INTRODUCTION 1.1 Rationale
Design of the study
Chapter 2 presents the theoretical background of the study, including the understandings of the interrelationship between culture and language, classification of communication and how television is regarded as a form of communication Features that are likely to be the characteristics of the languages used by British and Vietnamese TV hosts are considered as key concepts Related studies would be discussed at the end of the chapter Finding all relevant documents is impossible; however, the reasonability and validity of those that are mentioned can be guaranteed
According to Tylor (1871), culture is defined as a comprehensive system encompassing knowledge, beliefs, art, law, morals, customs, and various skills and habits acquired by individuals within a society This perspective highlights that culture represents the collective ideas, beliefs, and behaviors characteristic of a specific community.
Modern researchers, as noted by Banks (1989), identify the key aspects of culture as its symbolic, ideational, and intangible elements Central to culture is how individuals perceive, interpret, and utilize the material objects produced within their society Banks highlights that members of a culture typically share similar perspectives and interpretations of values, symbols, artifacts, and behaviors, distinguishing them from other cultures.
Hofstede (1984) defines culture as "the collective programming of the mind," emphasizing its role in distinguishing one society from another Additionally, Lederach highlights the importance of perceiving, interpreting, expressing, and responding as key components of cultural understanding.
(1995) to the concept of key elements in culture It is learned from Lederach’s definition that culture means “the shared knowledge and schemes” developed by a group of people.
LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Culture
Definitions of culture
Culture, as defined by Tylor (1871), is a comprehensive framework encompassing knowledge, beliefs, art, law, morals, customs, and various skills and habits that individuals acquire as members of society This perspective highlights culture as a collection of ideas, beliefs, and behavioral patterns specific to a particular community.
Modern researchers, as noted by Banks (1989), highlight that the essential elements of culture encompass the symbolic, ideational, and intangible facets of human societies Central to culture is how individuals perceive, interpret, and utilize the material objects generated by their culture Banks emphasizes that individuals within a culture typically share similar perspectives and interpretations of values, symbols, artifacts, and behaviors, distinguishing them from other cultures.
Hofstede (1984) defines culture as "the collective programming of the mind," highlighting its role in distinguishing one society from another Additionally, Lederach emphasizes that culture encompasses not only perception and interpretation but also expression and response, further enriching our understanding of its complexities.
(1995) to the concept of key elements in culture It is learned from Lederach’s definition that culture means “the shared knowledge and schemes” developed by a group of people.
The interrelationship between language and culture
Language belongs to the visible part of the cultural iceberg as below:
Picture 1: Illustration of the iceberg analogy developed by Edward T.Hall in 1976
Language and culture are intricately connected, with language serving as a primary vehicle for cultural expression, as highlighted by German-American anthropologist Franz Boas, who stated that "the shared language of a community is the most essential carrier of their common culture." The way individuals use language not only reflects their cultural perspectives but also influences the evolution of both language and culture in tandem Boas argues that by grasping the language of a particular group, researchers gain crucial insights into the shared culture of that community.
Communication
Communication is the exchange of thoughts, opinions, and information, aimed at influencing others According to Everett Rogers, it involves transmitting ideas and attitudes from a source to a receiver Schramm (1954) further elaborates that communication encompasses the transmission of information, emotions, and skills through various symbols, including words, pictures, and graphs.
Following Shannon’s (1948) theory of communication, the main elements are source, sender, channel, receiver, destination, message, and feedback
Communication is shaped by the content and context of the message being conveyed, leading to two primary forms: verbal communication, which involves the use of words, and non-verbal communication, which encompasses actions and behaviors.
Diagram 1: Classification of communication (Recruited from http://www.typesofcommunication.org/)
Verbal communication, encompassing both spoken and written words, plays a crucial role in human interaction by fulfilling four key purposes: conveying information, seeking assistance, influencing audiences, and providing entertainment.
Verbal communication is used effectively in interpretation of abstract concepts, thanks to which problem areas can be easily addressed and explained
Non-verbal communication encompasses all forms of interaction that do not rely on spoken words, including facial expressions, body language (such as gestures and postures), eye contact, and vocal sounds Additionally, non-verbal elements like tone of voice and speech pace, which accompany verbal communication, are also considered part of this broad category.
Intercultural communication, as defined by Wikipedia, is a form of global communication aimed at understanding the actions, communication styles, and perceptions of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds This field focuses on social attributes, thought patterns, and the various cultures associated with different groups of people It finds applications across multiple disciplines, including anthropology, cultural studies, linguistics, psychology, and communication studies.
Television as a form communication
Effective communication involves three key elements: the sender, the message, and the receiver In television programs, the host or MC acts as the sender, playing a crucial role in delivering the program's content (the message) to the audience (the receiver) Consequently, a TV program serves as a significant medium of communication.
A television (TV) programme refers to a specific segment of content aired on television, which can be a standalone episode or part of a recurring series These programmes can be either pre-recorded or broadcast live, and they may vary in format, with some requiring a host while others do not.
The rapid development of the television industry and the Internet has enabled viewers to access a diverse array of programs across multiple channels and languages For example, Vietnamese audiences can easily find and enjoy their preferred British shows online However, to fully appreciate these foreign programs, viewers must possess a solid understanding of the language and cultural context, as a lack of cultural knowledge can hinder their ability to comprehend the content effectively.
A television host is an individual tasked with introducing and leading TV programs, often drawing from backgrounds as editors, journalists, or field experts For example, renowned chef Gordon Ramsay serves as the host of Channel 4’s "Gordon’s Great Escape." Additionally, some hosts are celebrities who are selected to present shows based on their fame and popularity.
TV program hosts must simultaneously fulfill various roles, including presenting the show while adhering to its established guidelines They are responsible for shaping the program's atmosphere and engaging the audience In addition to introducing and interviewing guest speakers, hosts often take on a leading role within the program itself.
Hosts play a crucial role in effectively communicating the program's content and message to the audience To succeed, a good host must possess strong background knowledge and excel in various skills, particularly language proficiency.
Characteristics of the language used by hosts of TV programmes
Hosts serve as the "faces" of television programs, acting as messengers who convey content to the audience They must choose their language carefully to ensure it aligns with the show's tone and leaves a positive impression Additionally, the language a host prefers can provide insights into their cultural background.
A TV host's language blends preparation with improvisation, requiring a clear and coherent delivery of scripted elements like introductions and conclusions While these prepared statements are essential, hosts must also adeptly improvise in response to unscripted situations In such moments, their language must adhere to social communication standards and appropriate behavior.
Greeting is a fundamental aspect of communication where individuals intentionally introduce themselves before engaging in conversation This essential custom varies across cultures and can be conveyed both verbally, through spoken words, and nonverbally, through gestures.
In television, this term can also refer to the act of greeting the general audience performed by the hosts at the introductory part of a programme
Address forms are a crucial aspect of interpersonal communication, reflecting cultural customs and relationship dynamics As noted by Nguyen Quang (2006), these forms of address are often utilized instinctively, illustrating the unique communication styles within a culture.
People from English-speaking countries like Britain, America, and Australia typically use formal address forms less frequently than Vietnamese individuals, who consistently employ these forms in their communication This highlights a significant cultural difference in the use of address forms between these regions.
In Vietnamese culture, addressing one another appropriately is essential as it demonstrates respect for elders and those in higher social positions, while also reflecting the closeness of relationships A popular legend suggests that all Vietnamese people are interconnected, leading to a preference for family-based address forms Consequently, social interactions often incorporate kinship terms, resulting in a unique list of common greetings that highlight these familial connections.
Table 1: List of Vietnamese common greetings and their meanings summarized by Nguyen Quang (2006)
Chào ông to an older or important man (grandfather)
Chào anh to a younger man (brother, husband)
Chào chú to a man younger than your father but older than you
(uncle) Chào bà to an old or important woman (grandmother)
Chào chị to an older woman (sister)
Chào cô to a younger woman (aunt)
Chào em to a child, male or female, someone subordinate to you; or someone close, such as a husband or a very good friend Chào bạn to a friend of your age
For Vietnamese TV hosts, understanding and utilizing appropriate address forms is essential, as these forms are deeply intertwined with both language and culture The careful selection of address forms ensures that the host's language remains respectful and culturally relevant, enhancing the overall effectiveness of their communication.
Nguyen Quang (2004) highlights the significance and variety of the honorifics system in Vietnamese society, which is characterized by its strong hierarchical structure For instance, the phrase "Xin được mời hai bác quá bộ đến dùng bữa cơm muối với gia đình tôi ạ" illustrates how honorifics are used to show respect and politeness in social interactions.
In many instances, speakers utilize honorific titles to express respect for their audience while simultaneously diminishing their own status This phenomenon is evident among Vietnamese TV hosts, as illustrated by the phrase, "Xin được hân hạnh trân trọng kính mời ông NG V.I, Tổng Giám Đốc Công ty THP lên phát biểu."
Comrie (1976) has classified honorifics according to three axes:
Speaker – Addressee (addressee honorifics) i.e Dạ, kính cụ nếm thử món này ạ
Speaker – Referent (referent honorifics) i.e Rất mong có ngày được tới thăm quý xá của anh chị
Speaker – Bystander (bystander honorifics) i.e Tôi đã xin ý kiến sếp rồi nên mới dám quyết định đấy chứ
Intercultural communication research highlights that honorifics are essential in some languages, while they may seem unnecessary or even sarcastic in others Consequently, the use of honorifics is a significant cultural trait that varies among different speech communities.
Hosts often need to improvise during interviews with guest speakers or audience members, leading to frequent use of ellipsis in their language Ellipsis refers to the omission of words in a clause that are necessary for clarity but can be inferred from context In conversational language, this phenomenon typically manifests in four distinct types to help avoid repetition.
reduce of information (Wh-) questions
A: Someone left a message for you
(Who left a message for me?)
(When is Jim having a party?)
A: The concert tickets were kind of expensive
(Exactly how expensive were they?)
A: You'll need more time for tomorrow's homework
(Exactly how much more time will
reduce of Yes/No questions by means of omission
(BE and some auxiliary verbs are often removed)
Is anyone absent? Anyone absent?
Do you understand me? (You) understand me?
Have you had lunch yet? (You) had lunch yet?
informal variation on yes (yeah, uh-huh, um-hmm, yep) and no (hm-umm, huh-uh, nope, nah)
(I’ve also been working hard.)
A: I haven’t been working hard B: Me, neither / Neither have I
(I also haven’t been working hard.)
B: So are the rest of the people in the room
(The rest of the people in the room are also almost ready to leave.)
A: I'm not going to be finished until after 5:00
B: Neither are any of the others
(None of the others are going to be finished until after 5:00)
Effective word choice enhances a TV host's language, making it more engaging while reflecting their cultural sophistication By utilizing descriptive and evaluative language, as well as comparative structures like similes and metaphors, hosts can transform neutral expressions into vivid imagery This technique, known as periphrasis, allows for diverse and creative ways to convey ideas, enriching the overall viewing experience.
Neutral: The world will concentrate on South Africa when the best national football teams compete for the World Cup
Expressive: The eye of much of the world will be on South Africa when the best national football teams battle it out for the coveted World Cup
Neutral: Carmen Roberts reporting from Japan, a country trying hard to get back without problems
Expressive: Carmen Roberts reporting from Japan, a country struggling to get back onto an even keel
2.4.4.2 Idiomatic expressions, proverbs and sayings
Idiomatic expressions are popular phrases that convey meanings not evident from their individual words, such as "Blow your top!" which means to lose your temper Proverbs offer concise life advice, while sayings are widely recognized phrases that reflect commonly accepted truths These expressions often find their way into everyday language, as seen when TV hosts quote them, like the Vietnamese saying, “Ốc tháng mười, người Hà Nội,” highlighting their cultural significance.
Related studies
Xuan Hoa (200) highlights the importance of television reporters' appearances, noting that they must convey their personality through their perspective and attitude while delivering information The unique combination of sound and image in television provides reporters with an advantage in fulfilling this role Hoa's focus is on defining the overall significance of presenters within the television industry.
Le Hong Quang (2004) emphasizes that news anchors serve as representatives of the editorial team, guiding viewers through a cohesive flow of news stories to create a logical bulletin rather than a disjointed collection of reports A crucial skill for anchors is the ability to present news in a conversational manner, engaging the audience naturally However, this analysis primarily focuses on the specific role of news programs.
According to Winterman (2010), as quoted by Guardian TV writer Gareth McLean, effective talk show hosts prioritize their guests, allowing them to shine rather than overshadowing them Winterman observes a shift in talk show dynamics from "in-depth evening conversations" to "cosy afternoon chats," aligning with Mirror's TV columnist Kevin O'Sullivan, who emphasizes that a good host fosters a comfortable environment for both participants and the audience.
The studies collectively highlight two key aspects regarding television presenters Firstly, they examine the roles and characteristics of presenters, whether in news programs or talk shows Secondly, the findings emphasize the significant impact that presenters have on the success of television programs.
Chapter 3 outlines the research design, subject selection, study instruments, and procedures utilized, building on the foundational knowledge presented in Chapter 2 This preparation is crucial for understanding the subsequent chapter, which focuses on the findings and discussion of the research.
To conduct the study, the researcher has employed two methods namely quantitative and qualitative ones The combination of these two methods has offered the researcher valid data
The study aims to highlight that quantitative research is the most effective method for addressing research problems in social sciences This approach involves a systematic empirical investigation of quantitative properties and phenomena, as well as their interrelationships.
Quantitative research aims to create and utilize mathematical models, theories, and hypotheses linked to observable phenomena Central to this approach is the measurement process, which establishes a crucial connection between empirical observations and the mathematical representation of quantitative relationships.
Qualitative research is a valuable inquiry method utilized across various academic fields, particularly in social sciences and market research Its primary goal is to gain a deep understanding of human behavior and the motivations behind it This approach emphasizes exploring not just the what, where, and when of decision-making, but also the why and how, highlighting the significance of qualitative methods Consequently, focused smaller samples are often more essential than larger ones for meaningful insights.
METHODOLOGY 3.1 Research methods
Selection of subjects
This study examines the preferred language of British and Vietnamese TV programme hosts, focusing on selected shows from the BBC and Vietnamese channels for data collection and analysis.
The selected materials for this article will include cultural, travel, and entertainment programs from 4 (Britain) and VTV and Hanoi TV (Vietnam) These TV shows share similar formats and are accessible on both British and Vietnamese television channels.
Table 2: List of chosen British and Vietnamese TV programmes
News Fast Track (FT) Travel
& BBC HD Eggheads (EH) Entertainment
Channel 4 Gordon’s Great Escape (GGE) Culture
Lạ và quen (Strange and Familiar) (SF) Travel
Hanoi TV Hà Nội của chúng ta (Our Hanoi) (OH) Culture –
Data collection procedure
The data collection procedure consists of two successive stages as followed:
The current phase of the project has focused on gathering video clips related to culture, travel, and entertainment television programs, as outlined in section 3.2 The researcher successfully downloaded 100 video clips from online sources and recorded additional content from television broadcasts.
In the second stage of the study, the researcher recorded 320 utterances from hosts of British programs and 320 from Vietnamese programs She then analyzed and compared the linguistic characteristics of the hosts in both contexts, presenting her findings in tables to illustrate the analysis effectively.
Data analysis procedure
To effectively address the issue, the data analysis starts with a thorough examination of the collected documents and relevant fields The findings from this analysis are then compared against existing theories and previous research outcomes.
The collected data were analysed statistically following the procedures:
Phase 1: Transfer the data into tables
To make the analysis comprehensible, kinds of sentence patterns are transferred into tables in parallel column under the same criteria, followed by detailed explanation
The researcher analyzed the language characteristics of British and Vietnamese TV hosts based on transcribed utterances, noting key examples to support the analysis This was followed by a comparison and contrast to identify the similarities and differences between the two language styles.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 4.1 Programme greetings & leave-takings
Greetings
In a program, hosts typically greet their audience using specific, fixed statements Research has identified five distinct formats for these program greetings, highlighting the importance of structured communication in engaging viewers effectively.
(1) Welcome to + name of the programme i.e
(2) Welcome distinguished guests to + name of the programme i.e
Xin kính chào quý vị và các bạn đã đến với chương trình
Du lịch 3-5-7 (Welcome distinguished guests to Travel 3-5-7)
(3) Hello + welcome to + name of the programme i.e
Hello and welcome to Fast Track
(4) Hello + introduction of host’s name + name of the programme i.e
Hello I’m Michell Jana Chan and welcome to Fast Track Insider Guide
(5) Dear distinguished guests + brief introduction of programme content i.e
Hà Nội của chúng ta
Thưa quý khán giả (dear distinguished guest), đất trời
Hà Nội vẫn ngập tràn không khí xuân và Tết, đồng thời ngày truyền thống của các thầy thuốc Việt Nam đang đến gần Chương trình hôm nay sẽ tập trung vào chủ đề đặc biệt này.
Proportions of the 5 formats of programme greetings are presented in the table below
Table 3: Formats of programme greetings used by British and Vietnamese hosts
Format (1) - Welcome to + name of the programme 30% 0%
Format (2) - Welcome distinguished guests to + name of the programme 0% 25%
Format (3) – Hello + welcome to + name of the programme 20% 0%
Format (4) – Hello + introduction of host’s name + name of the programme 50% 0%
Format (5) – Dear distinguished guests + brief introduction of programme content 0% 75%
Diagram 2: Formats of programme greetings used by British and Vietnamese hosts
As can be seen from the data, the formats of programme greetings used by British hosts are different from those used by Vietnamese hosts Format (1), (3) and
British hosts utilize greeting formats (4), (3), and (5) at rates of 30%, 20%, and 50%, respectively, while notably not employing formats (2) and (5) In contrast, one fourth of Vietnamese hosts adopt format (2) for their program greetings, with the remainder using format (5) Vietnamese hosts, however, do not incorporate formats (1), (3), and (4) in their greetings.
British programme greetings are typically brief and straightforward, serving mainly as introductions In contrast, Vietnamese programme greetings tend to be longer and more formal, often incorporating the phrase "distinguished guests" to express respect for the audience.
Leave-takings
Leave-takings are essential at the conclusion of programs, where hosts express gratitude to their audience for watching and encourage them to stay tuned for future content Like program greetings, these farewells often consist of fixed statements Four distinct formats of program leave-takings have been identified.
Programme greetings by Vietnamese hosts
(1) Expression of hope of audience’s staying tune + Goodbye i.e
Join us next time on Eggheads to see if a new team of challengers will be just this successful Until then, goodbye
(2) Notification of programme ending + Thanks and/or Wishing + Expression of hope that audience stay tuned (+ Goodbye ) i.e
That’s all for this month’s insider guide Thanks for checking them Happy travelling, until next time
Well that’s a quick look at some of my top tips over the coming month I hope something inspires the trip Happy travelling and until next time Goodbye
(3) Notification of programme ending + Expression of hope that audience stay tuned i.e
Chương trình Du lịch 3-5-7 của chúng tôi hôm nay đã khép lại Cảm ơn quý vị và các bạn đã theo dõi, hẹn gặp lại trong những chương trình tiếp theo!
(4) Notification of programme ending + Acknowledgement to audience and sponsors + Provision of contact information + Goodbye to you distinguished guests + Expression of hope that audience stay tuned i.e
Hà Nội của chúng ta
Chương trình Hà Nội xin tạm dừng và cảm ơn các nhà tài trợ: công ty quảng cáo truyền hình Duy Anh, Khóa Con Voi, Áo dài Thanh Châu và Quán ăn Nga số 9 phố Phạm Sư Mạnh đã hỗ trợ chúng tôi Mọi liên hệ xin gửi về hộp thư hanoicuachungta@hanoitv.vn hoặc Đài PTTH Hà Nội, số 5 Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Đống Đa, Hà Nội Xin cảm ơn quý khán giả đã theo dõi và chia sẻ Hẹn gặp lại trong chương trình lần sau.
Proportions of these 4 formats of programme leave-takings are presented in the table below
Table 4: Formats of programme leave-takings used by British and Vietnamese hosts
Format (1) – Expression of hope of audience’s staying tune + Goodbye 33.3% 0%
Format (2) – Notification of programme ending +
Thanks and/or Wishing + Expression of hope that audience stay tuned (+ Goodbye)
Format (3) – Notification of programme ending +
Expression of hope that audience stay tuned 0% 40%
Format (4) – Notification of programme ending +
Acknowledgement to audience and sponsors +
Provision of contact information + Goodbye to you distinguished guests + Expression of hope that audience stay tuned
Diagram 3: Formats of programme leave-takings used by British and Vietnamese hosts
Programme leave-takings by British hosts
Programme leave-takings by Vietnamese hosts
Data indicates that British hosts predominantly use format (2) at a rate of 66.7%, which is twice as frequent as format (1) at 33.3% Notably, British hosts do not employ formats (3) and (4) In contrast, Vietnamese hosts utilize formats (3) and (4) at a ratio of 2:3, while they also refrain from using format (1).
British hosts typically use straightforward statements for leave-takings, while Vietnamese farewells tend to be more elaborate and formal This formality often includes acknowledgments to the audience and sponsors, as well as providing contact information.
The expression of hope for the audience's continued viewership is a common feature in the leave-takings of all four identified formats As the collected TV programs are part of regularly recurring series, hosts not only bid farewell but also express their anticipation for the audience to tune in to future episodes Additionally, there is a notable difference in formality between British and Vietnamese program leave-takings, which is evident in the use of this element.
British: Until next time, goodbye
Vietnamese: Xin kính chào tạm biệt và hẹn gặp lại trong chương trình lần sau (Dearly goodbye and see you in the next episode.)
Address forms
The following types of address forms have been used in the collected programmes:
title + full name i.e Vâng thưa Phó Giáo sư – Tiến sĩ Nguyễn Nhược Kim, cháu Thanh Vân xin được hỏi ông là ( ) (OH – Phố Quốc Tử Giám)
Nghệ sĩ được hỏi về nguồn cảm hứng để thành lập hãng phim truyện Hà Nội, và họ chia sẻ rằng ý tưởng này xuất phát từ niềm đam mê với điện ảnh và mong muốn phát triển nền điện ảnh Việt Nam Hãng phim không chỉ là nơi sản xuất các tác phẩm nghệ thuật mà còn là cầu nối giữa văn hóa và khán giả, góp phần nâng cao giá trị nghệ thuật và giải trí trong xã hội Sự phát triển của hãng phim truyện Hà Nội hứa hẹn sẽ mang đến những sản phẩm chất lượng, phản ánh chân thực cuộc sống và tâm tư của con người Việt Nam.
kinship term + name i.e Cô Mai ơi với món thịt trâu gác bếp này thì mình thường ướp với những gia vị gì ạ? (SV – Thịt trâu gác bếp)
kinship term i.e Húng lừu này là có những cái gì hả bà? (SV – Lạc rang húng lừu)
name i.e Tell me, Quiz Me Hardy, how did your quizzing go then in the Admiral pub? (EH – Series 12, episode 74 – Quiz Me Hardy)
Ok Robert, the first question is yours and this is it
(EH – The Edinburgh Gang Show)
pronoun i.e Come on guys, I’ve just taken a heart!
(GGE – Gordon eats a beating snake heart in Vietnam)
Look at you! I’m so proud of you, you know that
(GGE – Gordon cook for Cambodia royalty)
Table 5: Levels of formality of address forms
The table below reports the proportions of these 6 levels of formality of address forms used by British and Vietnamese hosts in communication with guest speakers
Table 5 & Use of address forms by British and Vietnamese hosts
Diagram 4: Use of address forms by British and Vietnamese hosts
Data indicates that British hosts typically prefer less formal address forms in their interactions, with 72.5% using the second-lowest level of formality (2 - name) and 27.5% opting for the lowest level (1 - pronoun) during interviews and conversations with guest speakers.
Vietnamese use address forms at different levels of formality – from the second-lowest (2 - name) to the highest (6 – title and full name) – in communication
Address forms by British hosts
Address forms by Vietnamese hosts
Level (2)Level (3)Level (4)Level (5)Level (6) with guest speakers Address forms at level (3) – kinship term – accounts for the highest percentage of 76%
When communicating with a guest speaker who holds an academic or occupational title, the host should initially address them using their full title and name To maintain formality without redundancy, the host can subsequently use just the title or a kinship term In more casual conversations, especially between Vietnamese hosts and guest speakers, using kinship terms with or without names is acceptable, fostering a friendlier atmosphere.
In Vietnamese culture, addressing guest speakers by their name or full name is generally considered impolite, unlike in British customs This practice is typically reserved for instances where the guest speakers are of the same age or status as the host, highlighting the importance of respect and hierarchy in social interactions.
Modern English does not differentiate between formal and informal second-person pronouns; the pronoun "you" serves as the address form for both individuals and groups In contrast, Vietnamese features true pronouns, which are infrequently used in polite conversation, where kinship terms are preferred for addressing others.
It is noticed that Vietnamese hosts address a general group of audience in two ways as below:
I have exciting news that I am eager to share with our distinguished audience.
you (các bạn) (friendly) i.e Các bạn thân mến, không mất quá nhiều thời gian để khám phá con phố
Mã Mây là một địa điểm nổi bật, nơi bạn có thể khám phá và thu thập thông tin phong phú về những ngôi nhà cổ của Hà Nội hiện nay.
Cultural background plays a crucial role in shaping the greetings and address forms used by TV hosts in different countries In Vietnam, Confucian values emphasize politeness and respect, leading TV hosts to prioritize appropriate greetings based on social status In contrast, British culture promotes equality and individuality, allowing for universal greetings like "Hello" and the use of "you" regardless of a person's status This fundamental difference highlights how cultural influences shape communication styles in television.
Honorifics
Honorifics could only be collected from the utterances made by Vietnamese
In Vietnam, where a hierarchical structure is highly valued, TV hosts utilize formal address forms and honorifics to uphold politeness and maintain a sense of formality, contrasting with the less hierarchical approach seen in Britain.
The following honorific labels have been spotted:
Table 6: Honorific labels used by Vietnamese hosts ạ dạ kính thưa xin được quý
27.52% 2.01% 2.35% 11.74% 24.83% 7.05% 24.5% i.e À dạ vâng thưa ông Đặng Huynh, cháu Thanh Vân được biết là trước đây thì ông có đảm nhiệm cương vị là chủ tịch UBND huyện Từ Liêm
(OH – Phố Lý Thường Kiệt)
Kính chào quý khán giả, chương trình Hà Nội xin tạm dừng tại đây Xin chào tạm biệt và hẹn gặp lại trong chương trình lần sau.
(OH – Phố Lý Thường Kiệt)
Chị Phương ơi mình ăn món cá này như thế nào ạ?
(SV – Cá lóc nướng ống tre)
Vietnamese hosts frequently utilize addressee honorifics to convey respect during communication, both with the general audience and guest speakers These honorific labels, as outlined in the accompanying table, play a crucial role in fostering respectful interactions.
The label "ạ" is the most prevalent, comprising 27.52% of the total, while "dạ" is the least common at just 2.01% Additionally, the labels "xin" and "quý" have similar usage rates, with percentages of 24.83%.
24.5% relatively), which means more than double that of “thưa” (11.74%) and three times as high as that of “được” (7.05%) “Kính” accounts for a rather low proportion of 2.35%.
Ellipsis
Ellipsis primarily appears in interviews and conversations between hosts and guest speakers, rather than in the introduction, comments, or conclusion of the programs This section will concentrate on the use of ellipsis specifically within these interactive dialogues.
Table 7: Proportion of interviews & conversations in the collected British and Vietnamese programmes
The researcher has found four below type of ellipsis:
informal variations of Yes/No
There is only one of yes spotted among the utterances by British hosts
Daphne: I think it’s two 1980 and 1984 ( )
Dermot: Yeah and the event? Yeah it’s the right answer
(EH – The Edinburgh Gang Show)
No informal variations of Yes/No were found among the utterances made by Vietnamese hosts
Short agreements are prevalent in the English language; however, an analysis of 320 utterances from British hosts revealed none Similarly, a review of 320 utterances from Vietnamese hosts also showed an absence of short agreements.
reduce of information (Wh-) questions
Mrs Vi: We have to shop every day
(Why do you have to shop every day?)
(GGE – Gordon visits a Vietnam food market)
Gordon: Now the base of the sauce is ?
(Now what is the base of the sauce?)
Cook: Ginger, garlic and onion
(GGE – Catching squid in Vietnam)
Khế chị bán thế nào ạ? Bao nhiêu bốc, bao nhiêu bốc gạo hả chị?
(Chị lấy bao nhiêu bốc gạo hả chị?)
(SV – Thịt trâu gác bếp)
Mấy bánh rán em nhở? (Em ăn mấy bánh rán em nhở?)
reduce of Yes/No questions
What kind of snake is that? A cobra?
(GGE – Gordon eats a beating snake heart in Vietnam)
Ok, so, what d’you fancy? Rat? On toast?
(Do you fancy a rat?Is it on toast?)
(GGE – Gordon eats a beating snake heart in Vietnam)
(Trong húng lừu này có sáu vị cơ ạ?)
(SV – Lạc rang húng lừu) Ô, tổ ong ạ? Cháu lại cứ tưởng là cái củi để nhóm bếp
(SF – Trên đỉnh Mẫu Sơn)
In brief, both British and Vietnamese hosts naturally omit parts of their responding sentence to avoid repetition
Out of 320 collected utterances from Vietnamese hosts, 161 are identified as interviews and conversations, with information questions comprising 31.06% and Yes/No questions making up 39.13% Notably, there are no instances of short agreements In comparison, the data from British hosts will be analyzed separately.
218 out of 320 collected utterances belong to interviews and conversations Information questions accounts for 18.34% and Yes/No questions for 23.39% No short agreements have been found
Table 8: Features of conversations by British and Vietnamese hosts
Information (Wh-) questions Yes/No questions Short agreements
In informal communication during programs, Vietnamese hosts tend to maintain full utterances, with only 6% of their Wh- questions being shortened In comparison, British hosts have a slightly higher reduction rate of 15% for Wh- questions However, British hosts significantly abbreviate Yes/No questions, with 50.98% of these inquiries being shortened, which is more than double the reduction rate observed among Vietnamese hosts.
Table 9: Ellipsis by British and Vietnamese hosts in interview and conversations
Reduce of information (Wh-) questions Reduce of Yes/No question
Data indicates that formality significantly influences the language of Vietnamese TV hosts compared to their British counterparts Vietnamese hosts typically use complete sentences to uphold politeness, a cultural norm in Vietnam, whereas British hosts can communicate effectively with just a few words Even when Vietnamese hosts shorten their sentences, they still retain essential formal elements, including address forms and honorifics.
English: What kind of snake is that? A cobra?
Informal Vietnamese: Đấy là loại rắn gì? Một con rắn hổ mang?
Formal Vietnamese: Đấy là loại rắn gì hả anh? Một con rắn hổ mang ạ?
Vietnamese: Bao nhiêu bốc gạo hả chị?
Informal Vietnamese: Bao nhiêu bốc gạo?
English: How many handfuls of rice?
Expressive language
TV hosts often utilize idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and sayings, but these are rarely used in spontaneous conversations or interviews unless the host has a broad vocabulary of such phrases or has prepared in advance While periphrasis is commonly employed, the use of idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and sayings among British and Vietnamese hosts is minimal Consequently, this discussion will focus primarily on the use of periphrasis.
Both British and Vietnamese TV hosts make use of periphrasis to emphasise his/her idea or to express that idea Two periphrasis tools as below are utilised:
(1) descriptive and/or evaluative words
And taking on the might of our quiz goliaths today are Ralphie’s Raider
(EH – The Edinburgh Gang Show)
Well, Judith, crawling your way back in after you’re getting the first two wrong
(EH – Series 12, episode 74 – Quiz Me Hardy)
The holy month of Ramadan begins on August 11 this year, bringing a unique atmosphere to predominantly Muslim nations as individuals observe fasting from sunrise to sunset for the next four weeks.
October and November are the best months to head to Madagascar, sometime refers to as the 8 th continent and the heaven of endemic species
Mùi rất là thơm các bạn ạ, đó là một mùi ngai ngái của rơm rạ hòa quyện với mùi tre tươi, một mùi rất là Việt Nam
(SV – Cá lóc nướng ống tre)
Hà Nội vào thu với tiết trời se lạnh, thật tuyệt vời khi thưởng thức chiếc bánh gối nóng hổi, giòn tan Hãy cùng tôi khám phá món ăn hấp dẫn này nhé!
Thật vui là giữa lòng phố hiện đại vẫn thấp thoáng ẩn hiện dấu tích thiêng liêng của những khu làng cổ ngàn năm
Món bánh cuốn Thanh Trì mang đến hương vị mát nhẹ và thơm lành, là lựa chọn hoàn hảo để thưởng thức giữa lòng Hà Nội trong mùa hè mới.
(OH - Phố Lý Thường Kiệt)
Every time I turn around you’re there You’re watching me like I’m, uh like I’m your worst student
(GGE – Street children cookery school in Cambodia)
There are no railings, there are no guard telling you what to do, there are no fast food shops, it’s really just nature at its most raw
Tôi đang ở thành phố biển Nha Trang nhưng mà đi men theo những bờ ruộng như thế này, tôi cảm giác mình đang ở đồng bằng sông Cửu Long vậy
Cá lóc nướng ống tre là một món ăn độc đáo, với miếng cá ngừ đã được sơ chế trông giống như thịt lợn, mang màu hồng bắt mắt và hoàn toàn không có mùi tanh.
(SV – Đến Phú Yên thưởng thức cá ngừ đại dương)
The table below consists of the proportion of each of the periphrasis tools
Table 10: Use of periphrasis tools by British and Vietnamese hosts
Diagram 5: Use of periphrasis tools by British and Vietnamese hosts
As can be seen from the data, British and Vietnamese hosts employ periphrasis in their utterances in almost equal ratios, 22.19% and 20.31% relatively
In a study of Vietnamese hosts, it was found that 20.31% of their collected utterances feature periphrasis Notably, descriptive and evaluative words dominate this usage, comprising 93.8% of the total Additionally, comparative structures are used less frequently, making up only 20% of the instances.
British hosts exhibit a periphrasis rate of 22.19% in their collected utterances Like their Vietnamese counterparts, they favor descriptive and evaluative language, which makes up 94.4% of their expressions However, British hosts show a lower preference for comparative structures, which appear in only 2.5% of their utterances.
Overall, TV hosts from both countries appear to be more favourable to descriptive and evaluative words than comparative structure
British hosts effectively utilize descriptive and evaluative language to convey their ideas in impactful ways, while comparative structures serve a secondary role Their communication style tends to be concise and straightforward, focusing on significant details that capture attention The researcher presents both a neutral and an extended utterance to highlight the distinctions between them and the more expressive statements made by the host, with key descriptive and evaluative words emphasized in bold.
Expressive: And this is where you make the sausages, the legendary sausages?
Neutral: And this is where you make the famous sausages?
Lengthy: And this is where you make the sausages, which have been famous for a long time?
By choosing the term "legendary," which implies a long-standing fame, the host transforms a neutral statement into a more vibrant one while also eliminating unnecessary verbosity.
Another example is as below:
Expressive: It’s a wonderful four-day track passing glaciers, gushing rivers and even the odd heart-stopping encounter with bears
Neutral: It’s a wonderful four-day track with passing glaciers and rivers that flow very quickly, and even the strange scary encounter with bears
Lengthy: It’s a wonderful four-day track when we passed and rivers that flow very quickly and encountered with bears, which is very strange, and that scared us very much
British hosts, rooted in an individualist culture that values personality, often utilize strong and impressive vocabulary to effectively convey their messages while showcasing their unique styles This approach not only simplifies and shortens their utterances but also enhances expressiveness, fostering an audience-friendly atmosphere By moving beyond mere descriptive and evaluative language, these hosts create a more engaging experience for viewers.
Vietnamese hosts tend to favor descriptive and evaluative language over comparative structures, contrasting with British hosts who typically use a more succinct style Their role involves not only conveying program content but also engaging with the audience in a formal and polite manner, necessitating the use of appropriate address forms and honorifics While the use of periphrasis can enhance their language, it may also lead to longer, more verbose expressions For example, when host Thanh Vân needs to pose a question to her guest, her choice of language reflects this tendency.
“Từ ngày nghỉ hưu, ông đã làm gì để có thể quen nhanh được với việc là một người bình thường trong xã hội ạ?”
The host opted for a more elaborate approach instead of a straightforward polite question By employing periphrasis and selecting varied vocabulary, the host incorporated formal elements, including a lead-in phrase with an honorific title, to respectfully seek the guest's permission before asking a question, ultimately enhancing the politeness of the interaction with a courteous particle at the end.
Kể từ khi nghỉ hưu, ông đã áp dụng những phương pháp nào để nhanh chóng thích nghi với vai trò của một công dân bình thường trong xã hội?
The host aimed to create a meaningful expression while showing respect to the guest, but the result was an overly formal and lengthy statement.
Vietnamese hosts prioritize the audience's status, often elevating them above themselves Their language reflects this respect, requiring full sentences and careful selection of formal vocabulary to honor age and social hierarchy This approach highlights their use of periphrasis, contrasting with the more straightforward communication style typical in British culture.
