MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY NGUYEN THI LAM GRADUATION PAPER A STUDY ON ENGLISH IDIOMS AND PROVERBS RELATED TO ANIMALS WITH REFERENCE TO VIETNAMESE EQUIVALENTS Nghiên cứu về thành ngữ và tục ngữ tiếng Anh liên quan đến động vật có đối sánh với thành ngữ, tục ngữ tương đương trong tiếng Việt Student: Nguyen Thi Lam ENGLISH LANGUAGE Student ID No: 20010011 Course: 2020 - 2024 Field: English Language Mode of study: Full-time Supervisor: M. Luong Quynh Anh Ha Noi – 2024 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY GRADUATION PAPER A STUDY ON ENGLISH IDIOMS AND PROVERBS RELATED TO ANIMALS WITH REFERENCE TO VIETNAMESE EQUIVALENTS Nghiên cứu về thành ngữ và tục ngữ tiếng Anh liên quan đến động vật có đối sánh với thành ngữ, tục ngữ tương đương trong tiếng Việt Student: Nguyen Thi Lam Student ID No: 20010011 Course: 2020 -2024 Field: English Language Mode of study: Full-time Supervisor: M. Luong Quynh Anh Ha Noi – 2024 i ABSTRACT Idioms and proverbs are greatly associated with culture. In both form and meaning, they are concise and comprehensive, vivid in images, and select materials widely, delivering all sorts of physiological information and cultural knowledge and explicitly expressing all human beings’ life, social, and historical experiences.
Since ancient times, animals have been the most intimate friends of human beings, and people intend to express their feelings and points of view about animals. Therefore, some animal words are added to people’s feelings and associations; human beings often deliver ideas and feelings through animals. There are lots of animal proverbs in English and Vietnamese. However, in different cultures, the same animal can symbolically express the same concept or a totally different one.
In this research, we will study and analyze a number of animal words in English- Vietnamese idioms and proverbs and compare the similarities and differences in semantic and syntactic meaning. This study is carried out in two main aspects: Semantic features: proverbs and idioms with the same meaning using the same animal; proverbs and idioms with the same meaning using different animal; along with the same meaning, English and proverbs often use animal images, while Vietnamese idioms and proverbs do not use animal images. Syntactic features: structure, syntactic classes. In terms of structure, analyzing the role of idioms in the sentence, such as noun phrases, verb phrases, adverbial phrases, and adjective phrases, proverbs are constructed into simple, compound, complex, and comparative sentences.
ii DECLARATION I, Nguyen Thi Lam - 20010011, certificate that no part of the above report has been copied or reproduced by me from any other person's work without acknowledgements and that the report is originally written by under strict guidance of my supervisor. Hanoi, 1st July 2024 Supervisor Student M. Luong Quynh Anh Nguyen Thi Lam iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I studied the material for topic " A study on English Idioms and Proverbs related to animals with Reference to Vietnamese equivalents " for my graduation thesis after attending Phenikaa University's Faculty of English. My supervisor, the Faculty of English teachers, my family, and friends were all very supportive and helpful to me while I researched and finished my thesis.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the deans and professors in the English Faculty at Phenikaa University for creating a very good learning and training environment and for giving me practical knowledge and skills that allow me to apply and implement my thesis with maximum success. I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to my research supervisor, M. Luong Quynh Anh, for giving me the opportunity to conduct research and provide invaluable instructions throughout this study. She taught me the method of researching and presenting the most obvious research works possible.
It was a great privilege and honor to work and study according to her instructions. I am extremely grateful to what she has provided to me. Finally, my thanks go to my family and friends who have supported me to complete the study work directly or indirectly. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION.
Rationale for the study. Aims and objectives of the study. Aims of the Study. Objectives of the Study.
Scope of the study. Significance of the study. Organization of the study .6 CHAPTER I: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND. Overview of the research status on idioms and proverbs in English and Vietnamese.
Overview of the research status on idioms and proverbs with animal imagery in English and Vietnamese. Definition of idioms. Definition of proverbs. 16 CHAPTER II: METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURES.
20 CHAPTER III: A CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN ENGLISH PROVERB AND IDIOM RELATED TO ANIMALS AND THE EQUIVALENTS IN VIETNAMESE. Animal images in proverbs and idioms. Common animal idioms and proverbs in English. Analysis of corresponding animal idioms and proverbs in Vietnamese.
Similarities and differences in syntactic and semantic features of IAPRA in English and Vietnamese. Comparison of Semantic Features in IAPRA in English and Vietnamese. Summarize the similarities and differences in the semantics of English IAPRA and Vietnamese. Comparison of Syntactic Features of IAPRA in English and Vietnamese.
38 CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS. Summary of Methodological Approaches and Findings. Impact on Language Learning and teaching. Impact on Cross-Cultural Communication.
Suggestions for Further Research. viii vi LIST OF TABLE Number of Title of tables Page tables Table 1.1 Similarities and differences of idioms and proverbs. 16 Some examples of proverbs and idioms with the same 29 Table 3.1 meaning using the same animal. Some example proverbs and idioms with the same 34 Table 3.2 meaning using different animal.
Some examples of proverbs and idioms with the same 37 Table 3.3 meaning in English related to animals and in Vietnamese are not related to animals.4 Comparison of Syntactic Features in frequency between English and Vietnamese proverbs related animals. Comparison of Syntactic classes in frequency between 46 Table 3.5 English and Vietnamese idioms and proverbs related animals. vii LIST OF ABBREVIATION No. Full writing Abbreviation 1 Idioms and Proverbs related to IAPRA animals 1 INTRODUCTION 1.
Rationale for the study The increasing prominence of English in Vietnam, especially in the field of education, has revealed an important challenge for Vietnamese learners - achieving true fluency. A significant obstacle is in the network of complex cultural shades woven into the structure of English idioms and proverbs. English and Vietnamese, products of distinct cultural histories and traditions, offer contrasting lenses through which we view the world [1]. This requires a sharp awareness of the cultural context when learning English, especially the rich carpet of idioms and proverbs.
These expressions serve as cultural repositories [2], encapsulating the values, beliefs, and historical experiences that have shaped a society. Unfortunately, many Vietnamese learners prioritize mastering grammatical structures over delving into the cultural significance of the language. This creates a significant disconnect between their technical proficiency and their ability to communicate effectively. The ignorance of this culture can lead to misunderstandings and communication incidents, hindering their progress on fluency.
Imagine a Vietnamese learner encountering the English idiom "a wolf in sheep's clothing". A direct translation will not grasp the meaning of a camouflage threat. Vietnamese culture may have another idiom, perhaps mentioning a cunning fox or a seemingly harmless snake, to show this concept. This emphasizes the importance of cultural suitability in mastering the idiom and English proverb.
The translation of these expressions into Vietnamese became a complex effort with potential pitfalls of wrong explanation. Each culture possesses a collection of unique concepts and views that penetrate into different aspects of life. These differences include values, beliefs, customs and social standards. These variants are reflected in language, especially in idioms and proverbs, forming a unique vocabulary system for each culture.
These manifestations act as a cultural time capsule [2], encapsulating both material and spiritual value transmitted through generations. Recognizing their significance, 2 researchers have long emphasized the importance of understanding idioms and proverbs to gain a deeper understanding of a culture. In addition to the function of conveying ideas in a brief and memorable way, idioms and proverbs add a vibrant and figurative dimension to words. Effective use of these expressions enhances communication by adding meaningful classes and establishing relationships with listeners.
The growing use of figurative language is the importance of mastering these expressions for nuance communication. Imagine a conversation where someone describes a slow but persistent learner as a "tortoise." This not only conveys the idea but also adds a touch of humor and imagery. Similarly, idioms and proverbs offer a novel way of expressing concepts, adding color and richness to a language, similar to how spices enhance a dish. Effective communication is based on the common understanding between the speaker and the listener.
Language and culture are inextricably linked; cultural elements are increasingly recognized as essential for successful communication and language learning [3]. Understanding the target language's culture allows learners to grasp the nuances of the language more effectively. In this sense, proverbs and idioms serve as windows into a nation's soul, revealing its core values and beliefs. Cultural knowledge is obscured acting as a barrier to truly understand the nature of a language and culture related to it.
This highlights the importance of studying English and Vietnamese proverbs and idioms through the look of their respective cultural identities. Driven by a long-term concern in this area, I have chosen "A study on English IAPRA with Reference to Vietnamese equivalents” as the focus of my thesis. Recognizing the vastness of the idiom language, this study is aimed at providing a centralized analysis, giving deep understanding for learners and translators who are seeking to avoid traps in understanding and understanding translate English and proverbs into Vietnam, and vice versa. By illuminating culture surrounding these manifestations, this study sought to empower Vietnamese learners to gain more profound understanding and use English more effectively.
This will not only 3 enhance their fluency but also promote more appreciation for the rich culture in the structure of English language. Aims and objectives of the study. The goals and objectives of the study of English IAPRA related to Vietnam equivalent are many aspects and comprehensive, including linguistic and culture aspects. Some potential aims and objectives as follow: 2.
Aims of the Study The general objective of the study is to discover and compare the cultural and linguistic aspects of animals related to idioms and proverbs in English and Vietnamese, promote understanding and appreciation for culture. Objectives of the Study Identification and Compilation: The main purpose is to identify and compile a comprehensive list of English idioms and animal proverbs. This is related to conducting thorough research to collect a range of proverbs in different books. Comparison and Analysis: The study aims to compare English idioms and proverbs with their Vietnamese equivalents, examining similarities, differences, and cultural nuances.
Linguistic analysis will explore how each language utilizes animal imagery, while cultural analysis will focus on the semantic and syntactic reflected in these expressions. Cultural Understanding: An important goal is to deepen the understanding of English and Vietnamese cultures through the discovery of IAPRA. By analyzing the cultural context in which these manifestations arise, researching to find ways to discover common experiences, historical effects and unique cultural views embedded in them. Language Learning: The study aims to facilitate language learning by providing insights into the figurative language employed in idioms and proverbs.
Through the identification of equivalent expressions in English and Vietnamese, learners can enhance their comprehension of metaphorical language and develop their English skills. 4 Promotion of Cross-Cultural Appreciation: Lastly, the study seeking to promote multicultural evaluation and understanding between English and Vietnamese cultures. By promoting dialogue and exchanging between speakers of both languages, study encourages mutual respect, empathy and appreciate the rich diversity of manifestations and experiences of people.