INTRODUCTION
RATIONALE
Love and desire for life are universal themes that have captivated humanity from ancient to modern times, reflecting their vital role in personal growth and success Throughout life, individuals experience various forms of love—familial, patriotic, and romantic—that fuel motivation and resilience The close relationship between love, the desire for life, and human achievement underscores their importance; for instance, passion for work enhances productivity, while faith in love inspires timeless music Without a desire for life, personal development becomes challenging Many idioms centered around love and life's passion serve to motivate and educate, especially in literature, often employing complex conceptual metaphors that can be difficult to interpret deeply These themes remain central to understanding human nature and fostering success.
Although love and the desire for life are familiar idioms, they are abstract concepts that are difficult to fully convey, making it challenging for speakers to express their deep meanings clearly This is evident in everyday life; for example, some people directly say "I love you," while others use vivid images like "My heart has turned on the green light, but why do you keep pushing the brakes?" to capture their feelings The phrase "heart turning green light" symbolizes love and affection, illustrating how different individuals choose either straightforward language or vivid metaphors to communicate complex emotions This use of imagery and analogy is known as a conceptual metaphor, which helps express deep emotional states more vividly and profoundly, enhancing understanding and emotional connection.
Metaphor is widely used in literature and daily language, especially in idioms related to love and the desire for life Vietnamese and English idioms often incorporate conceptual metaphors; however, cultural differences influence the types of metaphors used, leading to variations in idiomatic expressions despite sharing similar meanings For example, examining idioms across both languages reveals diverse metaphorical structures that reflect distinct cultural perspectives on love and life aspirations.
(1) Jules and Nora are a match made in heaven They love doing things together and cannot bear to be away from each other
(2) Ai nói chi chàng chớ có nghe, ông tơ bà nguyệt đã xe ta rồi
(3) Their marriage was on the rocks as they couldn't get along with each other anymore and were having huge arguments very frequently
(4) Cơm chả lành, canh chả ngọt
(5) Có công mài sắt có ngày nên kim
All the idioms discussed involve common conceptual metaphors that convey their meanings effectively For instance, the idiom "Match made in heaven" uses the metaphor of heaven to describe a highly compatible romantic relationship, with the source domain being HEAVEN and the target domain LOVE Similarly, in Vietnamese culture, "ông tơ bà nguyệt" also employs the heaven metaphor to express love, highlighting how this metaphor transcends cultures The idioms "on the rocks" and "cơm chả lành canh chả ngọt" both refer to conflicts or quarrels in love but differ in their underlying metaphors; the former uses an object metaphor, while the latter employs a flavor metaphor to depict relational discord Additionally, the idiom involving "Kim" and "Sắt" exemplifies how object-based metaphors are used to conceptualize specific aspects of relationships or situations These examples illustrate how conceptual metaphors serve as powerful linguistic tools, enriching idiomatic expressions across cultures.
This article explores how love and desire for life are conceptualized through English and Vietnamese idioms, highlighting both the similarities and differences in their metaphors The comparison of these idiomatic expressions offers valuable insights into cultural perceptions of love and life’s passions Inspired by these findings, I conducted research for my graduation thesis, titled "Luan Van Tot Nghiep" (Graduation Thesis), which reflects on the cross-cultural understanding of love and desire For further details or to access my full thesis, please contact me at z z @gmail.com.
― Conceptual Metaphors in English and Vietnamese Idiomatic Expressions
This study explores the conceptual metaphors expressed in Vietnamese and English idioms related to love and the desire for life By analyzing these idioms, we aim to deepen the understanding of how different cultures conceptualize love and life's passions through metaphorical language The research contributes to enriching cross-cultural insights into emotional expressions, offering valuable perspectives on the universal and unique ways love and desire for life are articulated in Vietnamese and English idioms Ultimately, this work enhances our comprehension of metaphorical thought and its role in shaping emotional and cultural perceptions.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
This research aims to identify idioms related to love and the desire for life, analyzing their linguistic features and cultural significance It explores the similarities and differences in conceptual metaphors found in English and Vietnamese idioms about love and vitality The study provides insights into how these idioms reflect cultural perceptions and emotional expressions across languages By comparing idiomatic expressions, the research highlights cross-cultural patterns and unique metaphoric constructions associated with love and life desire This analysis enhances understanding of bilingual idiomatic usage and contributes to the fields of intercultural communication and language learning.
In order to achieve the aim of this research, the thesis concentrates on:
- Identifying specifically the conceptual metaphors of love and desire for life in English and Vietnamese
- Describing how the concept of love and desire for life is metaphorically expressed in English and Vietnamese idioms
- Comparing the conceptual metaphor of love and desire for life between English and Vietnamese idioms.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
In order to fulfil the objective above, the analysis will answer these research questions:
1 How are the conceptual metaphors of love and desire for life expressed in English and Vietnamese idioms? luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
2 What are the similarities and differences of the conceptual metaphors of love and desire for life between English and Vietnamese idioms?
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study examines the conceptual metaphors of love and desire for life in English and Vietnamese idioms It provides a precise analysis of how these metaphors are expressed through idiomatic expressions, focusing exclusively on idioms rather than poems, short stories, or literary works Future research will explore idioms in greater depth to deepen understanding of their cultural and conceptual significance.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
People often demonstrate deep knowledge and engaging ways of discussing love and desire for life, frequently using idioms related to these themes Love and the desire for life are enduring, universal human experiences However, many individuals use English and Vietnamese idioms about love and desire mechanically, without truly understanding their underlying nature This study aims to explore the conceptual metaphors behind these idioms, providing a clearer understanding of their meanings Ultimately, the research identifies the key conceptual metaphors of love and desire for life expressed through idioms in both English and Vietnamese.
ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
This thesis is organized into five chapters as follow:
Chapter 1, Introduction, outlines the rationale, aims, and objectives of the study, providing a clear overview of the research questions, scope, and significance This section emphasizes the importance of understanding the study’s purpose and its contribution to the field, establishing a solid foundation for the subsequent chapters The organization of the study is also detailed, guiding readers through the research framework Additionally, the article mentions resources such as thesis downloads and contact information, which support further exploration of the research topic.
Chapter 2, Literature Review and Theoretical Background, provides an overview of previous studies on conceptual metaphors, highlighting their significance in understanding language and cognition It explores the theoretical foundations of conceptual metaphors related to love and desire for life, including definitions, classifications, and various metaphorical domains The chapter also examines English and Vietnamese idioms connected to love and life desires, identifying key similarities between these languages Additionally, it presents representative examples of idioms in both languages, illustrating how conceptual metaphors are expressed across different cultures.
Chapter 3, RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY, describes the intended process of the study that is the design, methods, research procedures, data collection and data analysis
Chapter 4, FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION, explores the metaphors related to love and desire for life in English and Vietnamese idioms, highlighting their cultural significance and usage This section examines the similarities and differences in how these idioms express emotional and motivational concepts across the two languages It also analyzes the ways in which metaphors about love and life are culturally embedded, reflecting societal values and perspectives Additionally, the chapter discusses how these idiomatic expressions are employed in communication to convey nuanced feelings and attitudes toward love and life's pursuits Overall, the findings offer a comparative insight into the linguistic and cultural nuances of metaphorical expressions in English and Vietnamese.
Chapter 5, Conclusion and Implications, summarizes the key findings of the study and highlights the significance of understanding idioms of love and desire for life The chapter discusses practical implications for learning and applying these idioms to enhance emotional expression and cultural awareness Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of integrating idiomatic language into daily communication to foster better understanding and connection For those seeking to download the latest graduate thesis, please contact luanvanfull via z z @gmail.com.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL
LITERATURE REVIEW
Metaphor has been a longstanding element in both literary works and everyday language, serving as a powerful tool for conveying complex ideas While traditional philosophers often regard language as literal and consider metaphor a mere poetic device, cognitive linguists emphasize the crucial role of metaphor in shaping our understanding They highlight how metaphors influence meaning construction and reflect our embodied perception of various situations Understanding the significance of metaphor in language offers valuable insights into how humans communicate and interpret the world around them.
The most elemental theory of metaphor originated from the Greek philosopher Aristotle (383-322 B.C), who is credited with introducing the word
―metaphor‖ in two of his major treatises (Rhetoric and Poetics, 1997) In Greek,
―metaphor‖ means ―to carry beyond‖ or ―to deliver‖ This meaning refers to an implied comparison or transference of meaning between two objects formulated as
Aristotle defined metaphor as the transference of a word's meaning from one significance to another, such as from genus to species, species to genus, or between species, often through analogy or proportion He explained that metaphor involves shifting a word's significance beyond its ordinary usage, distinguishing it from everyday language This concept highlights the creative and figurative nature of metaphor, emphasizing its role in enriching communication and expression.
Ivor Armstrong Richards (1936) is one of the lecturers who doubted the traditional viewpoint of metaphor He introduced the technical terms ―vehicle‖ and
The term "tenor" in metaphorical language refers to the underlying idea that is clarified or illustrated by another term In this context, the first term symbolizes the core concept, while the second term provides the contextual illumination According to linguists George Lakoff and Mark Johnson (1980), understanding the role of "tenor" is essential for analyzing how metaphors shape our perception and communication Their groundbreaking work highlights the significance of metaphorical mapping in cognitive linguistics, emphasizing how "tenor" functions within conceptual metaphors to convey meaning effectively.
"Metaphors We Live By" revolutionized the field of cognitive linguistics by illustrating how metaphors shape our understanding of the world Lakoff and Johnson emphasized that metaphors are fundamental to human thought, influencing our perceptions and everyday language Their groundbreaking work highlights the importance of metaphors in shaping our conceptual frameworks, making it a pivotal contribution to cognitive science and linguistics.
Metaphor has traditionally been seen as a feature of language and words, rather than related to thought or action However, recent research reveals that metaphor is pervasive in daily life, influencing not just language but also our thinking and behavior Our everyday conceptual system, which guides both our thoughts and actions, is fundamentally shaped by metaphorical structures.
Lakoff and Johnson's groundbreaking research has significantly influenced the study of conceptual metaphors, particularly those related to ARGUMENT, TIME, LIFE, and LOVE, which are frequently used in everyday language These metaphors are so ingrained in daily communication that their usage often goes unnoticed, as they are employed almost automatically Their work continues to be extensively examined by linguists, highlighting the importance of understanding how conceptual metaphors shape our perception and expression.
In 2002, research provided deeper insight into conceptual metaphors from a cognitive perspective, highlighting their crucial role in shaping our cognitive processes Additionally, significant attention has been given to conceptual metaphors related to LOVE, explored in detail to understand how these metaphors influence our understanding and expression of romantic emotions.
―Metaphors of Anger, Pride and Love: A Lexical Approach to the Structure of
In Vietnam, the study of conceptual metaphors has garnered significant attention from numerous researchers, including Ly Toan Thang, Nguyen Duc Ton (2007), and Nguyen Lai (2009) Notably, Phan The Hung's 2007 article titled “Ẩn dụ ý niệm” offers a compelling exploration of these metaphors, highlighting their importance in understanding Vietnamese language and culture.
Numerous publications have explored various aspects of conceptual metaphors, including Nguyen Lai’s 2009 work, "Thinking about conceptual metaphors in the poetic world from the perspective of cognitive linguistics," which analyzes the role of metaphors in poetry through cognitive linguistics Additionally, Phan Van Hoa and Nguyen conducted an investigation into conceptual metaphors related to life, death, and time in both English and Vietnamese, highlighting the cultural and linguistic differences in metaphor usage across languages.
Thị Tu Trinh (2010) Phan Van Hoa and Ho Trinh Quynh Thu (2011) studied ―Ẩn dụ ý niệm „Tình yêu là cuộc hành trình‟ trong tiếng Anh và tiếng Việt‖ (Conceptual metaphor „Love is a journey‟ in English and Vietnamese) (Linguistics and Life,
Vol 9 (191), p 15) Moreover, Le Thi My Nhat (2002) investigated ―The luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
Metaphoric Devices in English and Vietnamese Proverbs‖ Ho Vi Nu My Linh
Research by (2011) explored the use of metaphors in newspapers, comparing English and Vietnamese languages to understand cultural and linguistic differences Subsequently, Nguyen Thị Thanh Huyen (2009) conducted a study on perceptual metaphors and structural metaphor models within Trịnh Công Sơn's song lyrics, supervised by Assoc Prof Tran Van Co These studies highlight the significance of metaphors in both media and lyrical expressions across different languages and cultures.
Conceptual metaphors in Vietnamese and English idioms play a significant role in enhancing their practical meaning in both literature and everyday communication These idioms typically feature simple structures combined with various metaphors, making them both profound and widely recognized As a result, this topic has garnered considerable interest from scholars, leading to the publication of numerous research papers exploring the intertwined nature of idioms and metaphors across languages.
In 2016, Tran The Phi conducted a research titled "Conceptual Metaphors of Emotions in Vietnamese Idioms (Compared to English Idioms)," exploring how emotional concepts are expressed through idiomatic language in both Vietnamese and English His study provides valuable insights into the cultural and linguistic differences and similarities between the two languages regarding emotional expression This research enhances understanding of metaphorical language use and contributes to comparative linguistic analysis, enriching cross-cultural communication and translation practices.
Thi Thu Ba (2011) conducted a research with the title ―An investigation into
English and Vietnamese idioms containing words denoting time‖
Nguyen Tan Thanh (2017) conducted a study titled "Conceptual Metaphors Denoting Love in The Tale of Kieu by Nguyen Du and Its English Versions by Michael Counsel and Huynh Sanh Thong," focusing on analyzing the conceptual metaphors of love, a timeless theme in literature His research identifies metaphorical elements in the original work and compares them to their translations, highlighting differences between Michael Counsel's and Huynh Sanh Thong's versions Additionally, he examines gaps in translation accuracy and explores other stylistic devices and conceptual metaphors used in both versions, providing insights into how love is depicted across cultures through translation.
Nguyen Thi Mong Cam (2012) conducted a thesis titled "An investigation in English and Vietnamese idioms related to love and marriage," focusing on the syntactic, stylistic, and semantic features of these idioms Her research explores the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese love and marriage idioms, providing insights into their linguistic characteristics However, her study does not extensively examine metaphors within all idioms, as she concentrates on specific aspects of the idiomatic expressions related to love and marriage.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
To understand conceptual metaphor, it is essential to explore its origins and purpose The term "conceptual metaphor" derives from cognitive linguistics, emphasizing the mental processes behind metaphors Conceptual metaphors serve as fundamental tools for understanding abstract concepts by linking them to familiar, concrete experiences In cognitive linguistics, the word "conceptual" highlights the importance of mental representation in shaping our perceptions and language As reported by Tran Van, analyzing the roots and functions of conceptual metaphors is key to comprehending how language reflects our cognitive processes and conceptual understanding.
According to Co (2007), the term "conceptual" reflects how ideas are formed in human consciousness Cognitive science suggests that people primarily think through concepts that encompass not only notions but also associated images and cultural context Consequently, conceptual metaphors are central to human thinking and awareness These concepts originate from direct emotional experiences acquired through social interaction and sensory engagement with the outside world.
Conceptual metaphor is a fundamental form of conceptualization, serving as a key cognitive process that enables the expression and development of new ideas It plays a crucial role in shaping and constructing new knowledge, highlighting its importance in the process of innovative thinking and understanding.
Conceptual metaphor illustrates how people perceive and interpret the world around them, encompassing their views on phenomena and abstract concepts It serves as a mental framework that shapes our understanding by connecting complex ideas to familiar, tangible concepts through language Essentially, conceptual metaphors help make abstract notions more comprehensible by associating them with simple, concrete thoughts, thus forming a fundamental block of perceptual knowledge in everyday life.
Conceptual metaphors play a significant role in literary works, poetry, idioms, and everyday language, serving as a key element in cognitive linguistics They involve comparing two different things, often using one to represent an abstraction, thereby enriching meaning and understanding According to Wikipedia, a metaphor is a figure of speech that directly references one thing to evoke or clarify another, highlighting hidden similarities or creating rhetorical impact Unlike other figurative devices such as antithesis, hyperbole, metonymy, and simile, metaphors often provide deeper insights by connecting seemingly unrelated concepts.
The ―All the world's a stage‖ monologue from William Shakespeare’s ―As
You Like It‖ is one of the most commonly cited examples of a metaphor
All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances
This quote shows several metaphors such as “all the world‟s a stage”, which means that the world in the eyes of a playwright is like a stage; then, the metaphor
The phrase “all the men and women merely players” suggests that individuals in society are like characters in a play, emphasizing the transient and role-dependent nature of human existence This metaphor highlights the similarities between the world and a stage, where life is a performance and people assume various roles throughout their lives Understanding this perspective encourages reflection on societal roles and personal identity, making it a meaningful concept in literature and philosophy For those interested in exploring this theme further, academic resources and full thesis downloads are available, providing in-depth insights into the metaphor's significance.
Lakoff and Johnson (1980) argued that “the essence of metaphors is understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of another.” They said:
Metaphor is not merely a matter of language; it reflects the fundamentally metaphorical nature of human thought processes The human conceptual system is inherently metaphorically structured, which explains why we can express metaphors linguistically According to Lakoff and Johnson (1980), the presence of metaphors in our language stems from their deep-rooted existence within our conceptual framework, illustrating that metaphor shapes both cognition and communication.
Considering the basis of all metaphors the concept, Lakoff and Johnson named their theory of metaphors the ―conceptual metaphor‖ It is also called
―cognitive metaphor‖ because this new concept of metaphor lies in the school of cognitive linguistics
In the cognitive linguistic view, metaphor is defined as understanding one conceptual domain A in terms of another conceptual domain B (Kửvecses, 2002, p
In fact, in conceptual metaphor there exist ―Source Domain‖ (A) and ―Target
Domain‖ (B), which (A) is understood through (B) (Kửvecses, 2002, p.4) The
A "Source Domain" often encompasses abstract concepts such as life, love, arguments, and ideas, while a "Target Domain" includes tangible elements like fire, vegetation, journeys, and nutrients The relationship between these domains is known as "Mapping," which helps in understanding how abstract concepts are represented through more concrete terms For example, the conceptual metaphor “Love is a patient” illustrates how "Love" (target domain) is understood through the source domain "Patient," leading to expressions like "She is patient in love." This metaphor, inspired by Lakoff and Johnson's “Metaphors We Live By” (1980), demonstrates how language uses familiar, concrete experiences to convey complex, abstract ideas Utilizing such metaphors enhances clarity and emotional impact in communication, making abstract concepts more relatable.
They have a strong, healthy marriage
The marriage is dead—it can’t be revived
Their marriage is on the mend
We’re getting back on our feet luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
Their relationship is in really good shape
They’ve got a listless marriage
Their marriage is on its last legs
It’s a tired affair (Lakoff and Johnson, 1980, p.106)
The above conceptual correspondence between two domains shows the same properties The source domain ―Patient‖ has some properties like ―sick‖, ―strong‖,
―healthy‖, ―dead‖, ―revived‖, ―on the mend‖, ―back on your feet‖, ―in really good shape‖, listless, on its last legs, tired which are assigned to the target domain
While "Love" and "Patience" may appear unrelated when considered separately, both qualities share fundamental similarities that highlight their interconnectedness Understanding how these concepts intersect is essential for appreciating their roles in personal growth and meaningful relationships Exploring the similarities between love and patience reveals their shared importance in fostering harmony, understanding, and resilience Recognizing the link between love and patience can deepen our appreciation for how these virtues work together to strengthen connections and promote emotional stability.
Table 2.1 The metaphorical correspondences between
Source Domain and Target Domain
Lovers The Lovers are sick in love strong, healthy marriage
The concept of marriage is evolving, with some believing that "the marriage is dead" and cannot be revived, while others observe that "the marriage is on the mend" and couples are "getting back on their feet." When a relationship is in "really good shape," it signifies a healthy and thriving partnership, whereas a "listless marriage" indicates a lack of vitality and connection However, many relationships face difficulties, with some being "on their last legs" or described as "a tired affair," reflecting exhaustion and waning interest Regardless of the situation, understanding the signs of a healthy versus struggling marriage is essential for fostering meaningful partnerships.
Patients are individuals experiencing health issues, ranging from being strong and healthy to facing critical conditions where health cannot be revived Some patients are on the mend and gradually returning to full strength, indicating their health is improving Others may have a listless spirit or their health is on its last legs, signifying severe exhaustion or illness Overall, patient health varies from good shape to tired and fragile states, emphasizing the importance of proper medical care and recovery efforts.
This set of correspondences helps us to comprehend more about the abstract concept of ―Love‖
Furthermore, to determine what expressions are metaphors, a group of researchers called Pragglejaz Group (2007) listed four steps of MIP as follows:
1 Read the entire text/discourse to establish a general understanding of the meaning
2 Determine the lexical units in the text/discourse
3 a For each lexical unit in the text, establish its meaning in context, i.e how it applies to an entity, relation or attribute in the situation evoked by the text (contextual meaning) Take into account what comes before and after the lexical unit b For each lexical unit, determine if it has a more basic contemporary meaning in other contexts than the one in the given context For our purposes, basic meanings tend to be:
- more concrete; what they evoke is easier to imagine, see, hear, feel, smell, and taste;
- more precise (as opposed to vague);
The basic meanings of a lexical unit are not always the most commonly used meanings When a lexical unit has a more fundamental or contemporary meaning in different contexts, it is important to determine whether the contextual meaning contrasts with the basic sense but can still be understood in relation to it.
4 If yes, mark the lexical unit as metaphorical
According to Lakoff and Johnson (1890), conceptual metaphors are divided into four basic categories: structural metaphors, ontological metaphors, orientational metaphors and conduit metaphors
Structural metaphors involve understanding one concept in terms of another, by mapping attributes from the source domain to the target domain For example, in the metaphor "Love is madness," "Love" is the target domain while "Madness" is the source domain; although these concepts are semantically unrelated, they share similar properties such as intensity and unpredictability This semantic restructuring allows us to comprehend abstract concepts like love by framing them in terms of more familiar, concrete experiences like madness Through this process, structural metaphors facilitate a deeper understanding of complex ideas by establishing meaningful connections between different conceptual domains.
She drives me out of my mind
He constantly raves about her
He's gone mad over her
Obviously, the italicized phrases all show the human’s strongly states in love
Ontological metaphors involve the "materialization" of abstract entities, allowing us to conceptualize experiences, emotions, ideas, and actions as tangible, real objects within space This metaphorical process helps make complex and intangible concepts more concrete and understandable by viewing them as physical things.
The ontological metaphors are useful for different uses, for example, inflation can be seen as a certain object although it is an abstract object Therefore, we have the following cases:
Inflation is lowering our standard of living
If there's much more inflation, we'll never survive
We need to combat inflation
Inflation is backing us into a comer
Inflation is taking its toll at the checkout counter and the gas pump
Buying land is the best way of dealing with inflation
(Lakoff and Johnson, 1980, p 26) luan van tot nghiep download luanvanfull moi nhat z z @gmail.com Luan van thac si
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH METHODS
This study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to effectively achieve its objectives, combining data collection, counting, and analysis The qualitative approach focuses on analyzing and describing conceptual metaphors derived from idioms, providing in-depth insights Meanwhile, the quantitative approach measures the frequency of source and target domain occurrences, offering statistical perspective Additionally, a contrastive method is used to compare and analyze the conceptual metaphors related to love and desire for life in English and Vietnamese idioms, enhancing cross-cultural understanding of metaphor usage.
DATA COLLECTION
This study analyzes idiomatic expressions sourced from diverse online platforms and literary works, including proverbs, poems, and short stories A total of 100 samples—50 English and 50 Vietnamese—pertaining to "Love" were collected, representing 20 types of metaphors Additionally, 100 samples related to "Desire for Life" were gathered, illustrating 10 metaphor types These idiomatic expressions highlight cultural and linguistic variations in metaphor usage across languages.
―Love‖ and ―Desire for life‖ in the samples contain the elements of conceptual metaphors which they are chosen based on conceptual metaphor theory by Lakoff and Johnson (1980)
Here is some steps of data collection:
When researching idiomatic expressions, it is essential to consult reputable sources such as "The Dictionary of Current English-Vietnamese Idioms" by La Thanh (1988) and "The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms" (second edition, 2004) Additionally, reviewing literature books from grades 1 to 9 and leveraging reliable online resources like Wikiquote can provide valuable insights into Vietnamese and English idioms, enhancing language comprehension and accuracy.
_Nam?fbclid=IwAR2s9EvywocWxkAE- 1ec4yPe0a6iKUMtTtOB9fRh14Xvhi4fYQqSGOUBTP0, https://www.theidioms.com/, https://www.thefreedictionary.com/
(2) Identify the English and Vietnamese idiomatic expressions relating to love and desire for life
(3) Classify the English and Vietnamese idiomatic expressions relating to love and desire for life
(4) Find out the metaphors in the idiomatic expressions, and identify the source domains and the target domains based on the theory of Lakoff and Johnson
(5) Group the metaphors in the idiomatic expressions having the same source domains.
DATA ANALYSIS
To analyse the data, let us check the following steps
- Classifying English and Vietnamese idioms into love and desire for life categories
- Identifying the metaphors in the idioms using the MIP procedure by the Pragglejaz Group (2007) and classifying them into different types
- Analyzing the metaphors in the idioms to find out the frequency of the types of metaphors
- Comparing and contrasting the English and Vietnamese idioms in love and desire for life
Metaphors related to love and desire for life are vividly embedded in both English and Vietnamese idioms, showcasing cultural similarities and differences In English, love is often depicted through metaphors such as "falling in love," symbolizing a spontaneous and uncontrollable emotion, while in Vietnamese idioms, phrases like "yêu như con tằm ăn dâu" (loving like a silkworm eating mulberry leaves) highlight deep devotion and perseverance Both languages use nature-based metaphors to express longing and passion, yet they differ in their cultural connotations; English metaphors tend to emphasize emotional intensity and unpredictability, whereas Vietnamese idioms focus on steadfastness and filial piety Understanding these metaphorical expressions enhances cross-cultural communication and provides deeper insights into how each society perceives love and the human desire for a fulfilling life.
RESEARCH PROCEDURES
To achieve the goal of the study, the study is conducted according to the following steps:
First, the researcher reviews the previous studies which are related to those themes generally
Second, the researcher collects Vietnamese and English idioms relating to love and desire for life
Next, the researcher investigates the expressions in the idioms conceptualize the abstract domains ―Love‖ and ―Desire for Life‖ based on the conceptual metaphor theory by Lakoff and Johnson (1980)
The researcher concludes that the most popular types of metaphors in the categories of love and desire for life reveal key cultural insights Additionally, the study highlights both similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms related to love and life desires, offering a deeper understanding of how these cultures express emotional and motivational concepts through figurative language.
SUMMARY
This chapter is particularly important as it outlines effective methods for conducting the study It emphasizes the procedures for data collection and analysis, which are crucial for achieving accurate and reliable results Proper implementation of these strategies ensures the study’s success and validity.
This study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to ensure comprehensive data collection and to select the most representative samples Comparative and contrastive approaches are essential for analyzing the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms related to love and the desire for life Additionally, descriptive methods are used to analyze metaphorical expressions conveying these themes The findings derived from these approaches will be discussed in the subsequent chapter.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
CONCEPTUAL METAPHORS IN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE
In the "LOVE IS A JOURNEY" metaphor, idioms often use roads and travel-related imagery to depict the dynamics of romantic relationships The term "journey" symbolizes the long and evolving process that lovers experience, encompassing moments of mutual care, as well as challenges like misunderstandings and mistakes that can lead to separation Understanding these idioms provides deeper insight into the complexities of love as a continuous path filled with growth, obstacles, and emotional highs and lows.
Among fifty English idioms used for the study, there is only one case with the LOVE IS A JOURNEY metaphor, making it 2% of the data
The Irish idiom signifies that when two lovers are together, any journey feels shorter, emphasizing the comfort and joy found in companionship It highlights the idea that life becomes more enjoyable and meaningful when shared with a reliable loved one This saying underscores the importance of having trusted relationship partners to make life's long paths seem shorter and more fulfilling.
There are two idioms matching the LOVE IS A JOURNEY metaphor, making up 4% of the chosen Vietnamese idioms
(2) Chàng sẽ đi cùng trời cuối đất để tìm gặp lại nàng
Certainly! Here's a rewritten paragraph based on your instructions:The familiar idiom in the sentence reflects a deep sense of love and passion, resonating with many who seek to pursue their dreams Whether you're looking to download the latest master's thesis ("luan van thac si") or find comprehensive "luan van full" resources, staying connected through reliable sources like z z @gmail.com is essential Embracing the love for knowledge, students often express their dedication by sharing and exploring academic works, emphasizing the importance of accessible and quality content for their academic journey.
Using "cùng" and "cuối" to express endless love, the young man is willing to overcome any hardship, even if it means traveling to heaven and earth, to find her His unwavering determination highlights the depth of his devotion and commitment.
In the "LOVE IS AN OBJECT" metaphor, love is conceptualized as a tangible item that people can touch, handle, give, and receive This perspective is effectively conveyed through the use of nouns and verbs that depict love as something concrete and manipulable For example, idioms such as "give love," "take love," and "return love" exemplify how love is portrayed as a physical object, emphasizing its accessibility and exchangeability in everyday language This metaphor enhances our understanding of love by framing it as something that can be physically interacted with, making abstract emotions more relatable and concrete.
In fifty chosen idioms, this type accounts for 8% of the examined data which equals four cases and two of them are discussed below
(3) Their marriage was on the rocks as they couldn't get along with each other anymore and were having huge arguments very frequently
The idiom "on the rocks" originally referred to ships stranded and shattered on rocks, but since the late 1800s, it has been used figuratively to describe disasters or serious problems This phrase is commonly used to predict that a relationship is facing difficulties or is nearing its end, symbolizing a relationship on the brink of failure with the imagery of being "on the rocks."
(4) Terry has been carrying a torch for Liz for years, but she seems not to notice
Terry has been secretly in love with Liz for a long time, but she remains unaware of his feelings The idiom "carrying a torch for" describes unrequited love, symbolizing ongoing romantic feelings that are not reciprocated This expression uses the metaphor of a "torch" to represent persistent affection for someone who does not return that love.
The "LOVE IS AN OBJECT" metaphor is present in two Vietnamese idioms, highlighting cultural perceptions of love This figurative expression reflects the way love is conceptualized as a tangible entity within Vietnamese language and culture In the studied dataset, these idioms account for 4% of the analyzed language patterns, emphasizing their cultural significance This metaphorical framework helps to understand how love is embedded in Vietnamese linguistic expressions, offering insights into local attitudes and beliefs about love and relationships.
(5) Trâu tìm cọc, cọc chẳng tìm trâu
The idiom reflects traditional views on morality and gender roles in love In this expression, "Trâu" symbolizes an active man who takes the initiative in love, while "cọc" represents a passive woman who prefers to wait for love to come to her It emphasizes that men typically drive romantic pursuits by confessing their feelings and flirting, whereas women are generally reserved and do not actively seek out love.
The "LOVE IS FIRE" metaphor is a popular and expressive imagery in both English and Vietnamese idioms, symbolizing passion and intense emotion Fire represents an eternal source of life and vividly illustrates the powerful feelings of love and sexual attraction The level and intensity of fire—burning, weak, or extinguished—depict different stages of love, from fiery passion to fading affection or the end of love This metaphor effectively captures the dynamic nature of romantic feelings, making it a compelling element in idiomatic expressions.
Two of the examined English idioms contain the LOVE IS FIRE metaphor, making up 4% of the data
(6) I was worried that they wouldn’t like each other but in fact they’re getting on like a house on fire
(7) Yeah, Ben is his old flame —they dated last summer
The idiom “getting on like a house on fire” describes two people who quickly develop a strong, positive relationship, emphasizing how easily their connection grows This phrase uses the vivid image of fire to symbolize a passionate and thriving bond between individuals Understanding idioms like this can enrich your language skills and improve intercultural communication.
―old flame ‖ means a former lover Because fire stands for the feelings of people when they love, ―old flame ‖ is the metaphor for the ex-lover
There is only one idiom within fifty samples containing the LOVE IS FIRE metaphor, making it 2% of the examined data
(8) Lửa gần rơm lâu ngày cũng bén
It is also the same as the English idioms which use the image of fire to illustrate love In the idiom above, utilizing ― lửa ‖ - fire and ―rơm‖ - straw demonstrates a man and a woman At first, the man does not have any feelings for the woman, but he eventually starts to love the woman and develops his feelings for her during the time they meet In fact, research has shown that the more we meet someone, the easier we see them as attractive Besides a very special kind of psychology in love that we often call ―love at the first sight” or ―fall head over heels in love‖, there is another fascinating sentiment, which is the ―small rain lays great dust‖ Therefore, this idiom is similar because ―rơm‖ is very flammable when it is near ― lửa ‖, which is the same as a man and a woman gradually falling in love when they are near each other
In the "LOVE IS A UNITY" metaphor, unity is essential in every relationship, emphasizing that love is a profound human-to-human emotion When love is deep enough, individuals perceive it as a single, unified entity, highlighting the inseparability of love and its transcendent nature within relationships.
The "LOVE IS A UNITY" metaphor is featured in five instances within the studied data, representing 10% of the total sample This highlights the significance of the metaphor in conveying themes of harmony and togetherness Download comprehensive graduate theses and master's dissertations at luanvanfull.com or contact us via z z @gmail.com for detailed academic resources.
(9) The words she said cut me to the heart
The human heart is deeply affected by emotions, often fluttering or pounding vigorously when in the presence of loved ones This reflects how love can feel intense and overwhelming, almost as if the heart is breaking into pieces The idiom "hurting someone is like cutting their heart" highlights the profound impact emotional pain can have, emphasizing that love and heartbreak can lead to feelings of fragmentation and emotional distress.
6% of the examined data is the idioms having the LOVE IS A UNITY metaphor, equalling three idioms out of fifty samples
CONCEPTUAL METAPHORS IN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE
4.2.1 Desire for Life is an object
An object is any tangible item that can be physically handled, capable of affecting or causing harm to people Certain objects can also serve as symbols to build trust and motivate individuals, highlighting their significance beyond mere physicality Consequently, objects are often used metaphorically to represent the longing for life and deeper emotional aspirations To understand this better, let’s explore various situations where objects embody human desires and connections.
There are six English idioms containing the DESIRE FOR LIFE IS AN OBJECT metaphor in 50 chosen idioms They make up 12% in the total of the idioms
(71) I have to say, Sarah has been as steady as a rock during this whole ordeal
(72) With your grades and extra curriculars, you'll have the ball at your feet in your college search
The idioms explore different aspects of human desire and character: "desire for life" is often viewed as a tangible, object-like instinct, yet it is fundamentally a human trait The expression "as steady as a rock" symbolizes individuals who remain determined despite challenges, emphasizing qualities of strength, resilience, and stability This idiom draws from the source domain of rocks—solid, enduring, and hard—to metaphorically represent human perseverance and steadfastness in the face of adversity.
The article uses the metaphor of a "rock" to illustrate the concept of the "desire for life," emphasizing the importance of seizing good opportunities For example, the idiom "the ball at your feet" symbolizes favorable chances for success, drawing from football where having the ball at one's feet indicates a better chance to win This imagery effectively reflects the human aspiration to seize life's opportunities and achieve growth.
The study reveals that 12% of Vietnamese idioms incorporate the metaphor "desire for life is an object," illustrating the cultural significance of valuing life and vitality Among these, two notable examples are discussed, highlighting how language reflects the deep human wish for longevity and well-being These idioms demonstrate the prevalent use of life as a cherished object, emphasizing its importance in Vietnamese culture Incorporating such insights enhances understanding of language patterns and enriches culturally aware content for SEO optimization.
(74) Chuông có gõ mới kêu, đèn có khêu mới rạng
(77) Có công mài sắt có ngày nên kim
The idiom involving "chân" (foot) and "đá" (rock) illustrates how metaphors can enhance persuasion While "đá" refers to a hard, unyielding rock, human feet are naturally softer, symbolizing that with patience and determination, any obstacle can be overcome The phrase "đá mềm" (softened rock) highlights how diligent effort can transform challenges into manageable issues Ultimately, "chân cứng" (sturdy foot) signifies a strong desire for life, emphasizing resilience and perseverance in the face of difficulties.
A timeless truth is encapsulated through familiar symbols such as "sắt" (iron) and "kim" (needle), representing the journey from rough material to a refined, useful object The transformation of a solid iron bar into a delicate needle reflects extraordinary effort, perseverance, and hard work This metaphor offers sincere advice from previous generations, emphasizing that overcoming challenges through perseverance and energy leads to success despite difficulties The "kim" symbolizes the desire for life, while the "sắt" embodies the obstacles faced during the process, inspiring resilience and determination.
4.2.2 Desire for Life is an animal
Animals often serve as symbols of human personality traits across various cultures For example, the buffalo represents extreme suffering, reflected in idioms like “suffering like a buffalo,” while the mouse’s agility symbolizes cleverness Additionally, animals are frequently used as metaphors for aspirations to live or embody certain qualities, highlighting their cultural significance in understanding human nature.
The DESIRE FOR LIFE IS AN ANIMAL metaphor appears in four samples out of fifty chosen idioms, making up 8% in the total of the idioms
(78) We must be as patient as an ox if we wish to labour in the artistic
Oxen are traditionally regarded as resilient animals capable of enduring tough conditions, as they have historically worked alongside humans in agricultural fields despite their slow pace and limited productivity These qualities have earned them a reputation as dependable and hardy farm animals, symbolizing strength and perseverance.
―patient‖ animal By ploughing slowly but steadily, they always achieve their aim The desire for life is shown by the patience of the ox
(79) You've been complaining about being out of work for too long- it's time to take the bull by the horns and go find a job
The idiom "take the bull by the horns" vividly symbolizes courage and bravery, emphasizing the importance of facing challenges directly Using the imagery of a bull's horns, the phrase encourages individuals to confront difficult tasks head-on with confidence This expression is commonly used to describe acting decisively and bravely in challenging situations, highlighting the value of boldness and determination in achieving success.
Among the collected idioms, six incorporate this metaphor, making up 12% of the total This highlights the significance of the metaphor in idiomatic expressions Understanding these idioms enhances language comprehension and enriches communication Exploring such figurative language can provide deeper insights into cultural expressions and their meanings Just as idioms with metaphors are prevalent, they play a crucial role in conveying nuanced ideas effectively.
The idiom has dual meanings: literally, it describes birds flying to peaceful, gentle lands rich in food and free of danger to nest and hide Figuratively, it signifies that tranquil places with favorable living conditions tend to attract more people than chaotic environments Additionally, the idiom reflects people's desire for a peaceful life, with the image of "chim" symbolizing the longing for harmony and stability in life.
4.2.3 Desire for Life is a container
A container is simply something that can hold It is the good source domain in metaphor to show the good target domain of desire for life
Among fifty idioms, there are four idioms having the DESIRE FOR LIFE IS
A CONTAINER metaphor with 8% in the total of the idioms
Third-place City has a game in hand, but a surprising loss to Sunderland combined with Sunday's 3-2 defeat at Liverpool could hinder their chances of securing a second championship in three seasons.
(82) He exactly covered himself with glory in his last job
The phrase "full of life" encapsulates the desire for vitality and happiness, symbolizing a life filled with joy and enthusiasm It suggests a state where one's enthusiasm and zest for living are so abundant that they can be likened to a container brimming with happiness This idiom describes individuals who are experiencing the greatest levels of vitality and passion, reflecting an unwavering desire to embrace life regardless of challenges or circumstances.
Approximately 14% of the analyzed data consists of idioms involving the "desire for life" as a container metaphor, highlighting its prevalence in idiomatic expressions related to vitality and life enthusiasm.
The idiom reflects a deep desire for a vibrant and expansive life, symbolized by the phrases "bốn bể," representing the four largest oceans, and "năm châu," referring to the five continents This expression promotes an optimistic outlook, suggesting that people can embody a sense of belonging anywhere in the world, viewing all corners of the Earth as their home.
(85) Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn