1 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY VU PHUONG THAO GRADUATION PAPER A STUDY ON ENGLISH IDIOMS DENOTING TIME WITH REFERENCE TO VIETNAMESE EQUIVALENTS (Nghiên cứu về các thành ngữ tiếng Anh liên quan đến thời gian và tương đương trong tiếng Việt) ENGLISH LANGUAGE Student: Vu Phuong Thao Student ID No: 20010022 Course: 2020 – 2024 Field: English Language Mode of study: Full-time Supervisor: Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Ph.D Ha Noi – 2024 2 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY GRADUATION PAPER A STUDY ON ENGLISH IDIOMS DENOTING TIME WITH REFERENCE TO VIETNAMESE EQUIVALENTS (Nghiên cứu về các thành ngữ tiếng Anh liên quan đến thời gian và tương đương trong tiếng Việt) Student: Vu Phuong Thao Student ID No: 20010022 Course: 2020 – 2024 Field: English Language Mode of study: Full – time Supervisor: Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Ph.D Ha Noi – 2024 i ABSTRACT Idioms are commonly made use of in daily communication, not only in the English language but also in languages spoken around the world. This study investigates the meanings of idioms denoting time in both English and Vietnamese. By analyzing a list of such idioms, the research aims to identify the cultures that influence their use and interpretation in both languages. The findings will shed light on the similarities and differences between the two languages, providing insights into their impact on bilingual communication.
This study underscores the intricate relationship between language and culture, demonstrating how they shape our perception of the world and influence our linguistic expressions. Additionally, it highlights the cultural distinctions that affect how each language conceptualizes and articulates the notion of time, further contributing to a deeper understanding of cross – cultural communication and language learning. ii DECLARATION I, Vu Phuong Thao – student ID No. 20010022, certify that no part of the above report has been copied or reproduced by me from any other person’s work without acknowledgements and that report is originally written by me under strict guidance of my supervisor.
Hanoi, 01 July, 2024 Supervisor Student Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Ph. D Vu Phuong Thao iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Completing this graduation paper would not have been possible without the invaluable support and encouragement of those around me, to whom I owe immense gratitude. First and foremost, I extend my deepest appreciation to my supervisor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy.
Her unwavering support, patience, enthusiasm, and vast knowledge were instrumental throughout my thesis journey. Her guidance, insightful advice, and abundance of ideas were truly invaluable, and I am incredibly fortunate to have had her as my mentor. Secondly, I am grateful to my friends for creating a stimulating and enjoyable environment where I could learn and grow. They provided unwavering support, encouragement during challenging times, and moments of joy that kept me motivated.
Last but certainly not least, I am profoundly thankful to my family. They have been my rock and constant support, providing me with strength and encouragement every step of the way. Their unwavering belief in me has been the bedrock upon which I have built my academic pursuits. Thank you ALL! iv TABLE OF CONTENTS PART 1: INTRODUCTION.
Rationale of the study. Aims and objectives of the study. Scope of the study. Significance of the study.
Design of the study. An overview of idioms. Main features of English idioms. Classification of English idioms.
English idioms denoting time .“The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms” – The fourth edition. “Từ điển Thành ngữ và Tục ngữ Việt Nam”. 18 CHAPTER 3: FINDING AND DISCUSSION. The synthesis of English idioms denoting time with reference to Vietnamese equivalents.
English idioms with words about time periods. English idioms with words about time points. English idioms with words about days of a week. English idioms with words about seasons of a year.
Analysis of the semantic features of English idioms denoting time with reference to Vietnamese equivalents. Similarities and differences in semantic features of English idioms denoting time with reference to Vietnamese equivalents. Cultural features of English and Vietnamese idioms denoting time. Similarities between English and Vietnamese idioms denoting time in terms of culture.
Differences between English and Vietnamese idioms denoting time in terms of culture. Implications of the study. Implications for teaching. Implications for learning.
Limitation of the study. Suggestions for future research. ix vi LIST OF PICTURES No. of pictures Name of pictures Page Picture 2.1 The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms 27 Picture 2.2 Từ điển Thành ngữ và Tục Ngữ Việt Nam 28 vii LIST OF TABLES No.
of tables Name of tables Page Table 3. English idioms with words about time periods 31 Table 3. English idioms with words about time points 36 Table 3. English idioms with words about days of a week 39 Table 3.
English idioms with words about seasons of a year 40 1 PART 1: INTRODUCTION 1. Rationale of the study In the context of 21st - century economic opening and integration, English has become increasingly essential in international communication and business, serving as the cornerstone of global interactions. A critical component of mastering English involves absorbing and using idioms appropriately within various contexts. By enhancing the language with nuances, layers of meaning, and cultural depth, they improve communication and make it more lively.
Idioms play a crucial role in language by enriching communication through their ability to convey figurative meanings and deep cultural connotations, thereby enhancing their vibrancy and effectiveness. Palmer [1] describes idioms as expressions whose meanings cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of their individual parts. Unlike literal language, idioms derive their meaning from cultural experience and context rather than grammatical rules or individual word definitions. This unique characteristic makes idioms both fascinating and challenging for language learners, particularly for Vietnamese learners of English.
Therefore, mastering English idioms not only helps enrich learners’ vocabulary but also helps them increase confidence in communication. Furthermore, idioms not only serve as linguistic tools but also deeply reflect the unique cultural aspects of each country. Hoffman [2] highlights, idioms are not merely linguistic embellishments but essential for expressing and understanding complex ideas within a cultural framework. Therefore, grasping idioms helps learners gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values of the country they live in, bringing the goal of using English like a native closer.
On the other hand, there have been many research projects and surveys on idioms such as love, weather, food, colors, animals, human body,… both domestically and internationally. However, the study idioms denoting time still appear to be an area ripe for further investigation. Idioms related to time are intricately linked to daily life, professional endeavors, and social interactions, making them more prevalent 2 and essential for a comprehensive understanding of language. For example, the idiom “to race against time” strongly portrays the pressure someone feels to complete a task within a tight deadline, evoking a sense of urgency and stress akin to competing against time itself.
Consequently, exploring these idioms is particularly valuable for anyone seeking to learn and appreciate various cultural perspectives. Given this context, the study titled “A Study on English Idioms Denoting Time with Reference to Vietnamese Equivalents” points out the meaning and usage of idioms indicating time in English and provides their equivalent meanings in Vietnamese, demonstrating their practicality in everyday life. Through this analysis, the study highlights the role and cultural significance of time – related idioms and their equivalents in both languages. In conclusion, the research is carried out with the hope of helping readers achieve a deeper understanding of English idioms indicating time and their equivalents in Vietnamese, providing valuable insights for language learners, English teachers and beyond.
By elevating the knowledge and skills of non - native English speakers in this domain, the research aims to enhance their communication abilities, particularly in global contexts. Aims and objectives of the study The aims of this study are to analyze and compare English idioms denoting time with reference to Vietnamese equivalents. To achieve this aim, the study has the following objectives. Firstly, the study seeks to provide a list of English idioms related to time and analyze their equivalent meanings in Vietnamese.
The research will focus on collecting and analyzing these idioms to gain a thorough understanding of their meanings and usage within the cultural and linguistic contexts of both languages. Secondly, the study involves exploring semantic features derived from the compilation of English idioms related to time in both languages. Furthermore, the purpose of the study is to compare the cultural similarities and differences highlighted in the idioms. 3 By achieving these objectives, the study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge of idiomatic expressions denoting time and their Vietnamese equivalents, enriching learners’ understanding and providing valuable insights into the cultural nuances inherent in both languages.
Scope of the study The coverage of this study touches upon the analysis of English idioms related to time and their Vietnamese equivalents. The study will utilize two primary sources: “The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms: Fourth Edition” published by Oxford University Press in 2020, [3] and “Từ điển Thành ngữ và Tục ngữ Việt Nam” by Professor Nguyen Lan and published by Literature Publishing House in 2014 [4]. These sources offer a substantial foundation for researchers to synthesize, analyze, and compare idioms denoting time in English and their corresponding meanings in Vietnamese. The Oxford English Dictionary provides comprehensive and updated information on English idioms, encompassing their definitions, uses, and origins.
Similarly, Professor Nguyen Lan’s Vietnamese Idioms Dictionary is a respected resource that offers detailed and comprehensive explanations, usage examples, and cultural contexts for Vietnamese idioms. By leveraging these authoritative sources, this study aims to compile an extensive list of English idioms and their Vietnamese equivalents. It will undertake a thorough analysis and comparative examination to illuminate similarities and differences, revealing how cultural nuances are manifested through these idioms. Significance of the study The study on English idioms denoting time with reference to Vietnamese equivalents holds academic and practical importance in the fields of language learning and intercultural communication.
The findings of this study enrich our understanding of specific languages by providing an overview of English idioms denoting time and their Vietnamese 4 equivalents. Through this exploration, the research aids learners in grasping semantic nuances associated with these idiomatic expressions. Secondly, this research makes a practical contribution by enhancing communication skills, particularly for Vietnamese learners of English. By providing detailed equivalents in Vietnamese for English idioms denoting time, the study enriches communication by making it more vibrant and effective.
This not only increases precision in expression but also boosts learners’ confidence and enthusiasm as they can use idioms naturally and accurately like native speakers. Furthermore, it fosters cultural understanding and exchange between language communities, promoting cultural integration and appreciation for diversity. Furthermore, this study holds significant value in additional and supporting compatible learning materials for students and English teachers concerning idioms related to time and their equivalents. By meticulously analyzing and synthesizing these idioms from English into Vietnamese, the research enables teachers to develop invaluable teaching resources.
These resources facilitate students in employing idiomatic expressions naturally and accurately in real-life communication scenarios. This endeavor not only enhances students’ language proficiency and application skills but also fosters professional development and innovation in teaching and learning practices. These idioms are pivotal elements of any language as they reflect culture, beliefs, and customs. Therefore, examining the similarities between English and Vietnamese idioms provides learners with a deeper insight into cultural perspectives and linguistic nuances in both languages.
In summary, this study significantly contributes to theoretical knowledge and practical application for English learners in communication, enhancing their ability to use language naturally and accurately. Furthermore, the research expands cultural understanding by illuminating idioms denoting time and their equivalents in Vietnamese.