INTRODUCTION
Rationale of the study
International communication is increasingly prevalent, driven by globalization, which facilitates the exchange of perspectives, products, ideas, and cultural elements This phenomenon highlights the growing necessity for in-depth studies on global language issues, with English emerging as the primary symbolic language.
In Vietnam, English is regarded as a vital tool for international communication, making proficiency in it essential However, Vietnamese learners often encounter challenges that hinder effective conversations A significant factor contributing to these difficulties is the perception and use of idioms, particularly English idioms of comparison (EIC), in relation to their Vietnamese counterparts The cultural differences between the two countries lead to distinct variations in language, especially in idiomatic expressions Exploring the similarities and differences between EIC and Vietnamese idioms can significantly enhance cultural understanding between Vietnamese and English speakers.
English idioms are widely used in everyday language, and their effective use is often seen as a hallmark of good English This has motivated numerous researchers to analyze and compare English idioms and their Vietnamese counterparts However, many studies have not fully achieved their objectives due to significant differences in structure, form, and meaning between the idioms in the two languages This gap in research has prompted my decision to conduct a further investigation on this topic, specifically focusing on English idioms of comparison.
The article on "Vietnamese translation equivalents" aims to serve as a valuable resource for both foreign language teachers and learners, as well as for anyone interested in the idiomatic expressions found in English and Vietnamese.
Aims of the study
- Gaining an insightful look at symbolic and semantic features of EIC and their equivalents in translation into Vietnamese
- Working out the similarities and differences between EIC and their equivalents in translation into Vietnamese in terms of idiomatic variants and synonymous idioms.
Research questions
In order to achieve the above aims, there are three research questions need to be answered
1 What are the most common features of English comparative idioms and their Vietnamese translation counterparts?
2 What are the differences and similarities between EIC and their Vietnamese translation equivalents?
3 What can be possible causes for differences between EIC and their Vietnamese translation equivalents?
Scope of the study
This study conducts a comparative analysis of English Idiomatic Constructions (EIC) and their Vietnamese translation equivalents, examining cross-cultural differences influenced by culture, history, religion, and geography The research provides a comprehensive comparison between EIC and their Vietnamese counterparts.
Significance of the study
The significance of this study can be perceived from two major perspectives:
This study enhances linguistic and pragmatic theories by conducting a thorough comparative analysis of the main features of English Idiomatic Constructions (EIC) and their Vietnamese translation equivalents, highlighting both their similarities and differences.
This study aims to significantly enhance various areas of applied linguistics by equipping Vietnamese learners of English with improved skills in English translation and teaching It focuses on the effective and sensible application of idioms, ensuring learners can thoroughly understand and naturally use them in both receptive and productive language skills.
Methods of the study
Due to the absence of unique studies identifying Vietnamese translation equivalents for English idiomatic constructions (EIC), I have drawn upon a variety of sources, including books, research reports, and other materials related to EIC and their Vietnamese counterparts in translation studies This research encompasses various forms of deixis in both Vietnamese and English The EIC utilized in this study were primarily gathered from diverse resources, such as Jennifer Seldi and W McMordie's book, "English Idioms and How to Use Them," as well as "American English Idiomatic Expressions."
John Holleman's "52 weeks" and the website www.usingenglish.com offer a comprehensive collection of idiom categories, their meanings, and usage contexts Additionally, EIC provides Vietnamese translations sourced from notable researchers, including Nguyen Dinh Hung's "tuyển tập thành ngữ - tục ngữ - ca dao" and Bui Hanh Can and Nguyen Bich Hang's "Vietnamese idioms and proverbs." The analysis also incorporates idiomatic similes and prevalent sayings and proverbs.
The study is divided into two main sections: a theoretical framework and a pragmatic, contrastive analysis of English Idiomatic Constructions (EIC) in comparison with their Vietnamese translations The first section introduces the key term.
The term "idiom," as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), can be contrasted with interpretations from various scholars, including Mahmoud (2000), Ghazala (1995), and Baker (1992) This discussion is further enriched by exploring the origins, classifications, and functions of idioms, drawing on the comprehensive analysis found in "Idiom and Idiomaticity" and other scholarly works that categorize idioms through diverse methodologies.
Fernando Chitra (1996), I classify idioms into two major types due to lexemic variety
The article explores the comparative analysis of English idiomatic constructions (EIC) and their Vietnamese translation equivalents It begins by presenting various EIC examples, followed by an examination of their Vietnamese counterparts, focusing on how English speakers select appropriate idioms for different contexts Through detailed pragmatic analyses, the article highlights the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms, including comparative imagery, adjectives, and verbs It emphasizes the complexities of translating EIC into Vietnamese, which are influenced not only by structural elements but also by specific behavioral patterns in English usage Ultimately, the goal is to develop a pragmatic model for EIC to address the challenges encountered in their translation into Vietnamese.
Design of the study
DEVELOPMENT
Literature Review
Idioms are abundant and prevalent across all languages, with an estimated 25,000 idiomatic expressions in English alone Mastering a language often requires a solid understanding of idioms, beginning with their definitions Generally, "idiom" refers to two main concepts: firstly, a distinctive way of expressing ideas within language, music, or art that reflects the character of a person or group; secondly, it can denote a specific lexical collocation or phrasal lexeme unique to a language.
According to Hornby (1995) in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, an idiom is defined as “a phrase or sentence whose meaning is not clear from the meaning of its individual words and which must be learnt as a whole unit.” In a later edition (2006), Hornby refined this definition to describe an idiom as “a group of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words” (p 740) While each word has its own meaning, they often come together in groups or expressions, creating meanings that are distinct from their individual components.
An idiom is a phrase where the collective meaning differs from the individual dictionary definitions of its words, reflecting varying degrees of transparency The transparency of an idiom is determined by how much the encyclopedic knowledge associated with the words aids in understanding the intended meaning On one end of the spectrum are opaque idioms, where the words provide little to no help in interpreting the speaker's intent As Sam Glucksberg notes in "Understanding Figurative Language," idioms differ in transparency; for instance, "make up [one's] mind" clearly indicates 'reach a decision,' while "kick the bucket" obscures its meaning of 'die.'
According to Larson (1984), an idiom is defined as “a string of words whose meaning is different from the meaning conveyed by the individual words” (p 20) and carries emotive connotations not expressed in other lexical items (p 142) This highlights that idioms cannot be translated literally, as their meanings cannot be inferred from the individual words For instance, the idiom “the pot calling the kettle black” describes a situation where one criticizes another for a fault they also possess, which in Vietnamese is expressed as “chú chờ mốo dài ủuụi.”
Idiomatic expressions are linguistic items that represent objects, concepts, or phenomena specific to a culture, essential for preserving the unique local flavor of a language English boasts a significant number of idioms, such as “It was for the birds,” which conveys the idea of something being meaningless and uninteresting.
Idioms enrich language by conveying deeper meanings, such as "every cloud has a silver lining," which suggests that good can be found in bad situations, or "as high as a kite," describing something elevated in the sky Similarly, the phrase "to paint the town red" signifies enjoying life and having a great time In Vietnamese, idioms like "suy bụng ta ra bụng người" illustrate the idea that "a thief knows a thief," while "chọc gậy bánh xe" means to obstruct someone's plans Additionally, expressions like "khỏe như trõu" and "ủắt như tôm tươi" compare strength and popularity, showcasing the richness of both languages in conveying complex ideas through concise phrases.
“tai nghe không bằng mắt thấy” (a picture worths a thousand words) etc
Many commonly used English idioms stem from diverse sources rooted in social and cultural life, including mythology, folklore, literature, religion, science, transportation, the Bible, history, leisure activities, superstition, traditional customs such as farming and sailing, as well as influences from the languages and cultures of other countries.
Sports have long been a significant source of entertainment, influencing the development of numerous idioms in the English language For non-native speakers, learning idioms in isolation can be challenging, especially when they stem from specific sports or games Organizing idioms by sport, such as baseball, can enhance the learning experience, allowing learners to apply their analytical skills within the context of the game Phrases like "play hardball" are often more prevalent in their idiomatic meanings, as seen in business contexts like "Let’s play hardball on this contract," rather than their original sports usage If an idiom is rarely or never used in its original context, it may not be presented in its first form.
English idioms are deeply rooted in history and culture, often originating from traditional skills like sailing and farming For instance, the phrase "run a tight ship" signifies managing an organization or department with order and discipline, while "greener than the grass" describes someone lacking experience Additionally, the idiom "as strong as a horse" refers to exceptional strength.
The phrase "drawing a line in the sand" signifies a decisive point beyond which one cannot proceed without making an irreversible decision This expression originates from the historical conflict between Rome and the Hellenistic kings, who were the successors of Alexander the Great In the second century BC, Rome's increasing power encouraged its politicians to adopt a more aggressive foreign policy.
In 169 BC, Roman envoy Gaius Popillius Laenas confronted King Antiochus IV Epiphanes of the Seleucid Empire, drawing a line around him and demanding a response to the Roman Senate before he could cross it.
Idioms are frequently used in everyday language, serving as concise expressions that encapsulate experiences or challenges While many idioms may lack specific context, they enrich our communication Some idioms are unique to particular languages and cultures, while others, often rooted in classical mythology, appear across various Western languages due to their historical significance For instance, the idiom "between a rock and a hard place" describes a challenging situation, akin to "on the horns of a dilemma," where both options seem equally undesirable This concept is mirrored in French with "être entre le marteau et l’enclume" and in Italian as "tra l’incudine e il martello." Additionally, the French variant "between the devil and the deep blue sea" illustrates the same notion These examples highlight how different languages creatively express shared human experiences through vivid idiomatic phrases.
History serves as a rich source for the origins of various idioms In English, many idioms reflect the long-standing influence of Roman history, such as “like Caesar’s wife.” Similarly, Vietnamese idioms have been shaped by over a century of Chinese rule, with 339 out of 3,616 idioms being of Chinese-Vietnamese origin These idioms often encapsulate distinctive meanings or imagery from Chinese culture, exemplified by the saying “mó ủỏo thành cụng,” which conveys the idea that a good beginning leads to a successful outcome.
The classification of idioms is a diverse area of research among linguists, with many adhering to Makkai's (1972) framework in "Idiom Structure in English." Makkai distinguishes between two primary types of idioms: encoding and decoding Encoding refers to how speakers select linguistic forms to convey their messages, while decoding involves how listeners interpret these expressions Additionally, Makkai categorizes decoding idioms into lexemic and sememic idioms, highlighting the complexity of idiomatic expressions in language.
Encoding idioms are unique lexical combinations with transparent meanings that speakers may not recognize as conventional expressions These idioms can be effectively understood through comparisons between different languages, particularly in their use of prepositions For instance, the English expression uses "at" instead of "with."
‘drive at 70 mph’ (not drive with as in French)
1.1.3.2 Idioms of Decoding (Non-Identifiable)
METHODOLOGY
I conducted extensive research on English and Vietnamese comparative idioms related to animals, compiling a comprehensive list found in the appendix For the English animal idioms, I referred to notable sources such as Siefring, J (2005) in "The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms" published by Oxford University Press, along with works by Albert Sydney Hornby and Sally.
Wehmeier, Colin McIntosh, Joanna Turnbull (2005) Oxford advanced learner's dictionary of current English Oxford University Press
A noteworthy source of data is Hùng, N Đ (2003) in the book "Tuyển tập thành ngữ tục ngữ ca dao Việt Anh thông dụng," published by NXB Đại học Quốc Gia This work presents a compilation of English idioms alongside their Vietnamese counterparts Additionally, the Internet serves as a rich resource for gathering data Furthermore, comparative idioms are organized into various categories for better understanding.
1: same animals with same idiomatic meanings; group 2: different animals with same idiomatic meanings; group 3: English idioms do not have equivalent meanings in Vietnamese) Finally, I clarified some possible causes of differences in idiomatic expressions in terms of history or geographical environment, religion and culture with typical representative examples
This study conducts a contrastive analysis of two Vietnamese translations of comparative idioms, aiming to explore the symbolic and semantic characteristics of English idioms of comparison (EIC) and their Vietnamese counterparts It seeks to identify both the similarities and differences in idiomatic variants and synonymous expressions between EIC and their translations into Vietnamese.
At this point, it seems necessary to mention the data collection process which is administered in this research
In the initial phase, data was collected by gathering English idioms from everyday usage and various sources, including novels, while also identifying their Vietnamese equivalents The researcher aimed to explore instances where English non-idiomatic expressions were translated using Vietnamese idioms, which raised the challenge of defining what constitutes an idiom After reviewing different scholars' definitions and classifications, it became clear that a universal definition does not exist, leading the researcher to develop her own criteria for recognizing idioms.
The article defines idioms as multiword expressions whose meanings cannot be deduced from their individual components, possessing a figurative significance It references theorists like Makkai (1972, as cited in Mustonen, 2010), who categorize idioms to include phrasal verbs The researcher aligns with this perspective but focuses solely on phrasal verbs that meet the specified criteria, excluding those with literal meanings from the analysis.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
3.1 An investigation into EICs and their Vietnamese translation equivalents
This section explores the two idioms of comparison: metaphor and simile Each idiom is examined in relation to their defining characteristics, including their foundational elements Additionally, the role of figurative language in illustrating comparative idioms is discussed.
Understanding "metaphor in idioms" requires a clear definition of the term 'metaphor' According to Dinh, T.L (1995), a metaphor is defined as "the transference of meaning from one object to another based on similarity between these two objects" (p.194) This definition is further supported by Do, H.C (1996), who describes metaphor as "the symbolic name of one object, which is based on the similarity, realistic or imaginary, between the identified object called 'A' and the object called 'B' from which the name is transferred."
Both authors, despite their differing expressions, agree on the transference of meaning from one object to another and the inherent similarities between them This view is shared by Western linguists, as noted in the Oxford Student’s Dictionary of English (2001), which defines metaphor as a word or phrase used imaginatively to indicate that one entity possesses qualities of another Despite variations in expression, all definitions converge on the idea that metaphor involves the transference of names based on perceived similarities This paper will consistently refer to this definition of metaphor throughout.
According to Hoa N (2004, Semantics), metaphor is hidden comparison The transference is based on the similarity of shape, position, movement, function, color, size and characteristic
Metaphors can be categorized based on their level of unexpectedness, as outlined by Hoa N (2004, Semantics) There are three types of metaphors: living metaphors, faded metaphors, and dead metaphors Living metaphors are those that are completely unexpected.
Those which are commonly used in speech and therefore are sometimes even fixed in dictionaries as expressive means of language are faded and dead metaphor
Simile is one of the simplest and most commonly used figures of speech, prevalent across various languages and linguistic fields Defined succinctly by C Jonathan in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, a simile is a comparison of one thing with another Kirssner and Mandell further specify that it compares two unlike items based on a shared quality, typically using "like" or "as." This definition is echoed in The American Heritage College Dictionary, which describes simile as an explicit comparison between two dissimilar entities These definitions highlight three key characteristics of simile: they involve explicit comparisons, they juxtapose entities that are not normally comparable, and they often connect items from different semantic groups, allowing for creative expression in language.
Similes are figures of speech that compare one characteristic to another, such as in the phrases "He was as cunning as a fox" and "He swims like a fish," highlighting a man's cleverness and swimming ability, respectively In Vietnamese, similes often use words like "như," "tựa," "tày," or "bằng." Examples of Vietnamese idioms include "vợ chồng như ủũa cú ủụi," "nhẹ như long hồng," and "một miếng giữa làng bằng một sàng xó bếp," showcasing the rich use of similes in the language.
In some cases, simile in Vietnamese is expressed by a pair of words
“bao nhiờu…bấy nhiờu”: “bao nhiờu tấc ủất tấc vàng bấy nhiờu”
Simile is a widely used form of figurative language found in written and spoken communication, enhancing the symbolism and clarity of language It serves as an important bridge between speakers, facilitating understanding and connection.
3.1.3 Similes and metaphors in idioms
3.1.3.1 Foundation of similes and metaphors in idioms
Similes and metaphors rely on a shared element to create implicit or explicit comparisons, highlighting the similarities between the two subjects These comparisons are grounded in the common characteristics that the subjects possess.
Similarity of appearance : the appearance may be shape, color, and measurement of compared identities Such idiom as “as beautiful as the rainbow”
Similarity of quality: quality can be interpreted as good, bad, hot, cold, cool, etc Here is an English idiom to exemplify: “as gentle as sleep”
In Vietnamese, when talking about gentle people, it is common to use the idiom “hiền như bụt” (as gentle as Buddha)
Similarity of behavior : the behavior may be of human beings or animals
Take “to sleep like a log” as typical illustration In Vietnamese, to express exactly the same thing, the idiom: “ngủ say như chết” is employed
3.1.3.2 Similes and metaphors in idiom and idioms of comparison
Similes and metaphors are widely used in both literature and everyday language to enhance vividness and depth These figurative expressions often appear in idioms, particularly in those categorized as idioms of comparison In English, there are over 700 idioms that utilize similes, showcasing their prevalence and significance in communication.
“as beautiful as the sunset”, “as bright as day”, “as fair as a rose”, etc
In Vietnamese, it is said that the number of idioms of comparison is somehow the same as in English Examples are “xanh như tàu lá”,
“sướng như tiên”, “vui như tết”, etc
Idioms of comparison exemplify the vibrant nature of language, rich in rhetoric and often infused with humor, while expressing profound truths dramatically These expressions consist of fixed phrases that draw on figurative comparisons, such as “as delicious as a forbidden fruit,” “as careless as the wind,” and “as restless as ambition.”
Vietnamese idioms also demonstrate such metaphorical meaning:
Idioms of comparison, such as "như cá nằm trên thớt" and "tiền vào nhà khó như gió vào nhà trống," are notable for their ease of comprehension, unlike other idioms that can be more challenging Their captivating nature has drawn the interest of many scholars, including V Barbier, Truong Dong San, and Nguyen Quoc Hung, who have explored these expressions in Vietnamese literature Similarly, comparative idioms in English are discussed in various idiom-related books, as referenced at the end of this dissertation.
3.2 Pragmatic analyses on English idioms of comparison and their translation Vietnamese
The phrase "as blind as a bat" describes someone with very poor vision or an inability to see anything For example, without his glasses, the old man is as blind as a bat.
The phrase "dead as a dodo" refers to something that is undeniably dead, obsolete, or out of fashion, much like the extinct dodo bird For example, the floppy disk is a technological innovation that is now considered dead as a dodo.
• As free as a bird: If someone is as free as a bird, they are completely free to do as they please
Eg: My dad's very happy - he's as free as a bird since he retired
• As proud as a peacock: A person who is as proud as a peacock is extremely proud
Eg: When his son won first prize, Bill was as proud as a peacock
• As sly as a fox: Someone who is as sly as a fox is cunning and clever at getting what they want, especially by deceiving or tricking people
Eg: Be wary of that insurance salesman He's as sly as a fox
• Like a dog with two tails: If someone is like a dog with two tails, they are extremely happy
Eg: When Paul won the first prize he was like a dog with two tails
• Like herding cats: This expression refers to the difficulty of coordinating a situation which involves people who all want to act independently
Eg: Organizing an outing for a group of people from different countries is like herding cats
• Like greased lightning: If something moves like greased lightning, it moves extremely fast
Eg: As soon as the owner appeared, the boy ran like greased lightning
The phrase "like wildfire" describes the rapid spread of information, such as news, rumors, or gossip, becoming widely known in a short time For example, once the nomination was announced, the news spread like wildfire.
Engaging in a conversation that feels like talking to a brick wall signifies a complete lack of communication, where the other person shows no reaction or response For instance, attempting to discuss an issue with someone who remains unresponsive can be incredibly frustrating, as it feels futile and unproductive.
• Like taking sand to the beach: Doing something that is unnecessary or of no use at all is said to be like taking sand to the beach
Eg: Bringing a cake to Judy's party is like taking sand to the beach; she always uses a caterer