Rationale
Metaphors are essential stylistic devices in our daily communication, allowing us to express thoughts and beliefs naturally Their prevalence in everyday life significantly influences how we perceive the world around us A prime example of this is the myth of Oedipus, as discussed in Kővecses's (2010) work, which highlights the crucial role metaphors play in shaping our understanding and recognition of complex ideas.
In the myth of Oedipus, he arrives in Thebes to confront the Sphinx, a monster that guards the city by posing deadly riddles to travelers Many have fallen victim to her, but when Oedipus encounters her, she challenges him with the riddle: "What creature walks on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening?" Oedipus swiftly answers that it is man, who crawls as a baby, walks upright as an adult, and uses a cane in old age Defeated, the Sphinx takes her own life, allowing Oedipus to become the new king of Thebes.
Oedipus effectively addresses the riddle by utilizing conceptual metaphors, specifically viewing human life as both a day and a journey The metaphor of life as a day illustrates the stages of existence: morning symbolizes infancy, midday represents maturity, and evening signifies old age Meanwhile, the journey metaphor highlights the significance of feet, ultimately leading to the solution of the riddle.
Conceptual metaphors, influenced by daily communication and literature, have garnered significant attention from linguistic researchers and scholars Since the publication of "Metaphors We Live By" by Lakoff and Johnson in 1980, a new perspective in cognitive linguistics has emerged, revolutionizing the study of these metaphors They play a crucial role in understanding cognitive processes and knowledge representation This contrastive study aims to identify similarities and differences in conceptual metaphors between specific languages, particularly English and Vietnamese.
Metaphors play a crucial role in everyday communication and information dissemination, serving as linguistic tools that simplify complex ideas Journalists utilize metaphors to engage readers and spark curiosity, especially in the context of rapidly evolving technology and social media, which provide instant access to breaking news For instance, the swift coverage of the tragic death of a Black man at the hands of a police officer in June 2020 highlights the immediacy of digital reporting However, alongside the benefits of this digital revolution, the alarming rise of social violence—manifesting in forms such as school, domestic, and racial violence—has gained significant attention from both local and international communities This pervasive issue negatively impacts individuals and societal development, leading to a troubling increase in violent behaviors Therefore, understanding the effective use of metaphors in news reporting on social violence is essential for accurately interpreting the information presented by journalists, while also offering an intriguing comparison between English and Vietnamese metaphors that capture readers' interest.
Despite extensive research on conceptual metaphors in various domains such as political discourse and climate change, there has been a lack of studies focusing on their use in newspapers regarding social violence Additionally, cognitive interpretations of social phenomena can vary significantly across different countries This study aims to identify and compare the conceptual metaphors employed in this context.
English and Vietnamese online newspapers on social violence from the perspective of cognitive linguistics.
Aim and Objectives
This thesis aims to explore the conceptual metaphors present in English and Vietnamese online news discourse related to social violence, drawing on the cognitive semantics framework established by Lakoff and Johnson (1980, 2003) and Kúvecses (2002, 2010) Additionally, the study examines the similarities and differences in the conceptual metaphors used in online news sources concerning social values in both languages.
With the aims stated above, the detailed objectives have been set as follows:
This study aims to identify and classify the conceptual metaphors present in English and Vietnamese electronic journalistic texts concerning social violence Additionally, it seeks to analyze the similarities and differences in the use of these metaphors within social violence reports across the two languages.
Research questions
To achieve the above aims and objectives of the study, the following questions have been raised and answered:
(1) What types of conceptual metaphors are employed in English and
Vietnamese online articles on social violence?
(2) What are the similarities and differences between these conceptual metaphors in English and Vietnamese online articles on social violence?
Scope of the study
This study examines three types of conceptual metaphors—structural, orientational, and ontological—in English and Vietnamese online articles discussing social violence It analyzes these metaphors based on their semantic features while highlighting the similarities, differences, and frequencies of their occurrence in both languages The research is limited to the topic of social violence, intentionally excluding analyses of other forms of violence, such as sexual and economic violence.
Significance of the study
Metaphors serve not only as literary devices but also as essential tools for conveying an author's thoughts and experiences regarding real-world events and societal issues They are integral to everyday language and influence both thought and action, as noted by scholars like Black et al (1981) and Ungerer and Schmid (1996), who highlight the prevalence of metaphorical expressions in daily communication Understanding metaphors in newspapers is crucial for grasping the underlying messages, particularly in discussions of social violence This study aims to enhance comprehension of conceptual metaphors in this context, revealing how they reflect human thought and emphasizing their importance in discourse Additionally, it seeks to explore the similarities and differences in the use of conceptual metaphors between English and Vietnamese cultures.
Organization of the study
The study consists of five chapters as follows:
Chapter 1 introduces the research rationale, aims, and objectives, highlighting the knowledge gap that the study addresses It emphasizes the significance of metaphors and conceptual metaphors, particularly in comparing their use between English and Vietnamese The chapter also presents research questions aligned with the study's goals and provides an overview of the paper's structure.
Chapter 2, Literature Review and Theoretical Background, provides readers with the fundamental knowledge of cognitive linguistics based on the theoretical framework of Lakoff and Johnson (1980, 2003) and Kửvecses
This article explores key concepts in cognitive semantics and conceptual metaphor theory, highlighting essential terms and categories relevant to the study of metaphors It provides metaphorical examples to clarify the relationships between source and target domains, while also distinguishing conceptual metaphors from metonymies for easier identification The focus is on three primary types of conceptual metaphors: structural, orientational, and ontological, alongside a discussion of the characteristics of newspaper language Following the theoretical background, the article presents a selective summary of previous research on conceptual metaphors, categorizing contrasting theses from various researchers to inspire the current study.
Chapter 3, Methods and Procedures, outlines the research methods and procedures used in this study, which investigates the conceptual metaphors in online news reports about social violence in English and Vietnamese Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, as well as descriptive and comparative methods, this chapter details the selection of source data, sample descriptions, and the processes of data collection, description, and analysis The research comprises 90 English and 86 Vietnamese online news reports, each exceeding 47,000 words, sourced from authentic web pages Additionally, the chapter addresses the validity and reliability of the research to ensure its quality.
Chapter 4, Findings and Discussion, presents the results of the data analysis, including the study's findings, data presentation, interpretation, and conclusions This chapter intensively discusses the frequency of occurrence, similarities, and differences among the conceptual metaphors related to social violence Selected typical conceptual metaphors are highlighted, and the findings are summarized using tables and figures for clarity and enhanced understanding.
Chapter 5, Conclusions, summarizes what has been learned from the study containing the major findings Although Lakoff and Johnson (1980,
The thesis highlights the widespread use of metaphors in human understanding, as evidenced by various studies from 2003 and beyond; however, it notes a scarcity of conceptual metaphors within its own corpora The findings contribute significantly to the field of cognitive semantics, while the identified limitations suggest potential areas for future research Finally, a comprehensive bibliography and appendices are included at the conclusion of the thesis.
Summary
Violence is a pressing social issue that captivates community attention Journalists frequently utilize metaphors and conceptual metaphors to create impactful narratives and vividly illustrate the critical concerns surrounding social violence However, without adequate background knowledge, these metaphors can obscure understanding and hinder perception of the underlying issues.
Introduction to cognitive semantics
Cognitive linguistics is a significant framework that explores the relationship between language and the mind, shedding light on how individuals conceptualize and experience the world This approach is crucial for understanding language representation in the mind and has gained importance across various disciplines, including cognitive science, social science, and applied linguistics (Evans, 2019a).
Cognitive Linguistics emerged in the late 1970s, primarily through the contributions of key figures such as George Lakoff, Mark Johnson, Ronald W Langacker, and Leonard Talmy Cognitive semantics, a subset of this movement, explores the nature of language denotation and the encoding of meaning within language.
Cognitive semantics is recognized as a powerful tool for organizing, processing, and conveying information (Geeraerts & Cuyckens, 2007) According to Lyons (1995), various theories have emerged from cognitive semantics, with linguists developing unique approaches to address specific linguistic phenomena Notably, Lakoff and Johnson (1980, 2003) made significant contributions that established the foundation of cognitive linguistics, which plays a crucial role in understanding human cognition This perspective has inspired ongoing research by linguists for over thirty years.
Since notable works on metaphor and metonymy of Lakoff (1981) and Lakoff (1987) was launched, Lakoff has become the leading cognitivist (cited from About Cognitive Linguistics of International Cognitive Linguistics
George Lakoff, initially a follower of Noam Chomsky, evolved into a prominent critic of Transformational Generative Grammar While generative grammarians focused on language structure, cognitive linguists emphasized the interplay between natural language and world knowledge, highlighting a mutual interaction that shapes understanding (Geeraerts & Cuyckens, 2007).
Langacker (1988) expanded on Lakoff and Johnson's theory by introducing Space Grammar and Cognitive Grammar (Evans, 2019b) In the late 1980s, Fauconnier (1994) developed the Mental Spaces theory, integrating concepts from Langacker's Cognitive Grammar and Lakoff's metaphor theory Additionally, Talmy (1985, 1988) explored linguistic imaging systems, asserting that cognition is central to semantics (Nguyễn Hòa, 2004) Collectively, these theories highlight the intrinsic link between language and human cognition Modern cognitive linguistics, encompassing cognitive grammar and cognitive semantics, is believed to have evolved from generative grammar (Phan Thế Hưng, 2009).
Cognitive linguistics, as outlined by Ungerer and Schmid (1996), encompasses three primary approaches: the experiential view, the prominence view, and the attentional view The prominence view focuses on how information is prioritized, while the attentional view examines what captures our focus in expression The experiential view emphasizes the mental experiences of language users when they produce and comprehend language, reflecting their conceptualization of the world Our accumulated experiences are evident in everyday communication; for instance, the term "car" conjures a specific mental image of a typical four-wheeled vehicle, characterized by its box-like shape, doors, windows, and essential components such as the steering wheel and engine This illustrates how the experiential view shapes our understanding and representation of objects in language.
Our car has broken down
When a car's engine suddenly stops working, it doesn't break down like a chair collapsing into fragments; rather, this analogy stems from our limited vocabulary regarding automobile mechanics By relating the familiar experience of a chair's failure to the complexities of a car's operation, we can better understand the situation Our shared experiences with everyday objects help shape how we express and comprehend these ideas.
Cognitive linguistics, despite its diverse perspectives, generally posits that language reflects human cognition and mental processes According to Lemmens (2015), this field emphasizes an experiential approach to conceptualization and meaning, highlighting that our concepts are deeply rooted in our cultural and physical experiences Consequently, this thesis will focus on the experiential framework established by Lakoff and Johnson (1980).
In Vietnam, pioneers Lý Toàn Thắng and Trần Văn Cơ have significantly advanced the field of cognitive linguistics, contrasting it with traditional metaphorical views Their works, including publications by Lý Toàn Thắng (2005, 2008) and Trần Văn Cơ (2007), offer a thorough introduction to cognitive linguistics, illuminating its innovative concepts for readers Additionally, Trần Văn Cơ (2011) highlights the importance of cultural coherence in understanding the relationship between language and thought, further enriching the linguistic landscape in Vietnam.
Metaphors are essential rhetorical devices in literature that enable writers to effectively convey their messages to the audience According to Lakoff and Johnson (1980, 2003), metaphors are not merely linguistic ornaments; they play a crucial role in shaping thought and understanding Various definitions of metaphor exist, with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (8th edition) providing a clear definition of this important literary tool.
A metaphor is a word or phrase that describes someone or something in a way that diverges from its usual meaning, highlighting shared qualities and enhancing the description's impact By drawing comparisons between different entities, metaphors create vivid imagery and deepen understanding, making them a powerful tool in language and communication.
Similarly, Lakoff and Johnson (1980) define metaphors as
“understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of another” (p 5)
A conceptual metaphor helps us comprehend complex or abstract ideas by relating them to simpler, more concrete concepts According to Lakoff and Johnson (1987), utilizing these metaphors allows us to better understand abstract notions.
Conceptual metaphors have linguistic manifestations known as metaphorical linguistic expressions (Küvecses, 2010) According to Ungerer and Schmid (1996), everyday language is filled with these metaphorical expressions These expressions serve as lexical items or linguistic representations of the source domain, revealing the underlying conceptual metaphors While conceptual metaphors are not frequently used directly in sentences, metaphorical expressions are commonly employed to enhance understanding of the target domain Lakoff and Johnson (2003) further explore this relationship.
Metaphorical expressions in language are systematically linked to metaphorical concepts, allowing us to explore the essence of these concepts and deepen our understanding of the metaphorical aspects of our actions.
The metaphorical concept of TIME IS MONEY, as discussed by Lakoff and Johnson (1980), significantly influences our perception and actions related to time This metaphor shapes our understanding and communication, evident in phrases such as *spending time*, *wasting time*, and *investing time* By framing time in monetary terms, we emphasize its value and the importance of managing it effectively.
You're wasting my time
This gadget will save you hours
I don't have the time to give you
How do you spend your time these days?
That flat tire cost me an hour
I've invested a lot of time in her
I don't have enough time to spare for that
You're running out of time
You need to budget your time
Put aside some time for ping pong
Is that worth your while?
Do you have much time left?
He's living on borrowed time
You don't use your time profitably
I lost a lot of time when I got sick
Thank you for your time
Previous studies on conceptual metaphors
Cognitive linguistics views metaphor as a crucial cognitive tool that shapes our understanding of the world by translating abstract concepts into more tangible forms Since the 1980s, following the influential work of Lakoff and Johnson, extensive research has explored conceptual metaphors across various domains Numerous studies have examined metaphorical language in newspapers and literature, focusing on specific themes such as politics, healthcare, economics, climate change, love, food, war, and more.
Figar's thesis (2013), titled “Analysis of Conceptual Metaphors in the Political Discourse of Daily Newspapers: Structure, Function, and Emotional Appeal,” examines the structure and function of conceptual metaphors in political discourse using data from The New York Times' online editions in December 2011 The research is grounded in Conceptual Theory and Conceptual Blending Theory, focusing specifically on CONFLICT and SPORT metaphors The findings indicate that conceptual metaphors in the text serve significant functions in shaping political narratives.
Recent studies on persuasion have utilized two types of questionnaires to identify conceptual metaphors that elicit emotional responses from participants The findings indicate that the primary emotional concepts associated with CONFLICT metaphors include "motivated," "supportive," and "alarmed," while SPORT metaphors evoke feelings of "happy," "motivated," "supportive," and "alarmed." This reveals a significant similarity in emotional reactions, highlighting the influence of specific emotion concepts in both contexts.
A study by Alzawaydeh and Alghazo (2018) examined conceptual metaphors in football news headlines in both English and Arabic, analyzing 200 samples from each language The findings revealed that a dominant conceptual metaphor shared by both languages is "FOOTBALL IS WAR," highlighting the strong association between football and warfare, where players are likened to soldiers, teams to attackers and defenders, managers to leaders, and the game itself to tactical warfare However, a notable difference emerged, as Arabic headlines utilized more metaphorical expressions compared to their English counterparts.
Recent research by Farrokhi et al (2019) investigated the sources of English and Persian newspapers across the domains of economics, politics, and health, analyzing a corpus of 1,525,631 words The study revealed that English newspapers predominantly utilized three source domains: journey, war, and animals These findings align with the conceptual metaphors proposed by Lakoff and Johnson (1980, 2003), highlighting their relevance in discourse analysis.
In recent years, cognitive linguistics has gained significant traction in Vietnam, with numerous researchers engaging in contrastive studies comparing English and Vietnamese Phan Thế Hưng's Ph.D thesis, titled “Ẩn Dụ Dưới Góc Độ Ngôn Ngữ Học Tri Nhận," systematically reinforces modern metaphor theory through both rhetorical and cognitive perspectives.
The article "Conceptual Metaphor In Cognitive Linguistics (Based On English and Vietnamese Data)" explores critical metaphors through comparative analyses of data collected from various sources, including books, newspapers, magazines, web pages, and questionnaire surveys It summarizes the main features of conceptual metaphor theory, highlighting its significance in understanding language and cognition across English and Vietnamese.
A metaphor is a conceptual phenomenon, not just a linguistic phenomenon
The function of metaphors is to help people have a better insight into concepts rather than a stylistic device
Metaphors are not only based on the similarity
Metaphors are naturally employed in daily life by ordinary people, not by people with special abilities
Metaphors are not only a stylistic device of language but also a natural process of cognition
The findings of this study provide valuable pedagogical insights for researchers and educators involved in teaching English and Vietnamese A key aspect of this research is the integration of culture with language, offering a deeper understanding of conceptual metaphors Recent evidence highlights the significance of linguistic data in specific fields of conceptualization Additionally, a related doctoral thesis titled “Đối Chiếu Phương Thức Ẩn Dụ Nhìn Từ Lí Thuyết Ngôn Ngữ Học Tri Nhận Trên Cứ Liệu Báo Chí Kinh Tế Anh – Việt” explores a contrastive analysis of conceptual metaphors, further enriching this area of study.
In the article "In Vietnamese And English Economic Articles" by Hà Thanh Hải (2011), the systematicity and levels of conceptual metaphors in English and Vietnamese are examined through a comprehensive analysis of 120,622 words in English and 149,536 words in Vietnamese The study reveals that these metaphors are deeply rooted in cultural contexts and can vary significantly between languages Notably, English conceptual metaphors appear more frequently, influenced by Vietnamese traditions that favor metaphorical language as a decorative element in literature Both languages show a commonality in that SPACE metaphors dominate, while LIVING BODY metaphors represent the smallest proportion.
In 2011, Hồ Vi Nữ Mỹ Linh conducted a contrastive study on metaphors within English and Vietnamese newspaper discourse, focusing on metaphorical expressions commonly used in daily life The research analyzed 400 randomly selected metaphorical expressions from various newspapers The findings revealed that both English and Vietnamese metaphorical expressions exhibit similar syntactic and semantic characteristics Notably, the study identified eight categories of metaphors, encompassing topics such as color, weather, war, health, animals, food, journeys, and characters.
Bùi Thu Hương's 2016 research explored metaphorical expressions involving human body parts like "head," "face," "hand," and "heart" in both English and Vietnamese The study revealed that both languages exhibit similar coherence, such as using the concept of steam to symbolize anger Additionally, it highlighted the influence of culture on language, exemplified by the English phrase "a clean hand," which contrasts with the Vietnamese "a straight hand," both signifying a good and innocent person who has not committed wrongdoing.
Ngô Đình Phương and Nguyễn Thị Kim Anh (2016) explored the conceptual metaphors of love in both English and Vietnamese, analyzing a corpus of 872 idioms related to social relationships Their findings highlight the significant influence of cultural elements on the formation and expression of these metaphors Notably, many English metaphors, such as "LOVE IS A JOURNEY," with 58 occurrences, can also be found in Vietnamese, illustrating the interconnectedness of love's conceptualization across cultures.
The metaphorical expressions of love differ significantly between English and Vietnamese In English, love is often described as "a journey on the rock, on the reef, off the track, or on a long bumpy road." In contrast, Vietnamese language utilizes imagery related to nature, such as "water, river, and mountain," with terms like "waterfall (thác)," "rapids (ghềnh)," and "pass (ải)" to convey the concept of love.
Despite the absence of previous investigations into metaphorical studies of social violence, it is essential to explore the conceptual metaphors related to this issue in both English and Vietnamese cultures Conceptual metaphors significantly shape individuals' perceptions, cognition, and judgments While numerous studies have analyzed conceptual metaphors across various topics, a notable gap exists regarding social violence from the perspective of cognitive semantics This gap serves as the primary motivation for conducting this study.
The online newspapers on social violence
2.3.1 Definition of violence and social violence
Violence manifests in various forms, categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) into three main types: self-directed violence, interpersonal violence, and collective violence Self-directed violence occurs when the perpetrator is also the victim, exemplified by self-abuse or suicide Interpersonal violence involves harm between individuals, including family violence such as child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, and elder abuse, as well as community violence, which encompasses youth violence and assaults by strangers Collective violence refers to acts committed by large groups, often driven by social, political, or economic motives The WHO's summary in the World Report on Violence and Health (2002) provides a concise overview of these categories.
Violence is the deliberate application of physical force or power, whether threatened or actual, directed towards oneself, another individual, or a community This behavior often leads to injury, death, psychological trauma, developmental issues, or significant deprivation.
The Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development (2012) defines social violence as acts committed by individuals or communities that have significant social repercussions This violence manifests in various forms globally, including armed conflicts, gang violence, corporal punishment, terrorism, forced displacement, and segregation Direct violence refers to instances where an individual is directly victimized, while indirect violence occurs when someone hears or witnesses acts of violence involving others.
Social violence encompasses any violent acts perpetrated by individuals or communities aimed at threatening, harming, or killing others through physical force or power, leading to detrimental effects on mental and physical health This form of violence has significant negative social repercussions, although it is important to note that sexual and economic violence are not included in this definition.
Online newspapers are digital versions of traditional print newspapers, accessible through the Internet, as defined by Lexico powered by Oxford With a vast array of reputable local and international publications available, online newspapers have gained immense popularity due to their convenience and accessibility.
Summary
Chapter 2 reviews theories of conceptual metaphors and related studies, highlighting the foundational work of Lakoff and Johnson (1980, 2003), who argue that metaphor serves as a fundamental structure for understanding, allowing us to conceptualize abstract domains through familiar, concrete ones These conceptual metaphors, rooted in cognitive linguistics, reveal how individuals think and reason based on their physical and life experiences They aim to articulate complex concepts by connecting them to human experiences of the world Despite the significant advancements in metaphor research, there has been a lack of studies examining the role of conceptual metaphors in the context of social violence, which this study seeks to address by exploring three types of conceptual metaphors: structural, ontological, and orientational.
Research designs
The research design aimed to establish a comprehensive literature review and theoretical framework on conceptual metaphors from a cognitive perspective It focused on identifying three distinct types of conceptual metaphors and analyzing the collected data to uncover the similarities and differences in their usage within English and Vietnamese online articles addressing social violence.
Research methods
This study explores the similarities and differences in conceptual metaphors related to social violence in English and Vietnamese online newspapers By employing both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these metaphors The qualitative approach offers in-depth descriptions and considers contextual factors, while the quantitative method focuses on collecting and analyzing the types and frequency of these metaphors As noted by O’Halloran in The Routledge Handbook of Corpus Linguistics (2010), the interaction between these two methods enhances the overall analysis.
“quantitative data mined from a corpus can usefully ground qualitative analysis”
In addition to the primary methods used, contrastive and comparative approaches were utilized to analyze English and Vietnamese online articles on social violence, highlighting the relationship between the findings and cultural values.
Research procedures
To conduct the thesis, we followed a systematic approach: first, we identified a research topic by examining gaps in previous studies Next, we selected English and Vietnamese electronic newspaper articles on social violence, considering factors such as type, time, and size We then analyzed the conceptual metaphors in these articles from cognitive linguistic perspectives, highlighting their metaphorical features to uncover similarities and differences between the two languages Finally, we summarized our main findings, offered recommendations, and acknowledged the limitations of our research.
Data collection and data analysis
The study analyzed 176 online reports on social violence, comprising 90 articles in English and 86 in Vietnamese All reports were authored by different journalists in their native languages, targeting a public readership The articles vary in length, ranging from 400 words onward, and specifically address the issue of social violence.
This study utilized targeted data collection from official English and Vietnamese web pages, focusing on articles related to social violence The selected articles were sourced from four reputable English-language newspapers: the New York Times, the Guardian, US Today, and BBC, as well as four prominent Vietnamese newspapers: Dân Trí, Tuổi Trẻ, Lao Động, and Công An Nhân Dân.
Figure 3: Eight Online Articles in English and Vietnamese
The study analyzed English and Vietnamese data from daily papers on social violence, covering the period from January 2018 to August 2020, with a total of 47,594 English words and 47,338 Vietnamese words Titles containing frequent metaphors were excluded, as they serve a rhetorical purpose rather than a cognitive one The data were processed using Microsoft Office Word and Excel software.
This study is based on the theoretical framework of Lakoff and Johnson
The study analyzed online publications on social violence, categorizing the collected data into three types of conceptual metaphors: structural, ontological, and orientational metaphors The findings were presented through detailed tables and graphs, accompanied by comprehensive explanations.
The study analyzed 235 conceptual metaphors in English and 161 in Vietnamese through a four-step process Initially, metaphorical expressions were identified from the collected materials Next, conceptual metaphors were established based on the source and target domains within the context Following Lakoff and Johnson's (1980) classification, these metaphors were categorized into structural, orientational, and ontological types After manually uncovering significant conceptual metaphors, a comparative analysis was conducted to identify similarities and differences in their frequency and types between English and Vietnamese Overall, the data was examined using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
In the analyzed data, linguistic expressions in the example sentences or phrases were emphasized by being both italicized and bolded Additionally, all example sentences or phrases that contained these linguistic expressions were italicized Conceptual metaphors were presented in uppercase letters The linguistic expressions were systematically numbered, with V1 indicating the first expression in the Vietnamese data and E2 representing the second expression in the English data For instance, a sample showcases these linguistic expressions effectively.
That person shattered my heart (E193)
Linguistic expression: shattered my heart
Conceptual metaphor: EMOTIONAL HARM IS PHYSICAL DAMAGE The number of linguistics expression: E193
The study of Vietnamese conceptual metaphors highlights the importance of precise translations that showcase the unique traits of both cultures and languages The findings are systematically presented through tables and figures for clarity An appendix is included at the end of the article for additional reference, with each online article denoted as EA (English Article).
Article) and VA (Vietnamese Article).
Validity and reliability
To guarantee the study's validity and reliability, the most suitable and dependable methodologies were utilized The theoretical foundations were drawn from renowned works by esteemed scholars in cognitive linguistics, including Lakoff and Johnson (1980, 2003) and Kővecses.
This thesis employs a contrastive approach, enhancing the validity and reliability of the comparison through data collections in both English and Vietnamese To ensure quality, carefully selected online articles from reputable websites were utilized, meeting specific content and length criteria.
The validation of data involved a three-phase examination of conceptual metaphors Initially, the text was analyzed to identify these metaphors, utilizing the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary and the Vietnamese-English Dictionary from the Vietnam Institute of Linguistics to mitigate lexical ambiguities between English and Vietnamese Next, the identified conceptual metaphors were categorized, followed by the addition of explanations to enhance understanding Conceptual metaphors with similar denotations or connotations in both languages were deemed as resembling each other, while those with differing meanings or absent counterparts were classified as differences The discussion was grounded in the findings prior to drawing any conclusions.
Summary
This chapter outlines the methodology of the study, starting with an introduction to the research designs, methods, and procedures employed It provides a comprehensive description of data collection, data analysis, and the overall research procedure Additionally, the chapter clarifies the concepts of validity and reliability The subsequent Chapter 4 will focus on presenting and discussing the research findings.
Metaphor in English newspapers on social violence
After analyzing the data, 235 conceptual metaphors have been known in
90 English electronic discourses on social violence The following figure interprets the frequent occurrence of three different categories of conceptual metaphors
Table 4.1 The Occurrences and Percentages of Conceptual Metaphors in English Types of conceptual metaphors Occurrences Percentages
In an analysis of 90 English online articles, it was found that ontological metaphors are the most prevalent, comprising 44.7% of the total metaphors identified Orientational metaphors follow in frequency at 35.3%, while structural metaphors represent a smaller portion at just 20% This data highlights the significant role of ontological metaphors in online discourse.
Structural metaphors, which describe an abstract domain through a concrete domain of experience, are considered the most complex among metaphor types Research indicates that a prominent example of this is the metaphor "EMOTIONAL HARM IS PHYSICAL DAMAGE," highlighting the intricate relationship between emotional experiences and physical sensations.
(1) In a statement, Mr Spence's parents said: "The killing of our fantastic and much-loved son Glendon has shattered us as a family
(2) The data on the number of children affected really struck me
(3) She added: "The violence has got to stop before it breaks even more hearts, just like it has broken mine." (E136)
(4) Our city's collective heart breaks to hear the unfathomable news of a 3-year-old boy who was shot and killed tonight on Chicago's West Side (E139)
(5) That person shattered my heart (E193)
Emotional harm is often likened to physical harm, with motion verbs such as "shatter," "break," and "strike" serving as metaphors to express feelings of sadness and hurt These expressions, derived from the experience of physical harm, illustrate how emotions can be conveyed through fictive motion, despite the fact that the heart cannot literally be broken Such metaphors effectively capture the emotional pain associated with losing a loved one due to violence or receiving distressing news Additionally, a variety of motion verbs can be employed to articulate different emotional states, enhancing our understanding of the complex relationship between physical and emotional experiences.
EMOTIONAL EFFECT IS PHYSICAL CONTACT is an obvious example
(6) And seeing someone driving the red car that he used to drive makes my heart race (E51)
The killing of Julius has resonated deeply in the United States, igniting months of protests against police brutality Notable figures, including Solange Knowles, sister of Beyoncé, have expressed their outrage on social media regarding his death.
Metaphorical expressions like "makes my heart race" and "touched a special nerve" illustrate the profound connection between emotions and physical health Our emotions significantly influence both our mental and physical well-being, demonstrating a close correlation between the two For instance, experiencing intense stress from events such as losing a loved one can lead to physical ailments like high blood pressure or stomach ulcers Additionally, the metaphor "changes are motions" further emphasizes how we perceive emotional transitions in terms of physical movement.
(8) Mariam Moustafa, 18, fell into a coma after she was punched several times by a "pack" of assailants last February (E100)
This metaphor transitions from the realm of space to the concept of health, illustrating how our daily experiences associate vitality with well-being When individuals are healthy, they exhibit energy and activity; conversely, health issues can incapacitate us, leading to a state of rest or collapse A coma, for instance, symbolizes a powerful force that shifts a person from a state of health to one of illness, emphasizing the impact of health on our physical state.
The metaphorical framework that shapes our understanding of violence is largely influenced by the concept of war, which serves as a source domain for numerous everyday expressions Terms like struggle, battle, combat, win, fight, attack, and lose, originally rooted in military language, are now frequently applied to non-military contexts In the English media, violence is often conceptualized through the metaphor VIOLENCE IS WAR, highlighting the pervasive influence of war-related terminology in discussions of violence.
Victims’ rights campaigners emphasize the significant disparity in funding for domestic violence prevention, urging that the police budget for this issue should be protected and allocated specifically, similar to the funding designated for terrorism.
(10) Separately, Hong Kong police have also unveiled a water cannon vehicle as a new tool to combat the protests (E169)
(11) Spending on fighting terrorism has been ringfenced whilst money for women’s support services and for the police has been cut,” said Saville Roberts (E198)
Conceptual metaphors help us understand the abstract concept of violence by relating it to military combat, which is rooted in our everyday experiences This mapping portrays violence as an adversary that must be defeated, much like an opponent in war Consequently, familiar actions such as combat and fighting are often viewed as the most appropriate responses in the ongoing battle against violence.
In violent situations, individuals may exhibit behaviors that deviate from social ethical standards, highlighting the need for education and guidance Similar to how a bonsai tree requires regular pruning to achieve a desired shape, people also have unique needs that must be addressed for them to thrive Just as plants need specific care to flourish, so too do individuals require tailored support to develop positively.
(12) Grabbing a kid up” and locking him in a van or subjecting him to
“unorthodox moves” might, in fact, be just the thing some truculent youths need to set them straight (E20)
Orientational metaphors are the most prevalent type of metaphor, where concepts are understood in spatial terms, such as up-down, in-out, on-off, deep-shallow, and central-peripheral (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980).
14) Verticality is a basic human experience Up represents for being good The metaphor BEING GOOD IS BEING UPRIGHT can prove this idea
(13) Dave Kitchen, the union’s incoming president, told delegates that teachers needed to stand up to poor behavior and poor management in schools… (E124)
(14) “This is a time for us all to step up and we will do just that," she said.” (E203)
Metaphors are deeply embedded in our daily experiences, with the concepts of MORE and LESS often represented by UP and DOWN, respectively UP signifies a movement from a lower to a higher position, while DOWN indicates a descent to a lower level This vertical orientation helps us understand quantity, as increases in amount are associated with upward movement, exemplified by actions like pouring water into a glass, which causes the water level to rise Similarly, adding items to a pile results in a higher stack These UP-DOWN orientational metaphors also extend to the crime concept, illustrating statistical data on crime rates, trends in crime reduction, and emotional intensity Expressions like "MORE IS UP" effectively convey these associations.
(15) Gun violence in Chicago tends to peak during the summer months
Trump has condemned the recent violence against police and the alarming increase in violent shootings in New York City However, the number of serious cases involving concerns for children's safety and potential "significant harm" continues to rise.
(17) “The rage that builds up inside you, you gotta channel that for good,” he said (E85)
On Monday, authorities reported that over 100 individuals were arrested following a night of escalating disruptions that led to looting in the Magnificent Mile shopping district and damage in various areas of the city.
(19) The Caia Park area has been previously blighted by arson attacks which reached their height in 2015, with 55 recorded deliberate fires (E103)
(20) The nearest spike in the early summer month was a short-lived 63 percent hike in 2006, just half today’s increase (E105)
(21) We have been very fortunate that shootings have been rare at demonstrations where emotions are already running high… (E149 )
The prevalence of UP orientational metaphors in crime-related discussions reflects a concerning rise in criminal activity, with terms like surge, spike, peak, and climb emphasizing the alarming escalation of crime rates Conversely, the metaphor LESS IS DOWN signifies a downward trend, indicating a decrease in crime levels.
(22) When discussing decriminalization they can now use these statistics to say that women are not asking for help, and therefore that the levels of domestic violence must be lower (E43)
(23) I know crime has plummeted since the days when my husband lived in Bedford-Stuyvesant at the tail end of the crack epidemic (E114)
(24) Other commentators said it was a new low for Pakistani society's sinking levels of tolerance which is giving way to mob justice (E127)
(25) …aggravated assaults had dropped only slightly from 2018 to 2019
(26) As on Friday and Saturday, demonstrations that had been peaceful during the day again descended into violence as night fell (E179)
Metaphor in Vietnamese newspapers on social violence
In 86 Vietnamese online articles, there are 161 metaphors in total The metaphorical expressions are categorized into structural, orientational, and ontological The detailed information of their occurrences is demonstrated by the following table:
Table 4.2 The Occurrences and Percentages of Conceptual Metaphors in Vietnamese
Types of conceptual metaphors Occurrences Percentages
One of the most numerous is the group of conceptual metaphors is ontological metaphors, which make up 68.3% Both orientational and structural metaphors have lower positions (19.9 % and 11.8 % respectively)
Conceptual metaphors, which consist of a source and a target domain, are powerful tools in daily communication, particularly in the media Notably, only 19 structural metaphors make up 11.8% of the total used Abstract concepts related to emotional impact can be understood through physical health experiences, highlighting the close relationship between mental and physical well-being Poor physical health can increase the likelihood of mental health issues and vice versa This connection is the foundation for the conceptual metaphor EMOTIONAL HARM IS PHYSICAL DAMAGE.
On August 26, a distressing video surfaced on social media, showing a boy being force-fed by a teacher and subsequently dragged outside to be beaten This incident comes amidst ongoing concerns about child abuse in An Giang, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action against such violence.
If the defendant had remained calm on that fateful day, the tragic incident could have been avoided, and her husband would still be alive.
Emotional control is often discussed in reports regarding the challenges in managing the behaviors of perpetrators and defendants Unlike a tangible object, control is an abstract concept that is perceived as something intrinsic to human experience This notion is encapsulated in the metaphor "CONTROL IS HOLDING," highlighting the complexities of emotional regulation in interpersonal dynamics.
(56) Nghe chủ tọa phiên tòa yêu cầu thuật lại kĩ càng toàn bộ quá trình phạm tội, bị cáo Quyền không giữ nổi bình tĩnh và bật khóc (V7)
(Hearing the presiding judge request a thorough narration of the whole criminal process, defendant Quyen could not stay calm and burst into tears)
The conceptual metaphor of PEOPLE ARE PLANTS illustrates how human beings are understood through the lens of the plant domain, which is universally familiar (Kửvecses, 2002, 2010) Just as bonsai artisans skillfully shape their plants to meet specific standards, individuals also require guidance and shaping to align with societal expectations This connection highlights the parallels between the cultivation of plants and the development of people.
(57) Từ kết quả này, cô sẽ nắm được học lực của từng em để có hướng phụ đạo, uốn nắn, bồi dưỡng thêm tuỳ từng trường hợp (V41)
(From this result, she will grasp the learning capacity of each child to tutor, shape, and further train depending on each case)
The concept of "up" signifies an increase in quantity, degree, or strength, as seen when more items are added to a pile, resulting in a higher total This relationship between upward movement and growth gives rise to the metaphor "more is up."
(58) Tuy nhiên, không loại trừ trường hợp những người nhận thức cao vẫn gây án (V29) (However, it is not an exception that people with high awareness still commit crimes.)
(59) Chuyên gia phân tích tâm lý tội phạm (Bộ Công an) - Trung tá Đào
Trung Hiếu cũng cho rằng chính trạng thái tâm lý tiêu cực đến đỉnh điểm như vậy đã biến thành lòng thù hận giày vò hung thủ
Lieutenant Colonel Dao Trung Hieu, an expert in criminal psychology from the Ministry of Public Security, explained that a heightened negative psychological state can escalate into a feud, ultimately causing significant distress for the perpetrator.
When conflicts amplify the pressures of daily life, particularly in situations fueled by resentment and negative thoughts, the escalation can occur rapidly.
Spatial concepts are shaped by our experiences of being UP or DOWN within the gravitational field, creating a metaphor that transitions from the physical realm of space to the realm of events In a state of stillness, motion places the subject in a contrasting condition.
The UP and DOWN metaphors also represent the conceptualization of positive and negative states of mind
The conceptual metaphor of MORE IS HIGH, alongside MORE IS UP, is derived from spatial orientation, with verticality serving as its source domain This metaphor is comprehensible due to our inherent understanding of the physical world.
On June 11, a significant incident unfolded when thousands of extremists from Phan Ri Cua town gathered on Highway 1, near the south bridge, throwing stones and clashing with riot police.
Ontological metaphors enable us to understand abstract concepts like emotions, purposes, and life as tangible entities By conceptualizing these intangible ideas as if they were physical objects, we can better grasp their complexities For instance, the metaphor "the body part is the container for emotions" illustrates how we perceive emotions as being housed within specific parts of our body, enhancing our understanding of emotional experiences.
(62) Quyền bị truy tố với khung hình phạt lên tới tử hình nên lúc nào
Quyền cũng cúi mặt xuống đất với ánh mắt đượm buồn (V3)
(Being prosecuted with a penalty of up to the death penalty, Quyen always lowered his face to the ground with sad eyes)
(63) Nghe đến đây, khuôn mặt Quyền bắt đầu biến sắc (V10) (Hearing this, Quyen's face began to change color)
(64) Sự lo lắng thể hiện rõ hơn trên mặt bị cáo trong thời gian chờ tòa nghị án (V11) (Concern was evident on the defendant's face while awaiting the court)
Body parts, particularly the eyes and face, serve as powerful symbols for expressing emotions The eyes are often compared to a box brimming with the soul's feelings, encompassing a range of emotions from happiness to sadness This concept is encapsulated in a Vietnamese saying that highlights the profound connection between our physical expressions and emotional states.
“Đôi mắt là cửa sổ tâm hồn” (The eyes are the windows to the soul)
If a body part is the target domain in the above metaphor, it is also a common source domain in AN ABSTRACT COMPLEX SYSTEM IS A BODY PART
(65) Các lực lượng chức năng đã bắt giữ, xử lý một số đối tượng cầm đầu (V157) (The functional forces arrested and handled some of the subjects of the ringleaders)
Küvecses (2010, p 18) identifies the human body as a fundamental and universal source domain, where various components such as the head, face, legs, hands, back, heart, bones, and shoulders serve as metaphors to comprehend different target domains.
The similarities between conceptual metaphors in English and
Vietnamese newspapers on social violence
This study aimed to investigate the shared use of metaphorical concepts between English and Vietnamese The tables presented provide a comparative overview of three types of conceptual metaphors found in online newspapers from both languages The analysis highlights the similarities and differences in the frequency and percentage of each metaphor category, revealing distinct patterns in their usage across English and Vietnamese media.
Table 4.3 The Occurrences and Percentages of Conceptual Metaphors in English and
Types In English In Vietnamese
Table 4.3 reveals that ontological metaphors are the most prevalent, comprising 44.7% in English and 68.3% in Vietnamese, highlighting their significance in both languages In contrast, structural metaphors account for only 20% in English and 11.8% in Vietnamese These findings underscore the essential role of metaphors in everyday communication within English and Vietnamese newspapers.
As it was evident from the result, both English and Vietnamese articles nearly have the categorization of conceptual metaphors in common
English and Vietnamese exhibit similarities in how speakers perceive and conceptualize information in newspapers, largely due to shared human experiences The spatial metaphor MORE IS UP reflects the connection between quantity and vertical dimensions in our understanding Journalists often utilize these metaphors to discuss social violence, illustrating trends in crime rates and violent incidents through up-down dimensions.
Chuyên gia Thìn nhấn mạnh rằng, thay vì chấp nhận lỗi tạm thời và tìm cách giải quyết căng thẳng một cách từ từ, nạn nhân thường có xu hướng thách thức, đe dọa hoặc nhục mạ quá mức, dẫn đến việc leo thang hành vi phạm tội.
Over 100 individuals were arrested on Monday following a night of escalating disruptions that led to looting in the Magnificent Mile shopping district and other areas of the city, according to authorities.
Similar metaphorical expressions related to spatial metaphors, such as "high-cao" and "leo thang-escalated," reflect the concept of verticality derived from human movement experiences These expressions illustrate how our physical interactions with space influence language and meaning.
Dr Hà Thanh Hải and Hồ Vi Nữ Mỹ Linh (2011) utilize vertical spatial dimensions in their writings to illustrate abstract economic concepts, emphasizing that economic development is represented as upward movement, while economic decline is depicted as downward movement.
In both English and Vietnamese reports, the metaphor of HUMAN BEHAVIOR IS ANIMAL BEHAVIOR is noted, though infrequently This metaphor suggests that certain human actions, particularly when emotions are uncontrolled or during criminal behavior, can be understood through the lens of animal behavior Drawing from Darwin's theory of evolution, which posits that humans are a type of ape, it highlights the shared characteristics between humans and animals In moments of emotional instability, humans may exhibit primal traits similar to those of animals Moreover, aggressive behaviors often stem from a struggle for personal gain or serve as an outlet for anger, illustrating this connection further.
(80) “Get the f–k out of here!” the initial caretaker roars at the kneeling demonstrator, shoving her backwards (E160)
Upon noticing an approaching individual, Hoang discarded the stolen items and quickly retreated deeper into the forest.
During the day, the fugitive scavenged for forest leaves and dug up wild potatoes to stave off hunger He then ventured to a nearby stream in search of water to quench his thirst.
After committing a serious crime, some criminals may behave like wild animals, evading human contact much like snakes that swiftly slither away into the grass This instinct to hide is akin to the concept of "groping," observed in the animal kingdom, where a deer fawn cautiously approaches the riverbank to drink while staying alert for potential threats Such behaviors illustrate the instinctive need to navigate dangerous situations while remaining vigilant.
Both languages metaphorically equate human actions to those of animals, highlighting a shared understanding of behavior Additionally, the metaphor "PEOPLE ARE PLANTS" emphasizes the idea that individuals require nurturing and education to thrive Ultimately, moral development in any society hinges on the need for education to cultivate ideal individuals.
(83) Grabbing a kid up” and locking him in a van or subjecting him to
“unorthodox moves” might, in fact, be just the thing some truculent youths need to set them straight (E20)
(84) Từ kết quả này, cô sẽ nắm được học lực của từng em để có hướng phụ đạo, uốn nắn, bồi dưỡng thêm tuỳ từng trường hợp (V41)
(From this result, she will grasp the learning capacity of each child to tutor, shape, and further train depending on each case)
In the metaphor "AN ABSTRACT COMPLEX SYSTEM IS A BODY PART," humans can utilize various body parts as a relatable source domain to illustrate and understand intricate abstract systems This analogy enables a clearer comprehension of complex concepts by linking them to familiar physical elements of the human body.
Jay Bishop, identified as a supporter of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer, was fatally shot in Portland, Oregon, during confrontations between Black Lives Matter protesters and Trump supporters.
Initially at the police station, Tan admitted to organizing and leading a group of juniors in a quest for revenge against Binh's faction due to prior conflicts This scenario illustrates a metaphor where the head represents the highest authority within an organization or criminal gang, emphasizing the notion of leadership and control in such groups.
The differences between conceptual metaphors in English and
Vietnamese newspapers on social violence
While English and Vietnamese newspapers share similarities in basic semantic features, there are notable differences in the use of metaphorical expressions by journalists, which vary in occurrence and meaning.
Figure 4.3 The Total Conceptual Metaphors in English and Vietnamese Online
Figure 4.1 illustrates that English journalists employ conceptual metaphors significantly more often, using 235 metaphors compared to 161 in Vietnamese, despite both languages being based on a comparable data length of over 47,000 words.
Figure 4.4 The Occurrences and Percentages of Ontological Metaphors in English and Vietnamese Online Newspapers
Figure 4.2 illustrates the varying distribution of ontological metaphors across different datasets, revealing their dominance over other metaphor types Notably, Vietnamese articles feature a slightly higher count of ontological metaphors (110) compared to English articles (105) While these metaphors constitute less than half of the English reports at 44.7%, they represent a significant majority in the Vietnamese data, accounting for over two-thirds at 68.3%.
Structural metaphors exhibit varying frequencies of occurrence, resulting in different percentages across languages In English, 47 structural metaphors account for 20% of the total, whereas the percentage for Vietnamese structural metaphors is notably different.
Figure 4.5 The Occurrences of Structural Metaphors in English and Vietnamese
In a qualitative comparison of conceptual metaphors, the analysis reveals that the metaphor MORE IS UP is predominantly found in English articles, while KNOWING IS SEEING is the most frequent in Vietnamese articles, as detailed in Table 4.5.
Table 4.5 The Most Commonly Used Conceptual Metaphors in Both Languages
Newspapers Conceptual metaphors Metaphorical expressions Occurrences
English MORE IS UP surge, escalate, spike, hike, up, high, climb, accelerate, 53 (22.5%)
SEEING sáng tỏ, làm rõ
Both target and source domains share various aspects, with certain metaphors structured around these elements For instance, the target domain encompasses acts of violence, emotional impact, time, and control Although the concept of time in Vietnamese aligns with English in some ways, such as the metaphor TIME IS A MOVING OBJECT, notable differences exist In example (94), the future is represented as what lies ahead of the speaker.
In example (95), the speaker references a past event, highlighting the concept of time as a continuum that progresses from the future into the past This illustrates how our perception of time involves a forward movement into what is yet to come, while also acknowledging what has already occurred.
(94) “He had his whole future ahead,” said the friend, Joe Mauro
(95) Trước đây, bị cáo khai như vậy là muốn nhẹ tội, nhưng bây giờ bị cáo biết sai và bị cáo không muốn gây ra oan sai” (V129)
(Heretofore, the defendant claimed that he wanted light punishment, but now the defendant knows it is wrong and the defendant does not want to cause injustice)
Both Vietnamese and English exhibit a phenomenon of meaning transfer through orientational metaphors, where lexical units shift into new domains, resulting in semantic changes rooted in the unique experiences of each linguistic community This leads to varying conceptualizations of identical concepts across cultures, as different socio-cultural contexts impart distinct significance An intriguing aspect is that metaphors can manifest through different linguistic expressions; for instance, Vietnamese culture often associates affection with the term “lòng” (entrails), as illustrated in the song “Lòng Mẹ,” while Western culture predominantly uses the heart as a symbol of love, emphasizing its importance in the body Despite the universal symbolism of the heart in representing love, linguistic expressions can differ, particularly in metaphors like EMOTIONAL HARM IS PHYSICAL DAMAGE, highlighting the nuances in cultural interpretations.
(96) She said he was taken "unnecessarily, needlessly and cruelly" and his family is "heartbroken" (E134)
Mr Cuong described the incident as a straightforward matter rooted in neighborly relations, yet it escalated tragically due to a conflict arising from the unpleasant odor emanating from a pigpen.
English writers employ a variety of words to convey emotions and illustrate the pursuit of knowledge, encapsulated in the metaphor "More information is reaching the height." This metaphor emphasizes the idea that as we seek to acquire more information, we elevate our understanding and insight.
(98) He usually walked up with a smile and an awkward joke but also had a deep analysis of what’s wrong in the world and a passion for fighting those things (E194)
(99) Saima Begum, who also has a daughter with special needs who attends the school, said parents were "really shocked" to find out
"how deep this issue is (E195)
If the English writers use the spatial orientation (deep-shallow) to mention the number of information, the Vietnamese employ the metaphor of KNOWING IS SEEING
If land ownership is not clearly defined, those who attempt to seize it will face severe consequences.
Previous research indicates that complex domains, particularly acts of violence, are metaphorically framed by distinct source domains in both languages The intricacy of target domains, including emotions and human life, arises from their encompassing a diverse range of elements.
A notable difference between English and Vietnamese newspapers lies in their use of conceptual metaphors, which share the same target domain but utilize different source domains For instance, metaphors such as "CAUSATION IS A ROAD TO DESTINATION" and "CAUSATION IS LIGHTING AN OBJECT" illustrate this variation in conceptual framing.
(101) Two South African police officers have been arrested over the deadly shooting of a 16-year-old boy, which had sparked violent street protests (E173)
(102) Hung thủ dùng kéo đâm người yêu nhiều nhát dẫn đến tử vong
(V24) (The perpetrator used scissors to stab his lover many times, leading to death)
Metaphors play a significant role in our daily communication, reflecting the diverse materials we choose These metaphors vary across languages, influenced by distinct cultural value systems that shape interpretations of experiences Additionally, while English and Vietnamese media writers may share similar conceptual metaphors, they often employ different metaphorical expressions The key differences can be effectively summarized in a comparative table.
Table 4.6 The Differences of Same Conceptual Metaphors in English and Vietnamese Newspapers
Same meaning, but different metaphorical expressions
Different meaning and different metaphorical expressions
PHYSICAL DAMAGE heartbroken đau lòng ∅
The analysis of collected data reveals a total of 235 conceptual metaphors in English and 161 in Vietnamese online articles addressing social violence Notably, certain metaphors are unique to each language, with some present in English but absent in Vietnamese, and vice versa This observation is further illustrated in Table 4.7, which provides a comprehensive list of these conceptual metaphors.
Table 4.7 The Absence and Presence of Conceptual Metaphors in English and Vietnamese Newspapers
THE BODY PART IS THE
Summary
This chapter contrasts the three types of conceptual metaphors—structural, ontological, and orientational—in English and Vietnamese online articles about social violence, focusing on their semantic features It examines the distribution of these metaphors, detailing the source and target domains, image schemas, and various mappings The findings reveal that ontological metaphors are the most prevalent in both languages, with six similar conceptual metaphors identified, including MORE IS UP, HUMAN BEHAVIOR IS ANIMAL BEHAVIOR, and PEOPLE ARE PLANTS.
ABSTRACT COMPLEX SYSTEM IS A BODY PART, HUMAN LIFE IS A VALUABLE OBJECT, and INTENSITY OF CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT IS
English reporters utilize conceptual metaphors more frequently than their Vietnamese counterparts, highlighting a notable difference in metaphor usage between the two languages Additionally, the distribution and percentages of ontological and structural metaphors vary significantly Interestingly, some conceptual metaphors exist in English but are absent in Vietnamese, and the reverse is also true.