options or share their own thoughts.
Compliments are a universal form of communication, but their impact largely depends on how they are received Understanding this dynamic is essential for exploring the cultural variations in complimenting practices Researchers like Holmes and Yule have demonstrated that responses to compliments reflect the linguistic norms within different speech communities.
Understanding the critical elements of face maintenance devices is essential, as it enhances our comprehension of a community's culture, social values, and organization By studying compliment responses, we gain insights into the function and significance of language within that community (Yuan, 2001, p 273).
The use of these organizations is quite popular
Compliment Upgrade Agreement (including Agreement Token) Appreciation Token Return Explanation Reassignment (Non- idiomatic Response) Compliment Downgrade Disagreement (including Disagreement Token)
Compliment Upgrade: The complimentee agrees with and increases the complimentary force/praise force/compliment assertion
Agreement: The complimentee agrees with the complimentary force/praise force/compliment assertion probably by providing a response which is
“semantically fitted to the compliment” (Herbert, 1989, p 12)
An agreement token is a response that indicates acceptance of a compliment, which can be expressed simply as "Yes" or "Yeah." This token can be classified as an agreement whether it appears as part of a complete affirmation, such as "Yes, I think so, too," or stands alone, like "Yes" in a conversational response.
An appreciation token is a response where the recipient acknowledges a compliment from the speaker and expresses gratitude However, this token does not specifically align with the details of the compliment given (Pomerantz, 1978, p 83).
Return: The complimentee reciprocates the act of complimenting by paying back the compliment to the complimenter
Explanation/Comment History: The complimentee impersonalizes the complimentary force/ compliment assertion by giving further information, which may frequently be irrelevant, about the object of the compliment
I integrated Yu’s compliment response techniques to analyze the American and Vietnamese data sets from 2003 This included introducing the sub-category of Appreciation (token + comment) as an acceptance strategy and incorporating three combination techniques at the macro level, aligning with Ruhi’s taxonomy.
The macro-level strategies of Acceptance, Deflection/Evasion, and Rejection are categorized under the approach known as Combination The taxonomy of compliment replies utilized for this analysis is presented in the table below.
Table 1: Adapted taxonomy of Compliment responses Macro-level strategies
3 Expressing gladness - I am so happy that I can help!
(Mình rất vui vì có thể giúp được cậu!)
- Damn it, I’m perfect (Chuyện! Chỉ có tao là hoàn hảo thôi!)
5 Joke - What a cute chubby little boy!
- Cute as his mom and chubby as his dad! (- Ôi em bé dễ thương mũm mĩm yêu quá!
- Uh, dễ thương giống mẹ còn mũm mĩm giống bố!)
6 Laughter You look smarter with this new glasses! – [Loud laughter]
(- Trông cậu có cặp kính mới nhìn thông minh hẳn!
7 Acceptance association - Thank you! I am so pleasure you like it! (Cám ơn! Mình rất vui vì bạn thích!)
8 Return - Your mother used to cook very well, too (Mẹ bạn nấu ăn cũng rất ngon đấy!)
9 Downgrade - It’s my duty, I do it with kindness
(Đây là trách nhiệm của mình mà!)
10 Question - You look smart with the new laptop! – What do you mean to “look smart”?
(Bạn trông thật bảnh với chiếc máy tính mới! – Ý bạn “bảnh” là thế nào? )
11 Comment - Your lipstick looks nice
- I bought it yesterday (Son đẹp quá!- Mình mới mua nó hôm qua!)
12 Transfer - I couldn’t have done it without you
(Nếu như không có cô, em không thể có được ngày hôm nay!)
13 Amendment association - Really? You must be kidding! Honestly I just thought I was lucky (Thật sao? Chắc bạn đang nói đùa Thực tình mà nói mình chỉ ăn may thôi!)
(Mình hoàn toàn không đồng ý!)
15 Qualification -You’ve done a good job!
- Not really, you did it better
(Cậu đã làm rất tốt rồi!- Không hẳn, cậu làm tốt hơn.)
16 Diverge - I didn’t know you could play the guitar so well, Nak Your song was lovely!
- Thanks, Pat I’m glad you enjoyed it
( Nak, tớ không biết là cậu lại chơi đàn guitar giỏi như vậy Giai điệu của bài hát thật là đáng yêu!
- Cảm ơn cậu Pat Mình rất vui vì bạn đã biết cảm thụ nhạc!)
- No, you did a better job Why don’t we get a drink after school? (Không, cậu làm tốt hơn Chúng mình sau giờ học đi uống nước đi!)
- Thank you I couldn’t have done it without you
(Cám ơn thầy Em không thể được như vậy nếu không có thầy chỉ bảo.)
19 Combination2 (accept and non-accept)
- Pleasure was all mine Let’s study harder next term
(Đây là niềm vinh hạnh của tớ Kì tới học hành chăm chỉ hơn nhé!)
20 Combination3 (amend and non-accept)
- I tried really hard to get the scholarship but honestly you deserved it more than me
(Tớ đã cố gắng rất vất vả để giành học bổng đấy nhưng kì thưc, tớ thấy cậu xứng đán hơn tớ.)
21 Opting out with fillers - You look great!-
Awwwww (Uầy! Trông ngon đấy!)
22 Opting out without anything/ no acknowledgement (silence)
- You look smart with the new phone! – [Silence]
(Có điện thoại mới nhìn sáng sủa hẳn!- [Im lặng])
23 Opting out with topic change
- What a nice car! – What do you think of the color?
(Xe mới đẹp nhỉ!- Cậu nghĩ sao về màu sơn xe?)
- You are so good at it!
(Giỏi quá cơ! – Ôi, ngại quá!)
Vietnamese people often downplay or decline compliments, and when they do accept them, they typically respond with an agreement signal For instance, a common response might be, “Thank you! I’m glad you like it!”
A theorist observed that Vietnamese compliment sequences are often lengthy, extending beyond the initial compliment and response This interaction reflects the sincerity of both the compliment and the response, with longer exchanges indicating greater sincerity.
In summary, Vietnamese individuals employ various strategies to respond to compliments, with the most prevalent being the act of downplaying the compliment This approach reflects their cultural values of modesty and politeness.
Differences and similarities between English and Vietnamese
3.3.1 Similarities between English and Vietnamese compliment responding
The study reveals notable similarities in the strategic use of language between English and Vietnamese, particularly in the context of complimenting Both languages exhibit a tendency to prioritize "praise upgrade" and other forms of positive reinforcement over disagreement Specifically, "comment history" and "downgrade praise" are more commonly employed than outright rejection of compliments Overall, the findings suggest that speakers of both languages generally prefer to accept compliments rather than dismiss them, although the variations in responses to compliments between English and Vietnamese are more pronounced.
3.3.2 Differences between English and Vietnamese compliment responding
The English often use agreement acceptance to seek recognition for their achievements, reflecting a form of politeness In contrast, the Vietnamese tend to decline such accolades, rooted in their cultural emphasis on humility This approach aligns with the concept of negative politeness, which is evident in their daily interactions, where they may feel uncomfortable with compliments from others.
Vietnam embodies collectivism, contrasting with the individuality prevalent in English-speaking developed nations While Vietnam is a developing country with a slower pace of life, Western countries favor brevity and quick responses in communication In contrast, Vietnamese culture emphasizes prolonged discussions to nurture relationships and show genuine care for the speaker.
E.g Response combination types: “disagreement” and “praise downgrade”
In Vietnamese: M: Wow! What a cool bag!
T: Oh, it is not enough good; it is just an old bag
In English: M: Wow! What a cool bag!
T: Thank you Not much I think This result indicates the fact that the Vietnamese are very humorous They tend to show this characteristic in any situation.