MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING QUY NHON UNIVERSITY NGUYỄN THỊ BÍCH HẬU A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON COMPLIMENTING IN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE CONVERSATIONS Field: The English Language Code: 8 22 02 01 Supervisor: Trương Văn Định, PhD BỘ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC QUY NHƠN NGUYỄN THỊ BÍCH HẬU NGHIÊN CỨU ĐỐI CHIẾU PHÁT NGÔN KHEN TRONG HỘI THOẠI ANH VÀ VIỆT Ngành: Ngôn ngữ Anh Mã số: 8 22 02 01 Người hướng dẫn: TS. Trương Văn Định i STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP I guarantee that the master thesis entitled: “A comparative study on complimenting in English and Vietnamese conservations” is the result of my own research. The thesis does not include any previously published or written documents by others, unless explicitly referenced within the thesis. The thesis has not been submitted to any other tertiary institution for a degree or diploma.
Binh Dinh, October 2023 Author’s signature Nguyen Thi Bich Hau ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This study's completion was made possible via the invaluable support and dedicated efforts of several individuals who provided assistance, shown belief in my abilities, and offered encouragement towards the attainment of the ultimate objective. I would want to express my profound appreciation to all those involved in this matter. My wholehearted appreciation goes to my supervisor, Dr. Truong Van Dinh for his enthusiasm, patience, motivation and friendliness.
Throughout the course of this thesis, the individual in question has provided invaluable guidance and assistance in shaping the research. I would like to express my gratitude to the instructors of the English master's program for imparting significant information, providing insightful feedback, and sharing valuable resources that greatly facilitated the completion of my research endeavor. A special mention goes to my best friends and colleagues whose understanding, sympathy, and support were invaluable spiritual strength for me during the process of completing this work. Last but not least, I owe a great obligation to my parents, who provide me with advice, unconditional affection, and encouragement to continue my education and fulfill my dual responsibilities throughout my life.
iii ABSTRACT The study aims to investigate the similarities and differences in complimenting in conversation in English and Vietnamese in terms of compliment strategies and modality markers displaying politeness. The data were collected from English and Vietnamese movies as well as English and Vietnamese publications. This study is carried out on the framework of Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory (1987). Modality markers and linguistic forms displaying politeness in complimenting utterances are presented in the study.
The collected data were classified into topics, compliment strategies and modality markers with a view to pointing out the English-Vietnamese similarities and differences in offering compliments in the light of politeness. As for topics in compliment utterances in English and Vietnamese, the findings of the study shows that the English and Vietnamese often mention such topics as physical appearance, capability, character, possessions, fashion style, manners and social skills. Of these topics, capability is by far the most mentioned. As regards strategies employed in compliment utterances in English and Vietnamese, the findings show the English and Vietnamese use almost the same number of compliment strategies such as expressing a liking, expressing admiration, expressing satisfaction and extolling or the combination of some of these strategies.
In terms of modality markers used in compliment utterances in English and Vietnamese, the findings show that both the English and Vietnamese use nearly the same number of MMs in the compliment utterances. However, the English use more Zero-marker than the Vietnamese while the Vietnamese favour Intensifier. Moreover, the other MMs are used by the English with a proportion considerably higher than those by the Vietnamese. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP.
iii TABLE OF CONTENTS. iv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS. vii LIST OF TABLES. viii LIST OF FIGUIRES.
Aim and Objectives. Aim of the study. Objectives of the Study. Significance of the Study.
Scope of the Study. Organization of the Study. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND LITERATURE REVIEW. Speech Act Theory.
Definition of Speech Act. Classification of Speech Acts. Speech Act of Complimenting. Definition of Politeness.
Rules, principles and theories of politeness. Definition of Modality. Classification of Modality Markers in Conversations. METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURES.
Validity and Reliability. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION. Compliment Topics in English and Vietnamese. Compliment Topics in English.
Compliment Topics in Vietnamese. Similarities and Differences in Compliment Topics in English and Vietnamese. Compliment Strategies in English and Vietnamese. Compliment Strategies in English.
Compliment Strategies in Vietnamese. Similarities and Differences of Compliment Strategies in English and Vietnamese. Modality Markers in Compliment Utterances in English and Vietnamese. Modality Markers in Compliment Utterances in English.
Modality Markers in Compliment Utterances in Vietnamese. Similarities and Differences in Use of Modality Markers in Compliment Utterances in English and Vietnamese. Summary of Topics in ompliment Utterances in English and Vietnamese. Summary of Strategies Employed in Compliment Utterances in English and Vietnamese.
Summary of Modality Markers Used in Compliment Utterances in English and Vietnamese. Limitations of the Study. Suggestions for Further Research. 78 APPENDICES vii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS FTA Face-threatening Act H Hearer MM Modality marker MMs Modality markers S Speaker viii LIST OF TABLES Table 2.Functions of speech acts (following Searle 1979) Yule (1996, p.Types of communicative illocutionary acts (Bach & Harnish, 1979, p.Distribution of Compliment Topics in English .2 Distribution of Compliment Topics in Vietnamese.3 Distribution of Comliment Topics in English and Vietnamese.Distribution of Compliment Strategies in English.
Distribution of Compliment Strategies in Vietnamese. Distribution of Compliment Strategies in English and Vietnamese. Distribution of Modality Markers in Compliment Utterances in English. Distribution of Modality Markers in Compliment Utterances in Vietnamese.
Distribution of Modality Markers in Compliment Utterances in English and Vietnamese. 72 ix LIST OF FIGUIRES Figure 1. Possible strategies for doing FTAs. Rationale Communication is a basic need of every person from birth to death that happens every day, anytime, anywhere, in any field.
People with good communication skills will have wide relationships, easy promotion. Especially in the 21st century, communication skills are even more necessary. Even if you are a good teacher, if you do not know how to communicate and convey ideas to students, you will not be appreciated. As a manager, if you do not know how to express yourself to your superiors and connect with your subordinates, you cannot succeed.
As a business person, if you do not know how to communicate, you will not be able to sell many goods. Good communication skill is a prerequisite for establishing a standard in the culture of daily life and communication. Whether in Western countries or in Vietnam, the art of communication is always a decisive factor for success or failure in all relationships. “Compliment” is a behaviour that exists in all cultures and at all times.
It is also a speech act performed in every language. In our society, compliments are one of the most extraordinary components of social life. If given right they create so much positive energy that they make things happen almost as if by magic. When you compliment someone, you not only make that person feel great, you also make them want to experience it again.
Giving praise is a good habit and behavior, both chemically and intellectually. Everyone wants to be praised and appreciated, so it is really necessary for every person. In every case, compliments are little gifts of love. Although they are not asked for or demanded, they tell a person they are worthy of notice.
Therefore, the art of the compliment is not only a powerful social skill but also requires wisdom and tact. 2 Many people who communicate cross-cultural boundaries have experienced communication breakdowns with people from different first language backgrounds. At present, cultural activities between Vietnamese and foreign partners, with English as a communication tool, are taking place very actively. It is certain that these activities cannot avoid what linguists call "culture shock", "cultural conflict" and "communication breakdown" because of differences in language and culture.
Therefore, there is really neccesary for the study of the similarities and differences of the speech acts in the aspect of linguistic politeness in English and Vietnamese conversations. In Vietnamese culture, a culture of distinctive community characteristic, caring for others is very normal. The first and most generous reason to compliment someone is that you appreciate their existence. We all love to be recognized and feel good about ourselves.
It is considered rude when we ignore someone's achievement and don't acknowledge them. In American English, we use compliments for a variety of reasons. Expressing admiration or approbation of someone's work/ appearance/ taste is the first and most charitable reason to compliment someone (Manes, 1983; Herbert, 1990). It is because of clear differences in Vietnamese and English cultures regarding the interest in private matters in communication that a study of “A comparative study on complimenting in English and Vietnamese conservations” will contribute significantly to the success of Vietnamese- English cultural communication and in teaching English in the direction of communicative approach.
Aim and Objectives 1. Aim of the study The purpose of this research is to examine the similarities and differences in complimenting in conversations in English and Vietnamese in 3 terms of topics of compliment, compliment strategies and modality markers displaying politeness. Objectives of the Study To accomplish the research's purpose, the researcher directs their attention towards the following aims: - To investigate the topics mentioned in compliment utterances in English and Vietmamese. - To examine the similarities and differences in compliment strategies in English and Vietnamese compliment utterances.
- To explore the similarities and differences in the use of modality markers displaying politeness in English and Vietnamese compliment utterances. Research Questions In order to achieve the aim and objectives of the study, the following research inquiries will be examined: 1. What topics are mentioned in compliment utterances in English and Vietnamese? 2. What compliment strategies are used in English and Vietnamese compliment utterances? 3.
What modality markers are used in English and Vietnamese compliment utterances? 1. Significance of the Study Theoretically, first, the present study highlights the role of culture in verbal behaviors and contributes to the study of a speech act in the light of pragmatics and linguistic politeness. Furthermore, the use of language theories' advancements, both domestically and internationally, to investigate complimenting and politeness strategies used in compliment utterances would aid in safeguarding the integrity of the Vietnamese language. 4 Practically, the findings of the study demonstrate a number of notable similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese compliments.
Therefore, the current research will be very beneficial for those engaged in English language acquisition and those involved in professional collaborations with international counterparts. It aims to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the art of expressing compliments, hence enhancing communication efficacy and mitigating potential cultural misunderstandings in cross-cultural interactions. Scope of the Study The focus of this research is to the act of complimenting in English and Vietnamese conversations. Specifically, it centers only on the analysis of complement utterances in both languages.
It is important to note that this study does not address or explore any related elements. Initially, it is noteworthy that the research does not include an analysis of paralinguistic and extralinguistic variables in communication. This omission might be attributed to the lack of consensus among linguists about these aspects. Furthermore, the language used in this research encompasses both British English and American English, thereby negating the need to differentiate between the two variations.
Thirdly, as a result of limitations in terms of available resources and time, the research primarily concentrates on the analysis of complementing statements in authentic conversational settings, rather than focusing on responses to such utterances. Finally, the study acknowledges the significance of several elements, including age, gender, social standing, and interlocutor connections, since they greatly impact the politeness methods used by speakers.