INTRODUCTION
Rational
Acquiring a language extends beyond mastering grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary; effective communication requires understanding how to apply linguistic competence within broader contexts Language learners must grasp the concept of discourse to successfully convey their ideas and engage with others.
Linguists like Brown and Yule (1983), Halliday and Hasan (1976), Hatim and Mason (1990), Cook (1989), and Swales (1990) have explored the concepts of discourse and discourse analysis They argue that discourse is manifested through various genres, each characterized by specific features deemed suitable for particular social contexts.
(Hatim and Mason, 1990) Each genre of discourse possesses its own discourse features
A fable is a traditional short story that imparts a moral lesson, often featuring animals as characters Despite their brevity and simplicity, fables possess unique characteristics that set them apart from other forms of discourse, such as articles or speeches However, English fables have not received significant attention, even though they hold substantial potential for language teaching Therefore, this study focuses on the "Analysis of Lexical Cohesive Devices in English and Vietnamese Fables," with the hope that its findings will offer practical value.
Aims of the study
The main aims of the thesis are as follows:
To identify lexical cohesive devices used in English and Vietnamese Fables
To compare lexical cohesive devices through some English and Vietnamese Fables
Scope of the study
This study focuses on the theoretical aspects of discourse, specifically examining coherence, cohesion, and cohesive devices It will analyze lexical cohesive devices by comparing English fables with their Vietnamese counterparts The research aims to collect data from both languages to explore the frequencies, differences, and similarities of each lexical cohesive device and its sub-devices within the discourse.
Methods of the study
To attain the aims of the study, the research will conduct the following activities:
To conduct a thorough analysis, data will be gathered from various linguistic theories and fables Key theories will be sourced from notable linguists, including Cook (1989), Hatim and Mason (1990), Swales (1990), Simpson (1997), and Toolan (1998) Additionally, English and Vietnamese fables, particularly those not found in printed materials in Vietnam, will be collected from online resources.
Secondly, relevant theories will be presented on the ground of several linguists, viewpoints
This study will conduct a thorough analysis of 30 selected fables, comprising 15 English fables and 15 Vietnamese fables, to identify and examine the most prominent lexical cohesive devices utilized in both languages.
After all, based on the results of the analysis, some concluding remarks can be generalized and some implications for teaching and learning English fables can be proposed
Three successive methods chosen for the best results are descriptive, analytical and comparative.
Design of the study
Within the scope mentioned above, the study consists of three main parts: introduction, development and conclusion
Part 2 is divided into three chapters In the first chapter, Literature Review, theoretical knowledge of lexical cohesive devices and English Fables are presented The second chapter , also the main one of the study, deals with the study of lexical cohesive devices through some English and Vietnamese fables in the last chapter, we attempt to present some findings and implications.
DEVELOPMENT
CONCLUSION 1 Recapitulation of major ideas
Implications
English fables are simple and engaging, particularly for children, as they feature animals that exhibit human-like behaviors, capturing young readers' interest Introducing these fables to Vietnamese elementary learners can enhance their English language skills while imparting valuable moral lessons Fables based on real characters and events create an exciting classroom atmosphere, boosting student motivation Furthermore, they serve as effective tools for teaching essential language skills, including reading comprehension, listening, and speaking.
Suggestions for further studies
This paper is attempted to bring out a detailed analysis of lexical cohesive devices in English fables Further studies conducted could focus on the followings:
Other discourse features of English Fables such as metaphor, grammatical cohesive devices, logical cohesive devices, ect will be carried out
Comparison between the narrator‘s discourse and characters, discourse in English Fables in terms of linguistic perspectives
Comparison between English and Vietnamese fables in terms of generic structure
Given the time constraints and the author's limited knowledge, errors in a minor M.A thesis are unavoidable Therefore, constructive feedback from relevant individuals would be greatly valued.
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Hòa, Nguyễn (2003) đã trình bày những vấn đề lý luận và phương pháp trong phân tích diễn ngôn, trong khi Nguyên Triều (2004) cung cấp một cái nhìn cấu trúc về truyện ngụ ngôn dân gian Việt Nam Cả hai tác phẩm đều được xuất bản bởi Nhà xuất bản Khoa học Xã hội, góp phần làm phong phú thêm nghiên cứu về văn hóa và ngôn ngữ Việt Nam.
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LIST OF FABLES FOR ANALYSIS OF LEXICAL COHESION DEVICES English Fables
1 The Ant and the Dove
3 The Eagle, the Cat & the Wild Snow
5 The Hare and the Tortoise
7 The Mouse and the Lion
10 The Wolf and the Lamb
15 The Hen & the Golden Egg
1 Cú, Quạ không biết phận
4 Ng-ời chủ xe với hai con ngựa
8 Thỏ và Dê kết bạn
9 ếch từ đáy giếng đi ra
10 Khỉ và Rùa đi hái quả