Raison de choix du sujet
Dans toutes les langues, les prénoms sont des objets linguistiques et des représentations complexes
A person's name is a significant aspect of culture, reflecting societal beliefs and values Names embody the thoughts and concerns of individuals about their surroundings, showcasing the diverse perspectives found in various cultures worldwide The process of choosing a name often involves blending elements such as nouns, adjectives, and verbs, illustrating the creativity and meaning behind personal identity.
Names play a crucial role in identifying individuals, reflecting gender, nationality, love, and aspirations In many cultures, choosing a child's name is a significant event, with parents exercising great care in their selection They often seek names that carry special meanings, believing that a name can influence a child's future Thus, a name serves not only as an identifier but also as a means to express parental hopes and dreams Factors such as a name's meaning, sound, and the impressions it conveys to others are all vital considerations in this important decision.
Ensuite, l'idée des prénoms varie d’une communauté culturelle à l’autre Par exemple, on peut trouver qu'il existe des différences entre les prénoms franỗais et vietnamiens
Dans une certaine mesure, l'étude des prénoms est un sujet intéressant pour de nombreux chercheurs
We are drawn to the topic of names due to their cultural significance, which prompted us to conduct a study on Vietnamese and French names Therefore, the influence of culture on French and Vietnamese names has been chosen as the focus of our research.
Problématique
Questions de recherche
Dans cette étude, les questions de recherche suivantes se concentrent principalement sur:
1 Quels sont les facteurs culturels qui influent sur les prộnoms franỗais et vietnamien ?
2 Comment les facteurs culturels influent sur les faỗons de nommer une personne dans la culture franỗaise et vietnamienne ?
Hypothèses de recherche
1 Les facteurs culturels qui influent sur les prộnoms franỗais et vietnamien, sont la géographie, la religion, la politique, le statut social
2 Les faỗons de nommer une personne dans la culture franỗaise et vietnamienne se basent sur des critères culturels.
Objectifs
- Dộterminer des facteurs culturels qui influencent les prộnoms franỗais et vietnamiens
- Fournir un tableau des différences et des similarités entre les prénoms franỗais et vietnamiens, qui sont considộrộs comme une partie de la culture.
Méthodologie
Nous choisissons la méthode descriptive – analytique et la méthode comparative – contrastive comme méthode de la recherche pour réaliser cette recherche grâce à son appropriation
Our research is supported by a variety of information sources, including our study and the expertise of informants We have also utilized online resources and reference books from the library, which are crucial for our investigation Engaging with professors and consulting additional manuals significantly contributes to our research Daily conversations with informants provide us with valuable insights and knowledge on the subject Furthermore, the analytical method serves as the foundation for our study's analysis.
The sample consists of 200 randomly selected individuals, including both French and Vietnamese participants The survey employs multiple-choice and open-ended questions to gather insights Various methods such as interviews, mail collection, daily discussions, and questionnaires are utilized to explore the differences and similarities in naming practices across cultures, specifically focusing on how and why these variations occur.
Plan du mémoire
Notre travail est présenté en trois chapitres :
The first chapter focuses on developing the theoretical framework of the research In this section, we utilize available research findings and online information sources to construct the theoretical foundation for our study.
The second chapter focuses on comparing proper names across French and Vietnamese cultures In this section, we analyze questionnaires and provide graphs and tables to clarify the differing opinions of the French and Vietnamese people regarding the influence of first names on their respective cultures.
In the third chapter, we explore the influence of cultural factors on the naming of children in France and Vietnam This chapter is structured around the information we have gathered, culminating in a synthesis that highlights the cultural elements affecting the choice of names in each society.
La culture
In philosophy, the term "culture" refers to what is distinct from nature, encompassing acquired traits rather than innate ones Traditionally viewed as a defining characteristic of humanity that sets it apart from animals, recent research in ethology and primatology has revealed the existence of animal cultures.
In sociology, culture is defined as the shared traits that unify a group of individuals According to UNESCO, culture encompasses the distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual, and emotional characteristics of a society or social group It includes not only the arts and literature but also lifestyles, fundamental human rights, value systems, traditions, and beliefs This "common reservoir" evolves over time and through various forms of exchange, shaping unique ways of being, thinking, acting, and communicating.
Culture influences every aspect of our lives, often without our conscious awareness While one might define culture through music, literature, visual arts, architecture, or language, this perspective only scratches the surface The cultural products we experience through our senses are merely expressions of a deeper meaning — encompassing our actions, thoughts, and emotions Culture is taught, learned, and shared, highlighting that no single culture exists in isolation.
Culture is not monolithic; individuals exist differently within it, making it inherently symbolic The meanings assigned to behaviors, words, and objects are both objectively arbitrary and subjectively logical For instance, a "home" serves as a physical structure, a familial concept, and a moral reference, varying significantly across different cultures.
Culture plays a vital role in facilitating communication among individuals who share similar backgrounds, allowing them to connect without constantly clarifying meanings While culture is acquired and can fade from memory, its influence on our worldview and interactions often goes unnoticed Understanding culture is essential, as it serves both as a resource and a barrier in our ability to collaborate and comprehend others effectively.
Culture encompasses the collective knowledge, skills, traditions, and customs unique to a specific group or civilization, transmitted socially across generations rather than through genetic inheritance It significantly influences individual behaviors and includes various aspects of societal life, such as techniques, morals, lifestyles, value systems, beliefs, religious rites, family organization, and clothing Examples include Western culture and corporate culture Culture typically manifests in three primary forms: art, language, and technique In a broader sense, the term can also apply to social animals, referring to shared knowledge and practices On an individual level, culture represents the knowledge acquired by a person, encompassing their education and understanding.
2 Culture individuelle et culture collective
In the French language, the term "culture" primarily refers to an individual's general knowledge This definition was established in 1862 by the Bescherelle National Dictionary, which emphasizes scientific knowledge as a key component Today, this concept is commonly known as "general culture."
After the mid-20th century, the term acquired a second meaning For instance, the 1980 Petit Larousse defines it not only in individual terms but also collectively, referring to the social and religious structures, as well as intellectual and artistic manifestations that characterize a society Consequently, the term can embody either meaning, yet the overlap in their usage creates a source of ambiguity.
In the German language, the term "Bildung" refers to individual culture or general knowledge, while "Kultur" denotes a social, artistic, and ethical heritage shared by a group with a common identity This homophonic term aligns more closely with one of the meanings of "civilization" in French Through the exchange of ideas between France and Germany, "Kultur" has gradually merged with the original meaning of "culture" in French As a result, this second definition is beginning to overshadow the older one that pertains to individual culture However, contemporary dictionaries still acknowledge both definitions, often prioritizing individual culture in their listings.
Il y a donc actuellement en franỗais deux acceptions diffộrentes pour le mot culture :
- la culture individuelle de chacun, construction personnelle de ses connaissances donnant la culture générale ;
- la culture d'un peuple, l'identité culturelle de ce peuple, la culture collective à laquelle on appartient
Ces deux acceptions diffèrent en premier lieu par leur composante dynamique :
- la culture individuelle comporte une dimension d’élaboration, de construction (le terme Bildung est généralement traduit en éducation), et donc par définition évolutive et individuelle ;
Collective culture serves as a unifying force for identities, acting as a reference point for values intertwined with history It embodies an art form deeply embedded within the community Unlike other cultural aspects, collective culture evolves slowly, with its significance rooted in a stable connection to the past, serving as a reminder of history.
C’est dans cette dichotomie que ces deux significations peuvent s’opposer:
Collective culture often exhibits a rigidity that can hinder the growth of individual cultures, potentially leading to the emergence of countercultures This phenomenon is inconceivable within the framework of individualism, where knowledge is inherently viewed as a positive force.
Science is constantly evolving and should not be confined to the concept of individual culture in popular interpretations, even though it is a fundamental component of the term's original meaning.
Art and history serve as the intersection of individual and collective culture Individual culture encompasses an understanding of various arts and human cultures, while also being closely linked to the collective culture with which one identifies.
The term "culture" merges two distinct meanings: individual culture is understood as the knowledge of the collective culture to which one belongs This fusion highlights the interconnectedness between personal and shared cultural experiences.
9 tend actuellement, en France, vers un compromis dans son acception courante, ó il désignerait essentiellement des connaissances liées aux arts et à l’Histoire, plus ou moins liées à une identité ethnique
The two meanings must be analyzed separately: collective culture and individual culture intersect not only through their shared terminology but also through the lineage of both species and individuals to a cultural entity.
Culture et langage
Language is a crucial medium for conveying culture in human societies, both orally and in writing The development of French culture during the Enlightenment in Europe was significantly influenced by its use in various royal courts This prominence of the French language stemmed from France's cultural influence in the 18th century and the admiration, whether justified or not, that foreign rulers in places like Prussia and Russia had for French monarchs.
The dominance of the French language was established by the Edict of Villers-Cotterêts, signed by Francis I in 1539, which designated French as the official language of administration and law In the 17th century, renowned writers further elevated the status of classical French France stands out as one of the few countries where the spoken and official language is upheld by a system of academies that regulate its proper use, with the Académie Française founded by Richelieu in 1635 to this end.
Today, the French language has emerged as a key vehicle for communication, carrying a wealth of information across various fields such as the military, finance, science, and particularly in the realm of information technology.
Ten programming languages have historically been developed using English vocabulary Standards, especially in accounting—given that computing originated from general accounting—tend to enforce a specific cultural model.
After World War II, France sought to counteract linguistic imperialism by fostering cultural connections with French-speaking countries worldwide, known as Francophonie Today, the protection of the French language is embedded in French law, including Article 2 of the 1958 Constitution and the Toubon Law.
Le multilinguisme est, au moins officiellement, reconnu dans la politique linguistique de l'Union européenne, comme portant une valeur de diversité culturelle
Language is one of the most important modes of communication, although not the only one Linguistic communication models emerge based on the functions of language For instance, Jakobson's framework illustrates how cultural concepts are connected to the message itself, particularly through the communication code.
2 La langue, la pensée et la culture
There is no doubt that language, culture, and thought are closely interconnected, with vocabulary being the most apparent influence of language and culture on thought A prime example of this relationship is the way different cultures use words to name individuals Therefore, it is essential to explore the relationship between language, culture, and thought.
People living in various regions of the world have diverse cultural backgrounds and speak different languages Although language and culture may seem like two separate domains, they are intricately connected.
Languages are intricately intertwined with and mutually influential upon cultures They are not merely products of cultural contexts but also serve as symbols of those cultures The evolution of a language often impacts its associated culture, while cultural patterns of thought and customs are frequently encoded within the language itself.
Language, like all phenomena in life, is the product of a long evolutionary history, originating from more rudimentary biological processes that serve as its precursors It plays a crucial role in what we refer to as human cultures, encompassing behavioral elements transmitted independently of genetic inheritance Beyond language, other cultural components include tool use, symbol utilization, adherence to rules, morality, aesthetics, and art Thus, language stands out as a remarkable example of the diverse characteristics that define human culture.
Our ability to use language and our capacity for thought and conceptualization develop concurrently Language serves as a crucial tool for expressing human thought, with each language offering a unique perspective on the world It reflects how individuals perceive and interpret their surroundings According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, language, culture, and thought are interconnected, suggesting that they mirror one another Consequently, both language and thought are shaped by cultural contexts, leading to variations in thinking across different languages Through language, we gain insight into the thoughts of others, underscoring that language is a fundamental representation of human thought and its influences.
12 langue sur la pensée humaine? La réponse est oui.
L’interculturalité
The term "intercultural" encompasses "inter," meaning between, and "cultural," referring to cultures Various fields such as sociology, psychology, education, marketing, conflict resolution, and philosophy examine the phenomena arising from interactions between multiple cultures, known as intercultural relations.
Selon Claude Clanet, le terme "interculturel" introduit les notions de réciprocité dans les échanges et de complexité dans les relations entre les cultures
The intercultural phenomenon revolves around encounters, as there is not just one culture but multiple cultures that coexist and interact within each other Every country, community, individual, and organization possesses its own unique culture.
Culture encompasses various elements, including individual knowledge and norms, shared cultural aspects within groups (such as French culture, which includes history, gastronomy, and values), and organizational culture The significance of intercultural management lies in analyzing the risks of conflicts arising from cultural differences, understanding the reasons behind intercultural clashes, and identifying mechanisms that promote better understanding and cooperation among the involved parties.
Interculturality refers to the interaction between two or more cultures, which can vary in intensity and impact Such encounters, whether language barriers exist or not, often evoke strong emotions and deepen the intercultural relationship These experiences highlight the complexities and richness of cultural exchanges.
Engaging with others and embracing diversity prompts introspection about ourselves and the world around us Interacting with individuals from different cultures can lead to personal enrichment, but merely gathering people from diverse backgrounds is not enough for meaningful intercultural learning True intercultural education occurs when challenges, differentiation processes, and antagonisms arise, requiring gradual understanding and collective overcoming.
Interculturality requires a collective effort from all parties involved; if only some engage, the true encounter fails to occur This interaction is inherently transformative and can even be profoundly impactful.
Some individuals resist novelty, believing that reaching out to others is pointless and fearing confrontation over shared and differing views Often, these fears are rooted in familial and societal conditioning or archaic fantasies Interestingly, we tend to engage with strangers more readily when abroad than in our own cities In unfamiliar places, the necessity of asking someone for directions can spark conversations that may lead to deeper connections This need for assistance fosters gratitude and initiates intercultural relationships through exchange The essence of intercultural interaction lies in the willingness to engage, as this rich exchange strengthens the bond between individuals Ultimately, it is the freedom to choose whether to connect with others that cultivates meaningful exchanges.
2 La comparaison de deux cultures
Nous ne pouvons pas espérer de comparer deux cultures si nous n’avons pas une compréhension plus précise de chacune des cultures comparées Nous
We must be able to identify and eliminate the tasks we claim to undertake but do not actually perform It is essential to articulate the actions we engage in unconsciously and ensure that we describe our practices with precision rather than randomness Additionally, we should be capable of outlining the contexts in which we apply these actions.
Robert Lado defines culture in a way that is valuable for cultural comparisons, acknowledging that cultural patterns are systematic and shared These patterns convey specific meanings within a culture and vary based on factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, race, education, energy, income, religion, region, and other social elements Additionally, cultural patterns can evolve over time.
Intercultural comparison is defined as the analysis of "natural" units formed by cultures and societies It is employed in intercultural studies to statistically establish general hypotheses about intercultural or intersocietal relationships This method suggests a connection to an inductive scientific model aligned with an empiricist view of knowledge However, intercultural comparison is not a singular logical or methodological framework; it encompasses two major forms: universal comparisons and restricted comparisons Importantly, cultures are not strict variables; they are identified by proper names, which do not hold values For example, the names of cultures or societies, such as France or North America, can be interpreted in specific contexts.
The article discusses 15 elliptical references to theoretical factors that remain unknown or overlooked It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between intercultural and intracultural comparisons to better understand the role of comparison in comparative studies Whether measuring values with the assumption that the "culture" variable is constant or including cultural values in the measurement, it ultimately involves assessing the values of variables.
When comparing linguistic phenomena across cultures, it is essential to not only present but also analyze the similarities and differences to gain a deeper understanding and use the most appropriate language This comparison focuses on cultural phenomena within languages, specifically examining the French and Vietnamese pronouns in this study.
Identitộs culturelles franỗaise et vietnamienne
France, officially known as the French Republic, is a unitary constitutional republic located in Europe It features a parliamentary system with a presidential inclination and is primarily situated in Western Europe The country also includes various regions and territories worldwide Paris serves as the capital, with French as the official language and the euro as its currency.
Sa devise est ô Libertộ, ẫgalitộ, Fraternitộ ằ, et son drapeau est constituộ de trois bandes verticales respectivement bleue, blanche et rouge Son hymne est
France, an ancient country established during the Early Middle Ages, derives its name from the Frankish people From the early 17th century to the first half of the 20th century, France maintained a vast colonial empire Beginning in the 1950s, it underwent significant transformations.
France is a key player in the construction of the European Union and is recognized as a nuclear power As one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, France holds significant influence in global affairs Its cultural heritage, language, and democratic values have played a vital role in shaping world history.
In 2012, France ranked fifth globally in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) Its capitalist economy, characterized by significant state intervention, positions the country as a leader in various sectors, including agribusiness, aerospace, automotive, luxury goods, tourism, and nuclear energy.
Le franỗais est la langue trốs majoritairement parlộe en France, et est officiellement ô la langue de la Rộpublique ằ depuis le droit constitutionnel de
In 1992, France was not the most populous Francophone country but had the highest number of French speakers The country actively promotes the French language, evident through its involvement in the International Organization of La Francophonie and the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie Additionally, a report by linguist Bernard Cerquiglini indicated that in 1999, there were seventy-five other languages spoken in France, including regional languages, immigrant languages, and dialects from the overseas departments and territories (DOM-TOM).
France has a rich Catholic tradition, but the influence of the Church has significantly waned over time Surveys from 2007 indicated that only 51% to 64% of respondents identified as Catholics, while a substantial portion of the population identified as agnostic, atheist, or non-religious Additionally, other religions are present in smaller proportions.
Since antiquity, France has been home to various religions, including Judaism, different branches of Protestantism that emerged during the Reformation, and Islam, which has been present since the arrival of immigrants from the Maghreb and the Middle East in the 20th century Additionally, the country hosts a diverse array of Christian denominations such as the Armenian Apostolic Church, Gallicanism, Mormonism, the New Apostolic Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mennonitism, as well as non-Christian faiths including Hinduism, Buddhism, Baha'i, and Alevism.
The French character is distinct, with democracy and the voice of the people at its core This phenomenon traces its roots back to the French Revolution, where a united populace rejected oppressive governance in favor of a government by the people Consequently, strikes and protests are integral to French identity, embodying the belief that if something is unjust—whether in the workplace or in life—it's the duty of the people to act This active engagement in daily life is essential for a healthy society.
Vietnam, shaped like an elongated "S," is a narrow country located in Southeast Asia It borders China to the north and shares its western frontiers with Laos and Cambodia To the east, Vietnam opens up to the South China Sea, while the Pacific Ocean lies to the south.
Le Vietnam est officiellement une ô Rộpublique socialiste ằ Un seul parti est autorisé, le Parti communiste vietnamien qui dirige toutes les institutions politiques du pays
Le Viêt Nam est un pays multi-ethnique, avec plus d'une cinquantaine de groupes bien distincts (54 étant reconnus par le gouvernement vietnamien)
The Vietnamese population is predominantly made up of the Kinh ethnic group, which comprises 86% of the total population, alongside 53 minority ethnic groups These minorities are primarily found in the northern mountainous regions, accounting for 30 to 40% of the population in areas such as Cao Bang, Hà Giang, Long Son, Lai Chau, and Son La Among these ethnic groups, four have populations exceeding one million, including the Tày, Thạ, Muong, and Khmer, while thirteen others have populations ranging from 100,000 to 900,000.
000 représentants et 36 en comptent moins de 100 000
The official language of Vietnam, Vietnamese, is currently written using an alphabet derived from the Latin script known as quốc ngữ This romanization originated from the efforts of 17th-century Catholic missionaries to create a phonetic system for a language that was previously only transcribed in chữ nôm, a script influenced by Chinese characters Jesuit Alexandre de Rhodes contributed significantly by compiling the first Vietnamese dictionary, utilizing Portuguese phonetics to transcribe Vietnamese phonemes Following the imposition of this alphabet by the French government in 1918, quốc ngữ became the official writing system of Vietnam after its independence on September 2, 1945 The Vietnamese language plays a crucial role in shaping national identity; while 60% to 70% of its vocabulary is derived from Chinese, losing the remaining 30% of native words would threaten the uniqueness of Vietnamese culture, potentially leading to its absorption by Chinese culture Historical figures like Ho Chi Minh actively promoted the use of native Vietnamese expressions to preserve the language's purity and originality, paralleling similar developments in 16th-century France as the French language began to evolve.
Vietnam's foundational myths have endured through the ages, with beliefs such as animism, fertility worship, ancestor veneration, and reverence for spirits still prevalent today Unlike Chinese deities, the majority of Vietnamese gods are female, reflecting a historical emphasis on women's roles in society Before the arrival of the Chinese in the 2nd century BC, Vietnam exhibited a matriarchal structure, where maternal authority was significant.
Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are the dominant religions in Vietnam, with 6.8 million practicing Buddhism, 5.7 million identifying as Catholics, and smaller numbers adhering to Hòa Hảo, Caodaism, and Protestantism, according to a report by the Vietnamese Statistics Office from April 1, 2009 Overall, 15,651,467 Vietnamese (18.2% of the population) are officially registered in a religion, while approximately 81% do not subscribe to any faith The Vietnamese civilization is characterized by a respect for practice rather than a pragmatic spirit, with a mindset that distances itself from mysticism and metaphysical thought This perspective is shaped by the country's history and geography, emphasizing reason, the struggle for rationality, aesthetic appreciation, and creativity Interestingly, despite numerous foreign invasions throughout history, the Vietnamese people have maintained a non-xenophobic attitude.
Définition du prénom
In French, a pronoun is a personal name that precedes the surname or family name It is used to uniquely identify an individual, in contrast to the family name, which is shared and inherited.
In 20 cultures, individuals may not have a first name but instead possess one or more post-names A post-name, also referred to as a post-nom, is a personal name that follows the surname, uniquely identifying a person in contrast to the inherited family name Its function can sometimes be similar to that of a first or middle name At birth or baptism, each individual is assigned one or more post-names.
A surname is the part of a personal name passed down to a child by one or both parents, depending on cultural customs Surnames are prevalent in many cultures, each with its own rules regarding their use In France, the earliest written records of surnames date back to the 12th century Until the end of the Middle Ages, a person's name, often derived from the saint associated with their birth date, served as the primary identifier Similar to many Western societies, the selection of first names often involves significant contemplation by parents, leading to the publication of numerous books on the subject in recent years.
Dictionnaire de la langue gauloise, Errance, Paris, 2001 ; Michel Roblin ;
In France, naming trends have evolved significantly over the decades Following a surge of American names in the 1970s and 1980s, influenced by television shows—such as Anthony, Gregory, Michael, and Steve—there has been a noticeable shift in the 2000s towards traditional grandparent names and shorter names like Léa, Théo, and Jules Additionally, it is common for individuals to have multiple names at birth, often ranging from five to six, with usage varying greatly depending on family traditions.
In Catholic tradition, the name Marie is often chosen as either the first or second name, even for boys, to honor the Virgin Mary Additionally, names of the grandparents and godparents are commonly included in the list of names However, in everyday life, only the commonly used name, typically the first one on the list, is usually employed.
In many Western cultures, a person's name holds significant importance as it serves to identify individuals as distinct entities and to differentiate familial ties and social hierarchies The use of first names is particularly crucial in friendships, symbolizing belonging to a shared group Additionally, nicknames often strengthen group identity, as they are typically known only to a select few within the group, enhancing the sense of camaraderie and exclusivity.
In social groups of any age, it's common to find individuals referred to by their last names, often indicating their influence or unpopularity within the group In various institutions, such as offices, medical coalitions, and universities, last names often signify hierarchical power, typically accompanied by titles like Professor or Master, which replace first names that denote privacy or informality However, many companies are moving away from these formalities to foster more approachable relationships with authority, which can sometimes mask underlying hypocrisy Additionally, using a person's full name can serve as a means of asserting control, as it encompasses both their personal identity and familial status.
Le nom d'un Vietnamien est souvent composé de trois mots
22 monosyllabiques (rarement deux ou quatre ou plus), par exemple : "Phạm Quang Cường", "Nguyễn Thị Hương"
The first element is "họ," which can be translated as surname or patronymic Unlike in France, a married woman does not adopt her husband's surname Children typically receive their father's surname, but an increasingly common practice is to append their mother's surname as well.
The second element is the "middle name," which is translated as "nom intercalaire." Historically, in certain families, this name was passed down through generations, thereby defining a more specific "lineage." The almost unique middle name for women at the time was "Thị," which carries a somewhat derogatory connotation, as seen in names like "Nguyễn Thị Hương," "Nguyễn Thị Tường," and "Phạm Thị Thuật." For men, the most common middle name appeared to be "Văn."
De nos jours, ces usages sont pratiquement abandonnés dans les villes mais persistent à la campagne
The third element, "tên," is similar to a first name and is the primary form of address in Vietnam, even during official events In schools, if two students share the same first name, they are distinguished by using a combination of their last name and an intercalary name Additionally, individuals often have nicknames that can be either descriptive or unique, such as "Dũng Bi" or "Thành Kẹo." In romantic relationships, whether married or not, one may also use their partner's nickname as part of their own name, like "Thành Hà" or "Trung Thuỷ."
The most common surname in Vietnam is undoubtedly "Nguyễn," with estimates suggesting that 54% of the Vietnamese population bears this name Following "Nguyễn," other prevalent surnames include "Trần," "Lê," "Phạm," "Phan," "Ngô," "Đặng," and "Vũ."
"Đỗ", "Mai", "Hồ", etc dans un ordre variable selon les régions Les noms de famille n'ont pas de signification spéciale, ils proviennent pour certains des noms
The prevalence of the surname "Nguyễn" in Vietnam can be attributed to historical events, particularly the last Vietnamese emperors who bore this name Additionally, it is believed that after usurping the throne from the Lý dynasty, the Trần dynasty compelled those with the Lý surname to adopt "Nguyễn," leading to over 100 predominant surnames in Vietnam being linked to "Nguyễn" (Hữu Ngọc, 2002, Dictionary of Vietnamese Traditional Culture, p.280, NXB Thế giới).
In numerology and popular etymology, a person's name is viewed by certain spiritual movements as a key to understanding their emotional personality, shaped by the name itself or influenced by its sound Recently, bookmarkers have emerged that illustrate the meaning of names, the emotional tendencies they bring, and even the vibrational energy associated with the destiny of the individual bearing that name.
Présentation du corpus
As mentioned in the introduction, we distributed a questionnaire written in both French and Vietnamese, consisting of eight questions that explore the significance, importance, and trends associated with naming practices in both communities This survey is designed to address the two primary research questions highlighted in the first chapter Consequently, it aims to uncover the differences and similarities in the naming of children, as well as the major socio-cultural factors influencing names in Vietnamese and French cultures.
Respondents are encouraged to select the appropriate options and provide their own opinions in the space provided at the end of each question Additionally, they are invited to indicate relevant parameters such as age, gender, profession, place of residence, and foreign language proficiency, which will help us gain a clearer understanding and draw meaningful conclusions about the cultural phenomenon.
The sample consists of 200 randomly selected individuals, including 100 Vietnamese and 100 French participants A questionnaire was administered to gather insights from both groups, with respondents aged between 19 and 75 at the time of the survey Their occupations vary, providing a diverse perspective for analysis and comparison between the two cultures.
The study involved 25 diverse participants, including teachers, students, lawyers, businesspeople, managers, doctors, and farmers, with data collected and analyzed from a socio-cultural perspective To gather insights from French informants, questions were sent in French to tourists at two hotels: the Pullman Hotel in Hanoi and La Maison d'Hanoi Additionally, direct interviews and daily discussions, particularly with Vietnamese participants, proved effective for obtaining more information During these interactions, both questionnaires and open-ended questions were utilized, addressing topics such as the significance of names within families and cultures, and whether a person's name could influence their traits or future.
II Traitement des résultats de l’enquête
In this section, we will analyze and comment on the results based on the order of the questions posed in the survey questionnaire The analysis is conducted meticulously, relying on data collected from the informants mentioned earlier The results obtained from the survey questionnaire, group discussions, and interviews are reliable The 200 collected responses are valid and provide us with very interesting and useful information.
Question 1: À votre avis, dans votre culture, la donnée du prénom d’une personne est:
Figure 1: L'importance de la donnée du prénom d’une personne dans les cultures vietnamienne et franỗaise
This article explores the significance of naming a newborn in France and Vietnam A survey of Vietnamese respondents revealed that 65% believe choosing a child's name is very important, while 30% consider it important, and 5% remain neutral Participants included professionals such as lawyers, engineers, teachers, managers, secretaries, and farmers, primarily aged between 28 and 75, many of whom are parents or expecting In contrast, the other group consisted of students and singles Overall, Vietnamese people agree that a person's name plays a crucial role in daily life, necessitating careful thought and consideration when selecting a suitable name for a child.
De leur cụtộ, les informateurs franỗais sont aussi divisộs en trois groupes
29 % d'entre eux constatent que la donnée du prénom est un des événements
27 les plus importants dans la vie d'une personne dans la culture franỗaise Pour eux, la donnée du prénom pourrait aider à maintenir la race dans le futur 58
Thirteen percent of respondents indicated that they are not interested in their first names, while others noted that a person's name can provide insights into their ethnic background.
The significance of a person's first name is recognized by both the French and Vietnamese, albeit for different reasons Vietnamese parents believe that a child's name embodies their hopes and love, while the French focus on the name's connection to religion and heritage Both cultures emphasize the importance of carefully selecting a name, often consulting various resources and taking time to ensure they choose the perfect one for their newborn.
Question 2: Pensez-vous que les prénoms personnels presque franỗais / vietnamiens aient leurs significations?
Figure 2 : Les significations des prénoms
In this question, respondents are encouraged to explore the significance of personal names within their native languages and cultures They have the option to agree, disagree, or share their own perspectives Many Vietnamese and French participants opted to express their views on this topic.
28 idée afin d’éclaircir leur choix
In Vietnam, 93% of people believe that personal names carry significant meanings, while 7% argue that the meaning of a name can vary based on the individual's location Urban residents tend to place greater importance on the significance of names compared to those in rural areas Observations indicate that in contemporary Vietnam, the naming of a newborn often reflects deep thoughts and considerations.
The results from Vietnamese informants differed somewhat from those of the French Approximately 68% of French respondents agreed that most French names, like names in any language, lack significant meaning Only 12% disagreed or were not entirely in agreement, believing that French parents typically do not choose their children's names for their meanings Instead, they select names that complement their surnames or sound pleasant, and sometimes they name their children after individuals they admire.
The latest group of French respondents (about 20%) noted that while names used to hold significance, this is generally not the case today They stated that French names were historically employed to convey specific meanings in a medieval form of a living language; however, people today seldom consider the meaningfulness of a name.
Question 3: Quelles sont les fonctions des prénoms personnels dans la vie quotidienne ? (Vous pouvez choisir plus d'un élément)
Everyone needs a name not only for legal requirements but also for various cultural and social reasons After much thought and discussion, parents
Choosing the right name for a baby is important for many parents Personal names serve various functions that can differ significantly across cultures Understanding why we carry names reveals a multitude of meanings, and the findings from surveys, interviews, and discussions highlight these diverse perspectives.
Figure 3 : Les fonctions des prénoms dans la vie quotidienne
1 - Identifier les individus ; 2 - Distinguer les sexes ; 3 - Refléter des croyances et des espoirs ; 4 - Préserver les valeurs traditionnelles de la famille ; 5 – Autres
According to most French participants, personal pronouns serve to identify individuals and distinguish gender Out of 100 selected responses, nearly half reflected beliefs, hopes, and preferences, while a small proportion expressed concerns.
Conclusion partielle
L'analyse des données ci-dessus nous a fourni des informations intộressantes sur les prộnoms franỗais et vietnamiens avec des similitudes et les différences suivantes:
Naming a person is significant for everyone across the globe, as a person's first name holds great value While names may be given for various reasons, they represent a lifelong treasure for each individual.
Vietnamese names carry significant meanings, reflecting cultural values and aspirations While some parents choose names simply for their pleasant sounds, most Vietnamese give their children names imbued with deep meanings For women, names often symbolize beauty, represented by floral or avian themes, such as Hoa (flower) and Mai Lan (orchid), or convey dignity with names like Đoan Trang (decent), Thuỷ Chung (faithful), and Mỹ Tâm (kind) In contrast, men's names typically embody the attributes and characteristics parents hope their sons will possess, with names like Cường (strong), Đại (great), and Danh (famous).
Many French people believe that pronouns should have meaning, as is customary, but they can also be outdated, making their meanings difficult or even impossible to recognize In other words, the connection between pronouns and vocabulary words is not as clear as it once was.
French parents often choose names for their children based on sound or personal significance rather than traditional meanings They may select names that remind them of admired relatives, close friends, or public figures Additionally, many names are derived from nature-related vocabulary, typically feminine names inspired by flowers, birds, colors, and gemstones, with altered spellings to create unique first names Examples include Fleur de Lys, Rose, Violet, and Ruby, which parents find to have a gentler sound.
For most French people, a first name serves primarily to identify individuals; in contrast, the Vietnamese believe that a person's name is not just a means of identification but also a way to express aspirations and expectations.
Vietnamese and French informants believe that social status, religion, and personal beliefs are key factors influencing naming customs Additionally, they noted that nationality, politics, and education significantly impact the selection of first names in Vietnam.
In Vietnam today, popular baby naming trends reflect hope, beliefs, and a focus on quality names, which are not commonly found in France.