lOMoARcPSD|17917457 VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY-HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES QUẢN THỊ HOÀNG ANH MODULATION OF ENGLISH CONCEPTUAL METAPHOR VIA VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION OF METAPHORIC EXPRESSIONS IN ECONOMIC DISCOURSE (Sự điều biến của ẩn dụ ý niệm tiếng Anh qua bản dịch tiếng Việt các biểu thức ẩn dụ trong diễn ngôn kinh tế) Major: English Language Code: 9220201.01 SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS HA NOI 2024 lOMoARcPSD|17917457 The study was conducted at University of Languages and International Studies, VNU Supervisors : 1. Le Hung Tien 2. Huynh Anh Tuan Reviewer 1: …………………………………………… Reviewer 2: …………………………………………… Reviewer 3: …………………………………………… Luận án sẽ được bảo vệ trước Hội đồng chấm luận án tiến sĩ họp tại: Trường Đại học Ngoại ngữ, Đại học Quốc gia Hà Nội vào hồi giờ ngày tháng năm 2024 Có thể tìm hiểu luận án tại: Thư viện Quốc gia Việt Nam lOMoARcPSD|17917457 Trung tâm Thông tin - Thư viện, Đại học Quốc gia Hà Nội lOMoARcPSD|17917457 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The emergence of Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) has revolutionized the field of metaphor study by demonstrating that metaphors are a fundamental cognitive tool present in everyday communication, even in professional discourse. This has led to research on metaphors in specialized documents, including economic discourse.
This study is carried out because the researcher has been inspired by the research gap and personal curiosity of the possible modulation patterns of conceptual metaphor as the outcome of the translation process. By examining such modulation, it is possible to understand how economic events and matters conceptualized in the pair of languages. Additionally, research can provide material for translation practices, ensuring seamless communication across cultures, particularly in professional fields like economics.2 Objectives of the Study The current study aims to know how Vietnamese translation signifíes the modulation of the English conceptual metaphors generated in economic discourse. This general aim can be attained after three following objectives are fulfilled.
They include (1) understanding the uses of metaphors in economic discourse; (2) generalizing the popular translation procedures used in translating metaphors from English into Vietnamese and (3) generalizing the modulation (if any) to conceptual metaphors in economic discourse during translation.3 Research Questions The current study seeks to answer two main research questions: 1. What conceptual metaphors are identified in English economic discourse? 2. How does the Vietnamese translation of metaphoric expressions signify the modulation of English conceptual metaphor generated in economic discourse? 1.4 Scope of the Study The current study centers on investigating the modulation of metaphoric expressions that lead to the modulation of English conceptual metaphors in 1 lOMoARcPSD|17917457 Vietnamese translation in economic discourse. In economic texts, metaphoric expressions may describe various topics, but only those directly mentioning economic issues are examined.
Materials were gathered from 2019 to 2022, covering the Covid-19 outbreak, a period of significant global economic fluctuations, enriching the data for the study and incorporating up-to-date information on the global economy.5 Significance of the Study In terms of theoretical significance, this new approach enhances the understanding of metaphor modulation in translation, aligning with calls for integrated models and a cognitive linguistic perspective. This hybrid research also provides insights into specialized economic knowledge, terminology, and metaphors, contributing to Contrastive Linguistics and offering resources for metaphor scholars. Methodological contribution of this study lies in the exploitation of the adapted model of metaphor translation and modulation, employing tools to determine metaphoricity and establish conceptual domains and metaphors. The triangulation of MIP by Pragglejaz (2007), Kittay and Lehrer’s (1981) Semantic theory, and Open English WordNet ensures a meticulous and reliable analysis of conceptual metaphors, reducing reliance on intuition.
Practically, through this study aims to enhance understanding of how the two cultures conceptualize economic events and popularize specialized knowledge through metaphors. This benefits translation practitioners and contributes to translation studies by highlighting the significance of metaphors in economic discourse 1.6 Research Methods Regarding methodology, this study uses a sequential mixed method approach, with qualitative analysis preceding quantitative analysis. The qualitative analysis examines the metaphoricity of metaphor candidates, translation procedures based on CMT, and compares source and target texts to investigate the modulation of conceptual metaphors during translation. Translation procedures and modulation patterns are categorized and coded within the analytical framework.
The quantitative method identifies the frequencies of metaphor occurrences and translation procedures, playing a minor role in counting these occurrences. The 2 lOMoARcPSD|17917457 analysis results provide implications for metaphor study and translation.7 Structure of the Thesis This thesis is divided into six chapters. The first chapter covers the study's background, objectives, questions, contributions, methods, structure, and key concepts. Chapter Two reviews metaphor theories and translation models, identifying research gaps.
Chapter Three outlines the data, data collection, and analysis procedures, presenting an adapted framework from Kovecses’ (2003) and Vinay and Darbelnet’s (1995) modulation model. Chapter Four answers the first research question by analyzing the translation of metaphoric expressions and establishing conceptual metaphors in WB and ADB reports, discussing findings in relation to the research question and framework. Chapter Five addresses the second question, showing how Vietnamese translations modulate the identified conceptual metaphors and presenting statistical information on modulation patterns. Chapter Six summarizes the study, draws conclusions, discusses findings and implications, acknowledges limitations, and suggests avenues for further research.8 Working Definitions Modulation, as defined by Vinay and Darbelnet (1995), refers to a variation of the form of the message, obtained by a change in the point of view.
Conceptual metaphor: According to Kövecses (2010) metaphor is defined as understanding one conceptual domain in terms of another conceptual domain Metaphoric expression, according to Kövecses (2010), are words or other linguistic expressions that come from the language or terminology of the more concrete conceptual domain. Economic discourse: Richardt (2003) characterizes economic discourse as a specialized professional domain of knowledge. It incorporates a variety of terminologies that include metaphorical expressions and borrowings from everyday language. 3 lOMoARcPSD|17917457 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW Chapter 2 offers a critical review of literature on aspects of metaphor, metaphor translation and modulation and previous related studies.1 Conceptual Metaphor Theory 2.1 Conceptual Metaphor versus Metaphoric expression Definition Kövecses (2010): "Metaphor is defined as understanding one conceptual domain in terms of another conceptual domain.
Metaphoric linguistic expressions are “words or other linguistic expressions that come from the language or terminology of the more concrete conceptual domain” 2.2 Approaches to Metaphor Approaches to metaphor analysis include cognitive linguistic, pragmatic criteria, and contextual perspectives, focusing on embodied experiences, contextual factors, and cultural variations. Lakoff and Johnson (1980): Their pioneering conceptual metaphor approach faced criticism for being uncontextualized and intuitive. Later approaches, such as Goatly's (1997), argue that metaphors arise from embodied experiences. Goatly emphasizes bodily experiences in shaping metaphor understanding, aligning with views from Croft and Cruse (2004), Kövecses (2010), and Lakoff and Johnson (1980) Charteris-Black (2004): He adopts a linguistic, pragmatic, and cognitive approach, extensively researching metaphors in politics, sport, religion, and economics.
He identifies three basic source domains in economic metaphors: HUMAN, NATURAL DISASTERS, and MOVEMENTS, with ten conceptual metaphors like "MARKET TRADING IS PHYSICAL CONFLICT" and "DOWNWARD MARKET CHANGES ARE DISASTERS." While his approach contributes significantly to metaphor studies. it is criticized for subjectivity and inconsistency in metaphor identification. Kövecses (2003, 2005, 2010, 2020): Kövecses developed a multilevel approach focusing on conceptual metaphors' origins, universality, and variability across cultures, suggesting that shared human embodiment and experience contribute to metaphor universality, with variations due to cultural differences and language structures. Kövecses identifies challenges in metaphor translation, such as cultural differences and finding suitable equivalents.3 Metaphor Classification This study uses Kövecses’ (2010) classification to analyze the modulation of conceptual metaphors in translation.
Kövecses categorizes conceptual metaphors into three types: ontological, structural, and orientational. Structural-ontological metaphors: These metaphors conceptualize complex and abstract experiences through simpler, more concrete ones, using conceptual mappings. They shape individuals' worldviews and actions. Orientational metaphor: Metaphor involves the organization of a system of concept spatial relationships such as up/down, on/off, front/ back and they relate basic human spatial orientations.
They can also be referred to as coherence metaphors (Kövecses, 2010).1 Features of Economic Discourse Economic discourse, a specialized language, uses terminology and metaphors to explain complex economic phenomena.It caters to audiences with varying levels of economic knowledge (experts, semi-experts, laypersons) through written communication (press releases, articles) aimed at popularizing economic situations and insights.2 Conceptual Metaphors and Metaphoric Expressions of Economy in Economic Discourse Conceptual metaphors in economic discourse can be defined as understanding economic matters and events in terms of noneconomic matters. Economic matters are concerned with finance, allocation of funds, fiscal matters, markets, economic crises, inflation, etc. while noneconomic matters may involve better-known domains such as war, plants, machines, disease, etc., and natural phenomena like floods, fluids, storms, etc. Metaphoric expression in economic discourse can be defined as words or other linguistic expressions that come from the concrete conceptual domain of economics.
Thus, economic metaphors are often related to topics such as inflation, financial allocations, current economic status within communities, capital funds, stocks, and more.3 Functions of Metaphor Metaphors are important in economic discourse for two reasons: Rhetoric: They make economic ideas more vivid and persuasive, using familiar concepts to explain complex ones. Cognition: They help economists think about abstract economic concepts by using metaphors from everyday experiences.3 Metaphor Translation and Modulation 2.1 The Controversy of Metaphor Translation There are three main views on translating metaphors: Untranslatable: Some argue unique metaphors can't be translated without losing meaning. Translatable: Others believe metaphors can be translated, though there might be some meaning shift. In-between: metaphor translation depends on culture, function, and structure within the text, implying that metaphors may not always be fully translatable.2 Some Approaches to Metaphor Translation 2.1 Prescriptive approach to metaphor translation The prescriptive approach to metaphor translation offers a set of rules for translators.
These rules include keeping the metaphor (if possible), replacing it with a similar metaphor, or explaining the metaphor in a different way. This approach is helpful but may not account for the creativity and context of the original metaphor.2 Descriptive approach to metaphor translation The descriptive approach to metaphor translation focuses on understanding the context and meaning of the metaphor,rather than imposing strict rules. This approach considers historical and cultural factors, and aims to convey the intended meaning in the target language. It acknowledges there's no single "correct" way to translate a metaphor, and that some strategies like omitting the metaphor altogether might be necessary.3 Metaphor Translation from the Perspective of Cognitive Linguistics Research on metaphor translation from a cognitive perspective is emerging.
Scholars like Al-Harrasi (2001) propose new procedures for translation based on conceptual metaphors. Schäffner (2004) analyzes the challenges cultural differences pose in metaphor translation. Schäffner and Shuttleworth (2013) recommend corpus-based approaches to study common translation tendencies. These studies offer valuable insights into the field.3 Kövecses’ Model of Metaphor Translation Adapted model of metaphor translation from Kövecses' (2003) 1.
CM Same CM - a metaphor a same metaphoric expression of the same CM - a metaphor a different metaphoric expression of the same CM 2. CM Different CM 3. CM non metaphor 2.4 Vinay and Darbelnet’s Model of Message Modulation model of messages modulation, they propose a taxonomy of different type based on 6 lOMoARcPSD|17917457 the operation of nature of the mental operations, including (1) Abstract for concrete and vice versa; (2) Explicative modulation; (3) The part for whole; (4) One part for another; (5) Reversal of terms; (6) Negation of the opposite; (7) Active to passive and vice versa; (8) Space for time; (9) Exchange of intervals for limits (in space and time). (10) Change of symbol (fixed and novel metaphor) They further categorize modulation into fixed and free modulation, wherein fixed modulations in the message takes place when the expression is shared between languages at both lexical level and messages, explaining free modulation may become fixed thanks to frequent uses.5 Adaptation of Kövecses’ translation procedures and Vinay and Darbelnet’s modulation patterns for the research aims The set of criteria used in analyzing procedure of metaphor translation in this study.