RATIONALE OF THE STUDY
Cognitive linguistics has seen significant growth in Vietnam, with a surge in studies focusing on its key concepts Among these, metaphor plays a crucial role in meaning construction, serving as an effective tool for transferring meaning in both everyday life and literature By linking abstract concepts to concrete experiences, metaphors enhance understanding; for instance, we often describe love and arguments metaphorically, as in the phrase "Love is a journey."
The concept of "argument is war," extensively explored by renowned cognitive linguists Lakoff and Johnson (1980), highlights how frequently and unconsciously we employ this metaphor in our language and thought processes.
Nobody can deny idioms‟ importance in communication, learning, teaching and translation as well but it is a difficult area of English According to Cooper
Idioms pose a unique challenge for language learners due to their unpredictable figurative meanings, which cannot be deduced from the individual words Understanding idioms requires grasping the underlying metaphors and the cultural nuances that shape their meanings This study explores how cultural influences impact idioms in both Vietnamese and English, particularly in relation to the concept of power.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS
This study investigates idioms that embody conceptual metaphors of power, drawing on the theory of Lakoff and Johnson It explores both the similarities and differences in the use of power metaphors within English and Vietnamese idioms, reflecting the unique cultural contexts of each language community Additionally, the paper offers suggestions for teaching, learning, and translating these conceptual metaphors, emphasizing their expression in English and Vietnamese idioms The research is guided by two key questions.
Research question 1: How is the concept of power metaphorically expressed in English and Vietnamese idioms?
Research question 2: What are the similarities and differences in expressions of conceptual metaphors about power in English and Vietnam idioms?
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study analyzes conceptual metaphors related to power in society and politics, drawing on the theory and classification established by Lakoff and Johnson Due to time and resource constraints, the research focuses on a comparative examination of English and Vietnamese idioms The analysis utilizes six dictionaries, comprising three in English and three in Vietnamese, to explore these metaphors effectively.
The selected idioms in English are cited from several dictionaries including:
- Oxford Idioms Dictionary for Learners of English by Oxford University Press
- Dictionary of American Idioms by Spears, R.A (2005)
- Longman American Idioms Dictionary by Urban, R (2000)
Idioms in Vietnamese are from:
- Thành ngữ tiếng Việt by Nguyễn Lực, Lương Văn Đang (1993)
- Từ điển giải thích thành ngữ tiếng Việt by Nguyễn Như Ý (1998)
- Từ điển thành ngữ và tục ngữ Việt Nam by Nguyễn Lân (2014)
METHODS AND PROCEDURES OF THE STUDY
This study utilizes the conceptual metaphors framework established by Lakoff and Johnson (1980) in their influential work "Metaphor We Live By." Their model categorizes conceptual metaphors into three types: structural, ontological, and orientational metaphors The research involved conducting contrastive and comparative analyses to uncover the similarities and differences in the expression of conceptual metaphors related to power in English and Vietnamese idioms.
The analysis of the data utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods Quantitatively, the focus was on the frequencies of structural, ontological, and orientational metaphors Qualitatively, the data were categorized based on specific criteria, including the conceptualizations of power as the human body, as a container, as an upward force, and the absence of power as a downward force.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
T HEORETICAL SIGNIFICANCE
This study hopes to provide useful contributions to studies of cognitive linguistics, especially the role of conceptual metaphor in expressing the concept of power in idioms.
P RACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE
This research aims to enhance the understanding of cultural differences between English and Vietnamese through the study of idioms Additionally, it seeks to improve reading comprehension, translation skills, and the analysis of literary works for English learners in Vietnam.
ORGANIZATION OF THE THESIS
This study introduces its rationale, objectives, and methodology, outlining the significance and scope of the research Additionally, it details the organization of the thesis, providing a clear framework for understanding the key components of the investigation.
Part B: Development This part consists of three chapters:
Chapter 1: Literature Review and Theoretical Background offers essential insights into cognitive linguistics, focusing specifically on conceptual metaphors It also explores related concepts, including power dynamics and idiomatic expressions The chapter concludes with a discussion of relevant studies that further illuminate these topics.
Chapter 2: Research Methodology and Procedures This chapter presents the methods and the procedures of the research including how the data were collected, described and analyzed
Chapter 3: Findings and Discussions highlights the analysis of conceptual metaphors related to power found in English and Vietnamese idioms, exploring both the similarities and differences between the two languages.
In conclusion, this section encapsulates the findings of the studies and their implications for the learning, teaching, and translation of idioms It also offers suggestions for future research while acknowledging certain limitations encountered during the study.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
L ITERATURE REVIEW
Since the latter half of the twentieth century, Cognitive Linguistics has emerged as a compelling field of research that explores the interplay between language, the mind, and human socio-physical experiences A pivotal contribution to this area is found in the influential 1980 book by Lakoff and Johnson, which articulates various perspectives on conceptual metaphor Their theory posits that even the most abstract concepts, such as power, can be understood through metaphorical mapping to more concrete experiences This framework inspires further exploration into the conceptual metaphor of power, bridging the gap between abstract and tangible understanding.
In Vietnam, notable linguists such as Lý Toàn Thắng (2005), Trần Văn Cơ (2007), and Nguyễn Đức Tồn (2007) have significantly advanced the field of cognitive linguistics Lý Toàn Thắng provides a comprehensive overview of cognitive linguistics and its importance, while Trần Văn Cơ emphasizes the role of cognition, particularly focusing on conceptual metaphors and their evolution both in Vietnam and globally He highlights that conceptual metaphors facilitate the understanding of one concept through another Collectively, these scholars have played a crucial role in establishing and developing cognitive linguistics in Vietnam and beyond.
In addition to renowned linguists who have laid the groundwork for cognitive linguistics in Vietnam and globally, various researchers have focused on the cognitive field, particularly metaphor Zhang (2012) highlights the universality and variation of love metaphors in English and Chinese through comparative and contrastive analysis, providing insights into the reasons behind these variations Similarly, Hồ Thị Thu Trang (2010) explores the representation of characteristics via domestic animal metaphors, reinforcing the prevalence of metaphor in everyday language by analyzing terms related to human traits While these studies may not directly relate to my research, they offer valuable perspectives on cognitive linguistics, conceptual metaphors, and research methodologies.
Nguyễn Thị Yến Thoa (2005) explores metaphors associated with the human body in both English and Vietnamese, focusing on the term "hand" in English and "bàn tay" in Vietnamese She provides examples of metaphors that highlight the functions of hands in both languages, although her study does not address idiomatic expressions containing the "hand" element Overall, cognitive linguistics, particularly the study of metaphor, has garnered significant interest among researchers in Vietnam.
Nguyễn Ngọc Vũ (2012) explores the conceptual metaphor of power in English and Vietnamese idioms featuring the word "hand." His research reaffirms that conceptual metaphors are fundamental in shaping the meanings of idioms in both languages Additionally, by comparing the conceptualizations in English and Vietnamese, learners gain deeper insights into how the abstract notion of "power" is represented through the more tangible concept of "hand."
In her 2007 study, Lương Thị Hiền explores the concept of power within Vietnamese families by examining the language used in daily communication Rather than relying on conceptual metaphors, she focuses on specific words that signify power Additionally, her research includes a critical analysis of power dynamics through the lens of discourse analysis.
Despite extensive literature on power and conceptualization globally and in Vietnam, there is a lack of specific studies on the conceptual metaphor of power within English and Vietnamese idioms This research focuses on power in social and political contexts, aiming to enhance the understanding of both languages for teachers, learners, and translators Consequently, this gap in literature has motivated me to conduct this study.
T HEORETICAL BACKGROUND
1.2.1 An overview of Cognitive Linguistics
Cognitive Linguistics emphasizes the role of cognition in understanding how individuals process information through their brains This perspective suggests that linguistic knowledge is rooted in general cognitive processes and thinking As noted by Fauconnier and Turner, this interplay between cognition and language is fundamental to our understanding of linguistic structures.
Cognitive Linguistics, established in 1998, is recognized as a significant framework for exploring language, conceptual systems, human cognition, and meaning construction Unlike traditional language sciences, it focuses on the interplay between language, the mind, and socio-physical experiences (Evans, 2012) This distinctive perspective has profoundly impacted various domains within cognitive science.
Cognitive Linguistics, as described by Evans (2012), is driven by two main commitments: Cognitive Commitment and Generalization Commitment According to Lakoff (1991), Cognitive Commitment highlights how human cognition is reflected in linguistic structures, drawing insights from various cognitive and brain sciences In contrast, Generalization Commitment emphasizes the overarching principles that apply universally across all facets of human language.
Cognitivism encompasses two primary branches: cognitive approaches to grammar and cognitive semantics Cognitive semantics explores how language encodes semantic structures that are deeply intertwined with human experience and the conceptual system.
This study emphasizes cognitive semantics, which is essential for understanding meaning It highlights the significance of cognitive linguistics in analyzing linguistic expressions and idioms that convey the concept of power.
Since its emergence in the mid-1970s, Cognitive Linguistics has drawn significant attention from scholars such as Lakoff and Johnson, Turner, and Kovecses Metaphor is defined as "understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of another" (Lakoff and Johnson, 1980:5), with meaning transference based on the similarities between two objects The Conceptual Metaphor Theory, proposed by Lakoff and Johnson, is one of the earliest and most influential frameworks in this field Metaphors permeate our daily lives, influencing "the way we think, what we experience, and what we do every day." They are not merely "figures of speech" (McGlone, 2007:109) but are fundamentally metaphorical in nature Most everyday metaphors are conventional, serving as stable expressions that people use systematically.
Traditional theories, as noted by McGlone (2007), define metaphor simply as a comparison, often represented by the structures "X is Y" or "X is like Y." For instance, the idiom "call the shots/tunes" metaphorically refers to individuals wielding significant power or control This challenges the conventional linguistic framework In contrast, the contemporary perspective introduced by Lakoff and his colleagues presents the concept of conceptual metaphor, which they describe as the systematic structuring or restructuring that allows an abstract target domain to be understood through a more concrete source domain.
Metaphor is basically considered the foundation to create idioms (Nguyễn Ngọc
This paper analyzes the role of conceptual metaphors in the formation of idioms, specifically focusing on the metaphor of power in English idioms and comparing them to their Vietnamese counterparts For instance, the phrase “have a big hand” signifies significant influence, as hands symbolize power (Wright, 1999) Understanding these metaphors enhances our comprehension of idiomatic expressions across cultures (Vũ, 2012).
In conclusion, metaphor is characterized as "a matter of extraordinary rather than ordinary language" (Lackoff and Johnson, 1980:3) and plays a vital role in our daily communication and experiences Metaphors are inherently natural and often used unconsciously, serving as conceptual tools that help us comprehend abstract ideas by relating them to more concrete concepts.
According to the cognitive function, Lackoff and Johnson (1980) classify metaphors into three overlapping groups including structural, ontological and orientational metaphors
Structural metaphors, as described in "Metaphors We Live By" by Lakoff and Johnson (2003), involve understanding one concept through the framework of another, forming a significant part of conceptual metaphors These metaphors are characterized by their internal consistency, allowing one experience or activity to be structured in terms of another (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980) A prominent example is the metaphor ARGUMENT IS WAR, where phrases like "Your claims are indefensible" and "He attacked every weak point in my argument" illustrate how arguments are framed in combative terms This cognitive function highlights how language shapes our understanding of complex concepts through more concrete experiences.
The concept of ARGUMENT is metaphorically structured by the concept of WAR, despite their differences—ARGUMENT being verbal discourse and WAR involving armed conflict Both perform distinct actions, yet the language and understanding of ARGUMENT often draw on WAR-related terms such as attack, defend, and win or lose This illustrates how structural metaphors enable us to clarify and understand one concept through the lens of another, allowing for a more coherent interpretation of complex ideas.
Ontological metaphors, as identified by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson in "Metaphors We Live By" (1980), allow us to view intangible concepts such as emotions, activities, and ideas as tangible entities or substances This perspective enables us to categorize, group, and quantify our experiences These metaphors help us understand events, actions, and states by conceptualizing them as objects, substances, or containers A prominent example is the container metaphor, which reflects our physical existence as bounded beings, projecting this in-out orientation onto other objects Illustrative expressions like "the ship is coming into view" and "I can't see him—the tree is in the way" exemplify how visual fields are perceived as containers, highlighting our interaction with the world around us.
Visual fields can be understood as spatial containers, with distinct inner and outer areas The act of seeing is likened to moving in and out of these containers Through ontological metaphors, we can conceptualize non-physical entities as if they were tangible objects.
Orientational metaphors, as defined by Lakoff and Johnson (1980), represent concepts of spatial orientation, encompassing relationships such as up-down, in-out, and front-back These metaphors reflect our lived experiences of space and contribute to our understanding of emotions, exemplified by the metaphor "HAPPY IS UP." However, according to Kűvecses (2002), orientational metaphors offer less conceptual structure for the target concepts compared to ontological metaphors.
There are so many examples of orientational metaphors, for examples, HAPPY IS
Metaphors are prevalent in our daily language, as seen in expressions like "I'm feeling up today" and "I'm feeling down," which illustrate our emotional states Phrases such as "You're in high spirits" and "He's really low these days" further emphasize this connection between emotions and directional language Additionally, the expressions "My spirit rose" and "My spirit sank" highlight how we use metaphorical language to convey our feelings and experiences.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURES
R ESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This study employs contrastive analysis (C.A.) and comparative analysis to explore the similarities and differences in conceptual metaphors related to power within English and Vietnamese idioms By integrating these two analytical approaches, the research aims to enhance the understanding of both languages, as contrastive analysis focuses on identifying differences that inform language teaching, learning, and translation (James, 1980), while comparative analysis serves as a vital tool for highlighting similarities and contrasts (Collier, 1993) The combination of these methodologies proves to be effective in achieving the study's objectives.
D ATA
For the purpose of the study, English and Vietnamese idioms are selected from famous dictionaries of idioms In English, famous dictionaries are used including:
Oxford Idioms-Dictionary for Learners of English (2006) by Oxford University
Press; Dictionary of American Idioms by Spears, R.A (2005) and Longman American Idioms Dictionary by Urban, R (2000)
All Vietnamese idioms are cited from Thành ngữ tiếng Việt by Nguyễn Lực,
Lương Văn Đang (1993); Từ điển giải thích thành ngữ tiếng Việt by Nguyễn Như Ý (1998); and Từ điển Thành ngữ và Tục ngữ Việt Nam by Nguyễn Lân (2014).
D ATA COLLECTION
A thorough examination of metaphorical expressions related to the concept of power revealed 114 samples in various dictionaries, comprising 63 in English and 51 in Vietnamese These samples were systematically categorized according to the characteristics of conceptual metaphor The study noted that the number of Vietnamese idioms related to power is fewer than their English counterparts, primarily due to the inclusion of idioms that pertain to specific contexts, such as familial power, which fall outside the study's scope.
In the process of gathering and categorizing raw data, I reached out to my American friends with several questions This was done to assess and compare my understanding with that of native speakers, aiming to uncover the similarities and differences between our two cultures.
D ATA ANALYSIS
The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods for data analysis to achieve its objectives Quantitative analysis focuses on the frequency of structural, ontological, and orientational metaphors related to power in English and Vietnamese idioms, highlighting similarities and differences In contrast, qualitative analysis classifies and examines the data based on conceptual metaphor criteria While quantitative research offers neutrality and generalizability (Roman et al., 2013), qualitative research provides insights into new phenomena and complex interrelations that have not been extensively studied (Seipel and Rieker, 2003).
R ESEARCH PROCEDURES
This research investigates the similarities and differences in the conceptual metaphor of power as expressed in English and Vietnamese idioms To achieve this objective, several methodological steps were implemented.
Step 1: Conduct the literature review and establish the theoretical background of the study
The author conducted a thorough analysis of previous research on conceptual metaphors, idioms, and power to identify gaps in the existing literature This examination highlights the significance of the chosen topic and provides a rationale for its exploration.
Secondly, the theoretical framework of this study includes cognitive linguistics, conceptual metaphors, idioms and power which are clearly described to guide this study
This study meticulously selects approximately 100 idiomatic samples from six English and Vietnamese dictionaries to explore the concept of power The author emphasizes the importance of understanding idioms beyond their individual components, requiring careful attention to various explanations provided by different authors and language users The data collection and classification process is conducted with precision to effectively address the two research questions posed in the study.
This study categorizes data into three types of metaphors: structural, ontological, and orientational, following the framework established by Lakoff and Johnson (1980) It highlights the number and percentage of metaphorical expressions in each category to ensure the study's reliability and validity Additionally, it identifies similarities and differences in the expression of the concept of power within English and Vietnamese idioms through a comparative analysis.
Step 4: Present the findings, discussion and conclusion
Step 3 generates important findings, which are then discussed, and finally conclusions are drawn The study ends with some implications, limitations and suggestions for further studies.
R ELIABILITY AND VALIDITY
This study's reliability is ensured by sourcing data primarily from reputable published dictionaries and books in both English and Vietnamese Additionally, all cited information is drawn from credible sources, with clear references to the author, publication date, and location.
The selected English and Vietnamese idioms are carefully chosen for their validity and representativeness To grasp the idioms that convey the concept of power, we rely on insights from renowned authors and experts Additionally, the English expressions have been verified through consultations with professors in Vietnam and native English speakers via email, ensuring the study's quality.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Q UANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
To grasp the abstract concept of power, it's essential to explore various concrete domains The collected data is categorized into nine sets of conceptual metaphors, organized according to three distinct types of conceptual metaphor.
Power is the human body
Power is the human activities
Power is up, no power is down
The specific number of each kind of conceptual metaphors is presented in Table 3.1
Power is the human body
Power is the human activities
Power is up, no power is down
Table 3.1: Quantity and percentage of conceptual metaphors about power in English and Vietnamese idioms
Table 3.1 highlights the differences in the occurrence and percentage of conceptual metaphors related to power in two languages Structural metaphors dominate, comprising 71.1% of the total, making them the most frequent type In contrast, orientational metaphors represent 17.5%, securing the second position, while ontological metaphors are the least frequent, accounting for only 11.4%.
The table below will show the percentage as well as quantity of structural metaphors used in both English and Vietnamese idioms
Structural metaphors English idioms Vietnamese idioms
Power is the human body 9 7.9% 7 6.1%
Power is the human activities 17 14.9% 11 9.7%
Table 3.2: Quantity and percentage of structural metaphors about power in
Noticeably, Table 3.2 shows a set of concrete concepts or source domains used to denote the abstract concept or target domain of power
The most prevalent conceptual metaphor regarding power is "power is human activities," accounting for 24.6% of the findings, with 17 expressions in English and 11 in Vietnamese Following closely is the metaphor "power is physical forces," which comprises 16.7%, reflecting a significant use of idioms This indicates that power is intrinsically linked to human experiences, as the abstract notion of power is often interpreted through various concrete concepts associated with humanity The metaphor with the least occurrence is "power as a thief."
“power is a game” which account for 0.9%
Power is often conceptualized through various source domains, with the human body being a prevalent example, as noted by Kovecses (2010:18) Other significant sources include animals and relatives, accounting for 14%, 8.8%, and 5.3% respectively This indicates that while power can be represented through numerous concrete concepts in both languages, certain metaphors may lack direct equivalents in the other language The varying frequencies of these metaphors further highlight the differences in how power is expressed across cultures.
The following table will illustrate clearly the number and percentage of this conceptualization in both English and Vietnamese idioms
Ontological metaphors English idioms Vietnamese idioms
Table 3.3: Quantity and percentage of ontological metaphors about power in English and Vietnamese idioms
Ontological metaphors represent the smallest category of conceptual metaphors related to power, comprising only 11.4% Notably, there is a significant disparity in the expression of power as a container, with 13 such expressions identified in English, yet lacking any equivalent in Vietnamese.
Orientational metaphors English idioms Vietnamese idioms
Power is up, no power is down 11 9.6% 9 7.9%
Table 3.4: Quantity and percentage of orientational metaphors about power in English and Vietnamese idioms
In the analysis of conceptual metaphors related to power, orientational metaphors constitute 17.5% of the total findings, with 20 idioms identified—11 in English and 9 in Vietnamese Despite the differences in spatial orientation between the two languages, the data reveals a notable similarity: both languages conceptualize having control or power as being oriented upward, while a lack of power is represented as oriented downward.
Q UALITATIVE ANALYSIS
This section presents a qualitative analysis of 40 idioms related to power in both English and Vietnamese, categorized into nine sets of conceptual metaphors The analysis is organized not by frequency but by the hierarchy of metaphor types, starting with structural metaphors, followed by ontological metaphors, and concluding with orientational metaphors, as outlined in Table 3.1 Key words within each example are highlighted in italics for emphasis.
3.2.1 Power is the human body
Kovecses (2010) highlights that the human body serves as a prominent source domain for conceptual metaphors due to its clear delineation and our familiarity with it However, not all aspects of the body are utilized in metaphorical interpretations of abstract concepts This study specifically focuses on three key elements: hand and hair, which are particularly relevant for understanding metaphorical comprehension.
(1) To lay hand on someone
(2) Get/have by short hairs
(3) To rule sb/sth with an iron hand
Idioms featuring the word "hand" are more prevalent than those without, reflecting the symbolism of power associated with the term For instance, to "keep something in hand" signifies having the authority or control over it, highlighting the connection between the concept of hand and empowerment.
Like English, Vietnamese idioms frequently use the metaphor "power is the human body," with a significant occurrence rate Notably, nearly 50% of these idioms incorporate the element of "hand," highlighting a common thematic connection in both languages.
English and Vietnamese idioms, “hand” is a part of the human body which is often used than other parts to denote power
(4) Cờ đến tay ai người ấy phất
Besides the idioms with “hand”, other elements like “mặt (face)”, “tai (ear)”, and “miệng (mouth)”are found in Vietnamese idioms
(6) Cả vú lấp miệng em
In both English and Vietnamese, the middle and upper parts of the human body symbolize power, with idioms featuring "hand" being the most prevalent However, these idioms are more commonly used in English than in Vietnamese.
3.2.2 Power is the human activities
Speakers demonstrate their power not only through language but also through everyday actions Verbs that signify human activities and movement, such as call, dance, carry, twist, draw, and eat, effectively convey the metaphor that "power is human activities."
The concept of power in English is often associated with weighty responsibilities that individuals must bear, as illustrated in example (11) Additionally, power signifies authority that demands obedience, as seen in examples (9) and (10) In my analysis, I identified 17 English idioms and 11 Vietnamese idioms reflecting this metaphorical use, indicating that such expressions are prevalent in both languages In Vietnamese, everyday verbs like "eat," "talk," and "shout" are creatively combined with other words in idioms to convey the notion of power.
The action illustrated in example (14) closely aligns with the English phrase "point the finger at someone," highlighting the authority that individuals in higher positions exert over those in lower ranks.
Although there is a big gap in the number of idioms found in both languages, they are similar in using diverse activities and movements to denote the concept of power
In English, three idioms illustrate the concept of "power as animals," highlighting how human traits are often compared to animal characteristics As noted by Kovecses (2010), animals serve as a highly effective source domain for understanding human behavior This comparison reveals that larger or stronger animals symbolize greater power, mirroring how individuals with physical strength or political influence exert control over others Examples include likening someone to a dog, tiger, or fox to convey their authoritative traits.
(15) Big fish in a small pond
Power is understood as a big fish in (15) which has more advantage than others
The phrase "clip someone's wings" refers to the act of a more powerful individual restricting another person's rights or abilities In this context, wings symbolize freedom and potential, akin to how birds, insects, or bats rely on their wings for flight Without wings, a bird loses its ability to soar and thrive, illustrating how limitations imposed by those in authority can stifle personal growth and autonomy.
Vietnamese contains seven expressions that compare people to animals, particularly fish, which is double the number found in English These idioms serve as a unique linguistic tool, highlighting similarities between human behavior and animal characteristics.
(17) Cá mè đè cá chép
Contrasted to the image of small animals with clipped wings in English, “hùm” (tiger) is used in Vietnamese to express the metaphor “power is animals”
In Vietnamese culture, “hùm” (tiger) is called as king or lord of animals and they are also the symbol of power
Animals, particularly fish and tigers, serve as powerful symbols for comparison with humans In both English and Vietnamese idioms, fish specifically represent strength and authority.
In the scope of my study, there exist no English idioms that use the metaphor
“power is relatives” Contrasted to English, 6 idioms of this type are found in Vietnamese
This thesis examines the dynamics of power within societal and political contexts, intentionally excluding idioms related to familial power structures An example of a familial power idiom is "quyền huynh, thế phụ," as noted by Nguyễn Lân (2014:371), which refers to the authority held by the most dominant individuals within a family.
Vietnamese culture places a strong emphasis on family values and collective identity, which is reflected in the language used to describe familial relationships Terms like "grandfather" and "father" are often employed in idioms to symbolize power and authority, highlighting the importance of these connections in Vietnamese society.
(20) Con ông sấm cháu ông sét
In society or even in politics, if one person was born in the rich and powerful family, he or she will have more advantage and power than others
Unlike English, which lacks idioms conveying the metaphor "power is a thief," Vietnamese has a specific idiom that illustrates this concept This Vietnamese expression employs the verb "rob," highlighting the act of taking something from someone without their consent, effectively capturing the essence of how power can unjustly seize control.
This means that people with power in politics take their advantage to make illegal actions or make others reluctantly follow their rules
S IMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES
Conceptual metaphors related to power are present in both English and Vietnamese idioms, though they appear in varying frequencies Analysis of the data reveals nine distinct source domains categorized into three types of conceptual metaphors: structural metaphors, ontological metaphors, and orientational metaphors Despite the differences in the prevalence of each metaphor type across the two languages, there are notable similarities in certain expressions.
Both English and Vietnamese idioms exhibit a rich conceptual metaphor related to power, with a comparable frequency in the collected data Specifically, two main types of conceptual metaphors are identified: structural metaphors and orientational metaphors, present in both languages.
The concept of power is often represented through the metaphor "power is the human body," which is prevalent in both English and Vietnamese cultures This metaphor highlights the significance of the hand, a symbol of control and authority In this context, having something "in hand" signifies the ability to exercise power and influence over it, illustrating the strong connection between bodily imagery and the understanding of power dynamics.
Power is often understood through human activities, represented with a frequency of 14.9% in English and 9.6% in Vietnamese Both languages exhibit similarities in their conceptualization of power through metaphors involving animals, featuring 10 idioms in total—3 in English and 7 in Vietnamese.
Power dynamics are vividly illustrated through idiomatic expressions in both English and Vietnamese In Vietnamese, phrases such as "đè đầu cưỡi cổ" convey a sense of overwhelming force, suggesting one individual's strong control over another, rendering them powerless Similarly, English idioms like "bending the rules" and "pulling strings" utilize powerful verbs to reflect manipulation and authority These expressions highlight the cultural nuances in the conceptualization of power through language.
Orientational metaphors are prevalent in both English and Vietnamese idioms, reflecting shared physical and cultural experiences As noted by Lakoff and Johnson, these metaphors illustrate how both languages conceptualize spatial orientation, highlighting the similarities in their understanding of this cognitive framework.
“power is up, no power is down”
To sum up, power always exists in every corner of our lives; therefore; conceptual metaphors about power in English and Vietnamese idioms are rich with a set of experiences
Conceptual metaphors related to power exhibit both similarities and differences in English and Vietnamese idioms Analysis of the collected data reveals nine distinct source domains, which can be categorized into three primary types of conceptual metaphors.
The analysis of structural metaphors reveals distinct differences in their prevalence between English and Vietnamese For instance, the conceptual metaphor "power is human activities" appears in 17 English idioms, accounting for 14.9% of the total, while only 11 corresponding idioms are identified in Vietnamese.
There are two types of metaphors namely “power is a thief” and “power is relatives” which are not found in English idioms
The ontological metaphor "power is a container" appears exclusively in English, manifested in 13 distinct idioms This metaphor suggests that the abstract concept of power has defined boundaries, as indicated by prepositions such as "in," "out of," and "under."
In terms of orientational metaphors, the numbers of idioms which convey the metaphor “power is up, no power is down” are not similar in the two languages
To sum up, the similarities and differences in denoting the concept of power also help people understand deeply about the cultures of the two language community
RECAPITULATION
The study of metaphors in idioms presents both intrigue and complexity This research focuses specifically on the conceptual metaphor of power within the realms of politics and society, examining English idioms and contrasting them with their Vietnamese counterparts While it does not encompass all aspects of power, such as familial or gender dynamics, it aims to uncover the similarities and differences between the two languages in this context.
This research explores the conceptualization of power across two languages, revealing shared metaphors such as "power is the human body," "power is human activities," "power is animals," "power is physical forces," and "power is up while no power is down." Additionally, English idioms depict power as "a thief," "a game," or "a container," whereas Vietnamese idioms conceptualize power in terms of "relatives." The study highlights both similarities and differences in how these metaphors express the concept of power, illustrating the diverse cultural interpretations of this fundamental idea.
In both English and Vietnamese idioms, the human body serves as a symbol of power, with the hand being the most frequently referenced part While English idioms also incorporate hair as a symbol of strength, Vietnamese expressions often highlight the face and mouth in relation to power.
IMPLICATIONS
2.1 Implications for teaching and learning
Metaphors and idioms play a significant role in language, yet they can be challenging for students to grasp It is essential for English teachers to highlight the importance of conceptual metaphors in everyday communication and life, ensuring students understand their nature and application Additionally, educators should clarify the structure and meaning of idioms, distinguishing them from proverbs, collocations, and sayings, while emphasizing the role of conceptual metaphors in idiomatic expressions Since idioms often cannot be interpreted literally, teachers should also provide strategies for translating idioms between English and Vietnamese, incorporating cultural knowledge to enhance comprehension.
According to conceptual metaphor theory, various elements are essential for understanding metaphors, including target and source domains, as well as the mapping that allows abstract concepts to be comprehended through more concrete ones There are three primary types of metaphors: structural, ontological, and orientational Each type provides teachers with a framework to explain its conceptualization, highlighting cultural differences that are particularly evident in orientational metaphors.
This study aims to assist students in vocabulary acquisition and improve their reading comprehension By utilizing conceptual metaphors, students can grasp abstract concepts more effectively, which serves as an excellent method for broadening their vocabulary As students enhance their understanding of words, their reading skills are expected to improve significantly.
Idioms are unique to each language, reflecting cultural characteristics that set them apart Their fixed structure and meaning can pose challenges for translators, such as the absence of equivalent idioms in the target language, differing contexts for similar idioms, and instances where an idiom is used both literally and idiomatically in the source text.
Idioms are a reflection of cultural traditions and national character, making their translation between English and Vietnamese particularly challenging When translating idioms, especially those related to power, it is essential to find an equivalent idiom with a similar meaning and form or to paraphrase them for better understanding For instance, the English idiom "big fish in a small pond" translates to the Vietnamese "chột làm vua xứ mù," showcasing an ideal equivalence However, for idioms like "crack the whip," where a direct equivalent is hard to find, paraphrasing is the most effective approach.
The phrase "use authority or power to make somebody work very hard, usually by treating them in a strict way" refers to exerting control over someone to enforce rigorous effort, which can be translated into Vietnamese as "đe doạ ai bằng quyền lực." This concept highlights the dynamics of power and the impact of strict management on individuals' performance.
When translating English idioms related to power into Vietnamese and vice versa, it is crucial for translators to consider not only the structure of the idioms but also their figurative meanings and cultural contexts.
LIMITATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
This thesis explores the similarities and differences in conceptual metaphors related to power within English and Vietnamese idioms While it may not serve as a comprehensive reference for all students, the research aims to thoroughly analyze this topic despite certain limitations, including time constraints and material availability The study focuses specifically on power in societal and political contexts, utilizing data exclusively from idioms, which means other sources like proverbs and sayings remain unexamined Additionally, the limited sample size may not fully capture the richness of how both languages express the concept of power Given that power permeates all aspects of life, further research in this area is essential.
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LIST OF CONCEPTUAL METAPHORS ABOUT POWER IN ENGLISH IDIOMS
1 Structural metaphors 1.1 Power is human bodies
No English idioms Explanation Vietnamese meaning
1 Lay/get your hands on somebody (Oxford
Catch sb who has done something wrong
2 Get/ have sb by the short hairs (Oxford University,
Have sb in a position where they must agree what you want
Bị ai kiểm soát hoàn toàn
A way of treating people that is much stronger Độc đoán, phạt nặng
4 Keep one‟s hand in (Spears
Remain involved in something Điều hành
Stop sb doing st by taking away their power
Ngăn chặn quyền lực của ai
7 The dead hand of st
An influence that controls st Ảnh hưởng
8 Have sb eating out of your hand (Oxford University,
2006:104) have sb completely in your control
Hoàn toàn kiểm soát ai
9 To rule sb/st with an iron hand (Oxford University,
2006:333 control sb/st in very strong way
Cai trị ai/cái gì bằng bàn tay sắt-Kiểm soát chặt chẽ
No English idioms Explanation Vietnamese meaning
1 Lay down the law (Oxford
Give sb express your opinion in an aggressive way when you have no right to do so Đưa ra quy tắc
Call the shots/tunes (Oxford University, 2006:49)
Be in control/ control the others Kiểm soát/ điều khiển
Be important or able to influence sb
Dance to sb‟s tune (Oxford
University, 2006:81) Do whatever sb tell you to do
Tuân theo người có quyền
Point the finger at sb (Oxford University, 2006:297) Accuse sb of doing st Quở trách, buộc tội ai
Keep a tight rein on sb (Oxford University,
2006:321) Control sb Nắm quyền hành
7 Have the run of st (Oxford
University, 2006:333) Allow to do st freely Có quyền làm gì
Have/keep sb on a string
Make sb do what you want because you have control over them
Có thế lực để làm theo ý mình
Put the squezze on sb (Oxford University, 2006:376)
Put pressure on sb to act in a particular way
Tạo áp lực cho ai làm gì
Put sb in their place (Oxford University, 2006:293)
Remind sb forcefully of their position at work or in society
Quở trách, nhắc nhở ai về địa vị của người đó
Put sb through it (Oxford
University, 2006:310) Force sb to do st difficult Bắt ai làm việc khó khăn
Put your foot down (Oxford University, 2006:135)
Use your authority to stop sb doing st
Dùng quyền lực ngăn chặn ai làm gì
Twist sb around your little finger (Oxford University,
Be able to influence sb very easily
Chi phối, chế ngự ai
Force or persuade sb to do st Buộc ai làm gì
Draw the short straw (Oxford University, 2006:97)
Be forced to do st unpleasant
Bị bắt buộc làm gì
University, 2006:104) Be force to admit st Buộc phải thừa nhận
No English idioms Explanation Vietnamese meaning
1 Big fish in a small pond
Important person in a small group
Chột làm vua xứ mù
Limit sb‟s power Ngăn chặn quyền hành của ai
A person, group or country that is better or more powerful than all
Người đứng đầu the others
No English idioms Explanation Vietnamese meaning
1 Play fast and loose with sb/st: (Oxford University,
Treat sb/st in a way that you feel no responsibility for them
Hành động vô trách nhiệm/ ngược đãi bất kể quyền lợi của họ
No English idioms Explanation Vietnamese meaning
Allow sb to break the rules
Use your authority or power to make sb work very hard Đe doạ ai bằng quyền lực
Force sb to do st differently buộc ai làm gì ngoài ý muốn của họ
Do st to make people take action quickly (3,
Làm điều gì đó khiến người khác phải làm gì nhanh chóng
Make sb do st quickly Bắt ai làm gì nhanh chóng
6 A force to be reckoned with
A person that has a lot of power and influence
7 Pull strings for sb (Oxford
Use influence in order to get an advantage of sb
Chi phối, ảnh hưởng ai
8 Pull rank on sb (Oxford
Make unfair use your authority
Khẳng định mình bằng chức vụ hay địa vị
9 Take a hold (Oxford Have complete control Hoàn toàn kiểm
University, 2006:182) over sb/st soát ai
No English idioms Explanation Vietnamese meaning
Under sb‟s influence, in sb‟s control
2 An iron hand in a velvet glove (Oxford University,
Harsh treatment of sb that is hidden behind a gentle manner
Bàn tay sắt bọc nhung/ đối xử với ai nhẹ nhàng nhưng cực kì độc ác
3 Take sb/st in hand: (Oxford
University, 2006:162) begin to control or look after sb/st
4 Take the law into your own hands (Oxford University,
Take action personally against sb who has broken the law or done st wrong, instead of calling the police
5 Have sb in the palm of your hand (Oxford
Have sb completely under your control or influence
Hoàn toàn kiểm soát ai
6 Get/let sb off the hook
Allow sb to escape from difficult situation
Giúp ai thoát khỏi trách nhiệm
The hands of somebody: be taken, captured or obtained by sb
8 Out of sb‟s hands (Oxford
No longer in the control of or responsibility of sb
Completely controlled or influenced by
Bị kiểm soát, chế ngự
10 Get out of hand (Oxford
Become difficult or impossible to control
11 Take st/sb off sb‟s hands
Take st away from sb or take responsibility from sb Đỡ cho ai nhẹ bớt/ chịu trách nhiệm cho ai
University, 2006:163) no longer the responsibility of sb
Không còn là trách nhiệm của ai
University, 2006:200) being taken care by sb Dưới sự kiểm soát của ai
3.1 Power is up, no power is down
1 Have friends in high places
2006:140) know important people with power and influence
Quen biết người có quyền
2 At the top of the tree/ladder
At the highest position in a career
Người có địa vị cao nhất
3 Lord it over sb (Oxford
Act as if you are better or more important than
Chế ngự, kiểm soát ai sb
4 Get/have the whip hand over sb (Oxford University,
Have power or control (over sb)
5 Come/go up in the world
Become more successful Thăng tiến
6 Come/go down in the world (Oxford University,
Become less successful Mất địa vị xã hội
7 High man on the totem pole
The person at the top of the hierarchy
Người có quyền cao nhất
People with power and authority
9 Have the upper hands over sb (Oxford University,
Get power or control over sb
People who are in highest social class
Người ở tầng lớp cao nhất trong xã hội
11 Have one up on sb (Oxford
Be in a better position than sb
Có chức vụ cao hơn
LIST OF CONCEPTUAL METAPHORS ABOUT POWER IN
1.1 Power is the human body
1 Tay hòm chìa khoá (Nguyễn Lân, 2014:402)
2 Cờ đến tay ai người ấy phất (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:99)
3 Cờ đã đến tay (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:99)
4 Cả vú lấp miệng em (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:68)
5 Tai to mặt lớn/ mặt to tai lớn (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:293)
6 Rộng miệng cả tiếng (Nguyễn Lân, 2014:379)
7 Có máu mặt (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:92)
1 Ngồi mát ăn bát vàng (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:234)
2 Hét ra lửa (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:160)
3 Thét ra lửa (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:160)
4 Ăn to nói lớn (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:45)
5 Chỉ tay năm ngón (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:83)
6 Ăn sống nuốt tươi (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:43)
7 Xưng hùng, xưng bá (Nguyễn Lân, 2014:496)
9 Quyền thu, quyền phát (Nguyễn Lân, 2014:371)
10 Quyền sinh, quyền sát (Nguyễn Lân, 2014:371)
11 Tàn che, ngựa cưỡi (Nguyễn Lân, 2014:400)
1 Cá mè đè cá chép(Nguyễn Lân, 2014:59)
2 Cá lớn nuốt cá bé(Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:68)
3 Cáo mượn oai hùm (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:70
4 Cá mè đè cá chép(Nguyễn Lân, 2014:59)
5 Cá lớn nuốt cá bé(Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:68)
6 Có sừng, có mỏ(Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:93)
7 Có tai, có mỏ (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:93)
1 Con ông cháu cha (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:97)
2 Con ông sấm cháu ông sét (Nguyễn Lân, 2014:112)
3 Con ông cống cháu ông nghè (Nguyễn Lân, 2014:112)
4 Con ông thánh cháu ông thần (Nguyễn Lân, 2014:112)
5 Con dòng, cháu giống (Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang, 1993:96)
6 Đàn anh kẻ cả (Nguyễn Lân, 2014:140)
1 1 Ăn cướp cơm chim ( Nguyễn Lân, 2014:128)