Rationale
In today's world, English serves as a vital international language, facilitating global communication and development Idioms play a significant role in the English language, enriching both everyday conversations and literary works These figurative expressions help convey ideas in an engaging manner, making it essential for English users to grasp their meanings However, comprehending idioms requires more than just analyzing their individual components, as their meanings are often unpredictable and rooted in unique structures, stylistic elements, and cultural knowledge.
Understanding idioms is crucial for language learners, as they are integral to everyday communication This necessity inspired my thesis, “A Study on Idiomatic Expressions Containing Words Denoting Weather in English and Vietnamese from a Cultural Perspective,” aimed at exploring the similarities and differences between English idioms (EIWW) and Vietnamese idioms (VIWW) related to weather Despite English being a vital second language in Vietnam, learners face challenges due to cultural differences and varying thought processes The findings of this study aim to assist Vietnamese learners in effectively using EIWW and VIWW, enhancing their communication to be more natural, engaging, and imaginative.
Aims of the study
The thesis is conducted in attempt to:
- Explore the English and Vietnamese idioms containing words denoting weather, with the main focus on the cultural point of view
- Point out the similarities and differences between these two languages in this particular aspect
- Motivate students to obtain the insight of Vietnamese and English idioms containing words denoting weather
Objectives
The objectives of the study are:
- Investigate Vietnamese and English idioms consisting weather words
- Clarify the cultural intension inside the idioms
- Suggest some ideas for teaching idioms
The study will try to answer the questions bellows:
- What are similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms containing words denoting weather from the cultural perspective?
- What cultural aspects influence the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms containing words denoting weather?
Scope of the study
This research examines English and Vietnamese idioms related to weather through a cultural lens, with a comprehensive list provided in the appendix Due to time constraints, the study does not encompass all existing idioms.
Methods of the study
This study employs both qualitative and quantitative research methods, meticulously gathering materials from a variety of sources in English and Vietnamese, including books, websites, newspapers, and everyday observations The collected data is then analyzed and synthesized to identify the similarities and differences in idioms related to weather in both languages.
Design of the study
The thesis is divided into three main parts:
- The first part is the Introduction, which includes rationale, aim, scope, methods and design of the study
Part 2 of the article focuses on Development and is divided into three chapters The first chapter, titled "Theoretical Background," reviews literature on language, culture, and idioms The second chapter examines "English and Vietnamese Idioms Containing Words Denoting Weather," analyzing the syntactic and semantic features of these idioms in both languages Finally, the last chapter, "Findings and Discussion," presents an analysis of the similarities and differences between English idioms related to weather and their Vietnamese counterparts.
VIWW from the cultural view
- Part 3 is the Conclusion and Implications for teaching and learning as well as some suggestions for further study
The thesis is concluded by the appendix and references.
DEVELOPMENT
Culture and some characteristics of culture
The concept of "culture" is widely recognized, yet defining it remains complex and challenging Numerous linguists have dedicated significant effort to articulating its definitions This paper aims to present various perspectives on culture to offer readers a clearer understanding.
Hofstede (1980) describes culture as the collective programming of the mind that differentiates one group from another, evolving continuously as each generation contributes its unique elements Often, individuals take their own culture for granted, viewing it as the only or primary perspective, which can lead to the assumption that it is inherently correct.
Samovar & Porter (2003) gives a typical definition on culture as follows:
Cultural heritage encompasses the collective knowledge, experiences, beliefs, values, attitudes, and meanings that a group of people accumulates over generations It includes religious practices, perceptions of time and space, social roles, and concepts of the universe, as well as material possessions and objects This rich tapestry of cultural elements is shaped by both individual and communal efforts, reflecting the unique identity and history of the group.
Edward Tylor, a renowned British anthropologist, defines culture in his 1871 book "Primitive Culture" as a comprehensive system encompassing knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, and all other skills and habits that individuals acquire as members of society.
In the book “Language and Culture: Global flows and local complexity”, Risager
(2005) considers culture from three dimensions of concept including hierarchical, differential and generic concept As regards to hierarchical concept, culture means
“something that the individual human being or individual society either „has‟ or
Culture serves as a distinguishing factor between societies, highlighting the unique characteristics that set one community apart from another It encompasses the elements that differentiate humanity from nature and other living beings, emphasizing the essential traits that define human existence.
Also, Kramsch (1998) examines culture by comparing it to nature and showing its development through social activities
Culture can be understood in contrast to nature; while nature encompasses what is born and develops organically, culture involves the processes of growth and cultivation.
According to Goodenough (1957), culture is defined as the thing that people in each particular community must know and possess to run their activities
A society's culture encompasses the knowledge and beliefs necessary for individuals to function acceptably within their community, fulfilling various roles that members recognize and accept.
Subjective elements of culture may be the elements such as “values, attitudes, beliefs, orientations, and underlying assumptions prevalent among people in a society” (Harrison and Huntington, 2000:xv)
Triandis (1994) defines culture as a collection of human-created objective and subjective elements that historically enhance survival and satisfaction within an ecological niche This cultural framework is shared among individuals who can communicate through a common language and coexist in the same time and place.
In short, culture is defined in various ways as Harrison and Huntington (2000) note,
Culture encompasses a variety of meanings across different disciplines and contexts, influencing nearly every aspect of societal behavior through shared ideas, values, attitudes, and expected norms It is important to note that culture is not genetically inherited; rather, it exists as a collective experience among members of a society.
Culture is a multifaceted concept that lacks a universally accepted definition Despite the numerous interpretations, understanding the characteristics of culture is essential as they reveal its relationship with various elements, including language According to Huntington (1996), the core of culture encompasses language, religion, values, traditions, and customs.
Porter, Samovar and McDaniel (2007:21-30) point out six features of culture as follows:
Culture is acquired throughout a person's life, starting from birth, and is learned rather than innate This learning occurs through both informal means, such as interaction, observation, and imitation, and formal education provided by institutions like schools and churches Since culture shapes individuals from the moment they are born, many of its messages go unnoticed Consequently, studying culture is a vital aspect of personal development throughout one's life.
Culture is inherently shared among its members, transmitted through various forms such as proverbs, stories, and art It relies on multiple carriers, including family, peers, churches, schools, and media The essential components of culture—values, ideas, and perceptions—must be collectively embraced by the community to maintain coherence and continuity.
Culture is passed down through generations, ensuring its survival by sharing essential messages and elements This transmission allows the past to influence the present and shapes the future, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage for subsequent generations.
Culture is fundamentally rooted in symbols, which can manifest in various forms such as gestures, clothing, objects, flags, and religious icons However, the most significant symbolic element of culture is language, as it utilizes words to represent both objects and ideas.
Culture is inherently dynamic and evolves over time, influenced by various external factors Everyday aspects of life, such as clothing, food, transportation, and entertainment, adapt to align with existing cultural values However, core values related to ethics, morality, work-life balance, freedom, historical significance, religious practices, and attitudes toward gender and age are deeply ingrained in a culture, ensuring their persistence across generations.
Relationship between language and culture
Language serves as a vital component of the cultural system, acting as a key medium for transmitting cultural values and practices This section explores fundamental aspects of the intricate relationship between language and culture.
Language serves as the fundamental tool for human communication, a concept that may appear self-evident According to Bonvillain (as cited in Porter, Samovar, and McDaniel, 2007:164), language can be defined in various ways, highlighting its crucial role in facilitating interactions among individuals.
Language serves as the essential medium for human interaction, allowing individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, intentions, and desires This dynamic and reflexive process connects speakers and listeners, enabling us to understand others through their words and expressions Additionally, we gain insights into our own identities based on the reactions of others to our communication, while our relationships are shaped by the reciprocal nature of these interactions.
Language and culture are intricately linked, reflecting the personality of both individuals and societies According to Porter, Samovar, and McDaniel (2007), language use and style serve as mirrors of cultural identity Saville-Stroike (2003) further emphasizes this connection, asserting that the structure and content of a language are closely correlated with the beliefs, values, and needs of its speakers.
Kramsch (1998) emphasizes the intricate relationship between language and culture within communication contexts He identifies three key issues that highlight how language interacts with cultural elements, illustrating the complexity of this connection.
Language serves as a powerful tool for conveying facts, ideas, and events, allowing for effective communication Additionally, the attitudes, feelings, opinions, and trust of writers and speakers are intricately reflected through their choice of words Ultimately, language not only communicates but also embodies cultural realities.
Language serves not only as a tool for expression but also for creating experiences People interact through various means, including face-to-face conversations, letters, emails, newspapers, and visual aids like graphs and charts, enriching communication through spoken, written, and visual media The meanings generated from these interactions are comprehensible to members of a community or social group Ultimately, language, in all its verbal and non-verbal forms, reflects and embodies cultural reality.
Language serves as a system of signs that embodies cultural significance Speakers use language to express their social identity, and any restriction on its use is often seen as a denial of their cultural group Consequently, language acts as a powerful symbol of cultural reality.
Language serves as the primary means through which we navigate our social interactions, intricately intertwined with culture in various complex ways (Kramsch, 2000) The significance of language in conveying cultural identity is further highlighted by Li (2005), who asserts that culture cannot exist without language.
According to Porter, Samovar and McDaniel (2007), the relationship between culture and language is a reciprocal one in which they emphasize the role of culture:
Culture significantly shapes language by providing the symbols and rules for their use, while also imparting the meanings associated with those symbols Additionally, culture plays a crucial role in influencing how individuals think and perceive reality.
Porter et al (2007) emphasize that symbols and responses are best understood within the same cultural context, as shared experiences within a culture facilitate communication In contrast, cross-cultural communication can be challenging due to differing experiences Culture, encompassing human lifestyles, values, and perceptions, significantly influences language development Language and culture are interdependent; culture embodies the essence of language, while language reflects individual personality and historical context This interplay allows for the growth and transmission of culture, ensuring societal continuity and the effective functioning of social groups As Brown (1994) noted, "language is a part of a culture and a culture is a part of a language," highlighting their intricate connection.
165) Hence, with the inextricable relationship, we must know the one to understand the other.
Idioms
Idioms are a vibrant and intriguing element of the English language, utilized across various contexts, both formal and informal, in spoken and written forms While often associated with casual conversation, mastering idioms can significantly enhance a learner's language skills when used accurately and confidently Furthermore, idiomatic expressions frequently convey deeper meanings compared to their non-idiomatic counterparts Below are several definitions of idioms sourced from various references.
According to the “Collins COBUILD Dictionary of Idioms” (2002), an idiom is a unique phrase whose meaning often diverges from the literal interpretation of its individual words These expressions are generally metaphorical in nature, functioning as metaphors that have become established or "fossilized."
Idioms often blend literal and figurative meanings, making their interpretations varied For instance, the phrase "kill two birds with one stone" clearly illustrates achieving two objectives simultaneously, as its metaphorical imagery aligns with its meaning Conversely, some idioms, like "move heaven and earth," describe actions that are physically impossible, making their literal interpretations nonsensical Additionally, certain idiomatic expressions contain unique metaphors, complicating the understanding of their current meanings.
According to Manser (1997), idioms are fixed phrases made up of multiple words, and their meanings cannot be deduced from the individual words alone.
The term "idiom," as defined in the "Chambers Dictionary of Idioms" (1996), refers to phrases that possess meanings distinct from the literal interpretation of their individual words This complexity makes it challenging to deduce an idiom's meaning solely from its components For instance, the idiom "look like thunder" clearly conveys anger, whereas others, like "sit on the fence," which signifies indecision, can be more obscure Similarly, Hornby (1995) in the "Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary" emphasizes that idioms are phrases whose meanings are not evident from their individual words and must be learned as cohesive units.
Idioms are defined as fixed phrases whose meanings cannot be inferred from the individual words While often linked to informal conversation, idioms are also prevalent in journalism and magazines, enhancing articles and stories to make them more vivid, engaging, and effective in conveying opinions.
Learners often find it challenging to identify genuine idioms due to their diverse forms To aid in this understanding, it's essential to highlight the different types of idioms According to the Chambers Dictionary of Idioms (1996), there are five primary categories of idioms that can help clarify their usage.
- Metaphorical expressions, e.g “Make someone‟s blood boil” means “to make someone extremely angry”
- Sayings, e.g “That‟s the way the cookie crumbles” – that‟s how things are and one must accept them (used when something unfortunate, unpleasant)
- Some phrasal verbs which have a fixed element, e.g “Live it up” – to enjoy oneself, especially in a lively and expensive manner
Proverbs, such as "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," emphasize the importance of valuing what you currently possess rather than jeopardizing it for uncertain gains This saying serves as a reminder to appreciate existing advantages and avoid unnecessary risks in pursuit of potentially better opportunities.
- Some foreign or Latin phrases which are commonly used in English, e.g “Fait accompli” means something that has already happened or been done and cannot be changed
Longman (1979) also indicates some types of idioms:
- Traditional idioms: traditional idioms are firstly related to full sentences in which only subjects need to be added to make full sentences For example, the idiom
The phrase "spill the beans" means to reveal a secret, as illustrated in the sentence "He spilled the beans." Similarly, the idiom "it never rains but it pours" conveys that troubles tend to come all at once rather than individually Additionally, idioms can function as specific parts of speech; for instance, an idiomatic noun phrase acts like a noun in a sentence An example of this is "He is the salt of the earth," which describes a person with exceptional qualities and character.
Idioms often use actions to represent emotions or feelings, highlighting cultural distinctions across regions It's essential to understand that these actions are not meant to be taken literally; their meanings vary significantly within different cultures For example, the phrase "I wash my hands of it" signifies a refusal to accept responsibility rather than a literal act of washing hands This illustrates how idiomatic expressions can differ in interpretation among communities.
Many idioms are formed with pairs of words connected by "and" or "or," serving distinct grammatical roles For instance, the noun phrase "cats and dogs" in the expression "It is raining cats and dogs" acts as an adverb, conveying the meaning of heavy rainfall.
Idiomatic expressions often include the pronoun "it" as an essential component, where "it" does not refer to the preceding word as typically expected For instance, the idiom "It stands to reason (that)" conveys the idea that something is quite clear or obvious.
- Allusions: certain common phrases and a few single words have special significance in English society E.g “Whitehall” means the government or the civil service
Sayings are often complete sentences that convey wisdom, such as “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” This expression emphasizes the importance of valuing what you already possess rather than risking it in pursuit of something uncertain.
In everyday conversations, there are typical phrases that often carry meanings beyond their literal interpretations, making them challenging to grasp for some Expressions like "so to speak," "now you’re talking," and "how do you do" are examples of such fixed conversational phrases Understanding these idiomatic expressions is essential for effective communication and can enhance one's conversational skills.
- Similes: a large number of idioms, which compare a quality, condition, action, etc with a noun; e.g as easy as a pie (very easy), as free as air (very free, with no limits)
1.2.3 Main features of idioms in English and Vietnamese
To gain a comprehensive understanding of idioms, it is essential to explore their key characteristics This study focuses on examining the relationship between EIWW and VIWW, with particular attention given to their semantic and structural features.
Weather definition
This thesis will also consider the definition of weather in order to provide a more comprehensive view on the given subject
Throughout history, weather has wielded significant influence over living beings, affecting our moods, activities, and even fashion choices Its impact extends beyond the personal, shaping cultural identity, perceptions of time, and economic development This powerful force is so deeply embedded in our daily lives that many overlook its profound role in shaping culture According to "The Hutchinson Paperback Encyclopedia," weather is defined as:
Weather refers to the daily fluctuations in climate and atmospheric conditions at a specific location, encompassing factors such as humidity, precipitation, temperature, cloud cover, visibility, and wind For meteorologists, "weather" specifically pertains to the current state of the sky, along with precipitation and visibility impacted by fog and mist.
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (1995), weather refers to the atmospheric conditions at a specific location and time, encompassing factors such as temperature, wind, rain, and sunshine.
Weather plays a crucial role in daily conversations and is often reflected in idioms that convey deeper meanings beyond mere meteorological conditions These weather-related idioms utilize terms like wind, rain, sun, cold, and hot to express emotions and ideas figuratively To fully grasp the significance of these expressions, an analysis from both syntactic and semantic perspectives is essential Additionally, this study will explore the cultural dimensions, highlighting the similarities and differences between English idioms related to weather (EIWW) and Vietnamese idioms related to weather (VIWW).
Language and culture are intricately connected, with each influencing the other Idioms, as a vital component of language, inherently reflect the cultural nuances of the speakers This chapter has explored the literature on language, culture, and the various types of idioms, aiming to establish a theoretical foundation for the subsequent chapters.
CHAPTER TWO: ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE IDIOMS CONTAINING
This chapter will examine the syntactic and semantic characteristics of EIWW and VIWW to clarify the differences between these two concepts.
2.1 Syntactic features of EIWW and VIWW
In "A Grammar of Contemporary English," Quirk (1973) introduces the concept of "New traditional grammar," which facilitates the analysis of language structures into various phrases such as noun phrases (NP), verb phrases (VP), prepositional phrases (PP), and adjective phrases (AdjP) This study will employ this analytical framework to examine English and Vietnamese idioms related to weather The research categorizes these idioms into two primary types: those with phrase structures and those with sentence structures However, since the focus of this thesis is on the cultural aspects of English idioms about weather (EIWW) and Vietnamese idioms about weather (VIWW), a detailed structural analysis will not be the primary emphasis.
In this section, IWW will be analyzed in terms of phrases Only some typical representatives of phrases are listed, the remaining ones are supplied in Appendix
2.1.1.1 IWW with noun phrase structure
1 A breath of fresh air Bão táp mƣa sa
2 A face like thunder Bụng đói cật rét
3 A fair-weather friend Chân mây cuối trời
4 A place in the sun Đầu sóng ngọn gió
5 Any port in a storm Gió dập sóng vùi
6 Billy Wind Hai sương một nắng/một nắng hai sương
7 Blood and thunder Hồn vía lên mây
8 Bolt from the blue Lời nói gió bay
9 Brass-monkey weather Màn sương chiếu đất
10 Cloud on the horizon Mƣa bom bão đạn
11 Eye of the hurricane Sóng to gió lớn (cả)
12 Seven sheets to the wind Tai bay vạ gió
2.1.1.2 IWW with verb phrase structure
1 Blow hot and cold Ăn đói mặc rét
2 Bring a storm about one‟s/someone‟s ears ăn gió nằm mƣa
3 Cast a cloud over Ăn sóng nói gió
4 Chase (after) rainbows Bắn nhƣ mƣa
5 Chill/freeze someone‟s blood Bắt gió chu ̣p bóng
6 Come rain or (come) shine/rain or shine Chọc trời khuấy (quấy) nước
7 Dance up a storm Chửi bóng chửi gió
8 Feel the draught/wind Có trăng quên/phụ đèn
9 Find which way the wind blew Dãi gió dầm mƣa
10 Get one‟s second wind Đã mƣa thì mƣa cho khắp
11 Give the cold shoulder Đi mây về gió
12 Go down a storm Góp gió thành bão
2.1.1.3 IWW with adjective phrase structure
1 As black as thunder Cùng trời cuối đất
2 As cold as charity Dạn gió dày sương
3 As cool as a cucumber Khô nhƣ ngói
4 As dry as a dust Mạnh nhƣ vũ bão
5 As free as air Nắng nhƣ đổ lƣ̉a
6 As quick as lightning Nhanh nhƣ chớp
7 As right as rain Nhƣ (nắng) hạn gặp mƣa rào
8 Bright and breezy Nhƣ buồm/diều gặp gió
9 Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey
Như cá gă ̣p nước như rồn g gă ̣p mây
10 Free as the wind Như ngo ̣n đèn trước gió
11 Full of hot air (a) Nhƣ rồng gặp mây
12 High and dry Nhƣ sét đánh
2.1.1.4 IWW with prepositional phrase structure
1 Before the flood VIWW have no contribution to prepositional phrase structure
6 In the teeth of the wind
10 With one‟s nose in the air
Besides phrase structures, EIWW and VIWW have some in sentence structure which may be simple or complex sentences
1 A red sky at night is the shepherd‟s delight
Cây muốn lặng mà gió chẳng đừng
2 Every cloud has a silver lining Mƣa bão chết cò
3 God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb Mƣa lâu thấm đất
4 It‟s an ill wind that blows nobody
(any) good Rồng gă ̣p mây
5 It never rains but it pours Rồng mây gă ̣p hô ̣i
Here is the statistical summary of syntactic features of EIWW and VIWW after analyzing 160 English and 154 Vietnamese given idioms:
The investigation reveals that both English Idiomatic Water Words (EIWW) and Vietnamese Idiomatic Water Words (VIWW) exhibit similar patterns in noun phrases, verb phrases, adjective phrases, and sentence structures, with noun and verb phrases being the most prevalent Notably, prepositional phrases are absent in Vietnamese, while they constitute 15% of English idioms Although most idioms are fixed expressions, some allow for variations in word choice or order without altering their meaning, such as “Chill someone to the bone” versus “Chill someone to the marrow” and “Dầm mƣa giãi gió” versus “nắng.” These alterations are often made by users for convenience and auditory appeal.
Both EIWW and VIWW prominently feature comparison constructions, utilizing phrases such as "as as" or "like" in English, and "nhƣ" in Vietnamese This highlights a connection between weather phenomena and various aspects of human life, transcending regional and cultural differences.
In comparing phrasal forms, English idiomatic verb phrases (EIWW) outnumber their Vietnamese counterparts, while Vietnamese idiomatic noun phrases (VIWW) are more prevalent in usage Notably, Vietnamese idioms exhibit distinct characteristics, particularly in their use of prepositional phrases and parallelism, where repetition of words within the same grammatical category is common For instance, the idiom "Ăn sấm nói gió" showcases the repetition of verbs "ăn" and "nói," while "sấm" and "gió" are both nouns Similarly, in "Nắng trƣa mƣa tối," "nắng" parallels "mƣa" as weather phenomena, and "trƣa" parallels "tối" as time indicators The diversity of symmetric structures in VIWW includes various combinations such as V + N/V + N (e.g., "Gội gió tắm mưa"), N + N/N + N (e.g., "Màn sương chiếu đất"), and V + Adj/V + Adj (e.g., "Ăn đói mặc rét").
Vietnamese idiomatic expressions often utilize word separation to enhance euphony and achieve a four-word structure For example, in the idiom “Nắng giữ mưa gìn,” the phrase “giữ gìn” is divided and combined with two nouns to form a cohesive expression Similarly, “Nói bóng nói gió” separates “bóng” and “gió,” while repeating the word “nói.” This use of parallelism, repetition, and word separation makes Vietnamese idioms memorable and rhythmic.
Semantic features of EIWW and VIWW
According to the theory of semantic fields, which encompasses words related to a specific area of meaning (Jackson and Amvela, 2000:92), Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace (EIWW) and Verbal Intelligence in the Workplace (VIWW) can be categorized into distinct themes.
Obviously, the first purpose of using idioms containing weather words is to express weather condition that is considered as one of the closest issues in daily life
E.g It is raining cats and dogs outside
- A red sky at night is the shepherd‟s delight
- A red sky in the morning is the shepherd‟s warning
- Nắng lƣ̉a mƣa dầu
- Nắng nhƣ đổ lƣ̉a
- Nắng nhƣ thiêu nhƣ đốt
In this term, we will consider some idioms denote people mental conditions
- Go up in the air
E.g They’re going on holiday on
Wednesday so they’re all over the moon
- Nhƣ nắng ha ̣n mong mƣa
- Ruô ̣t nóng nhƣ lƣ̉a đốt /ruô ̣t nóng nhƣ cào
- Ủ rũ nhƣ gà phải trời mƣa
- Seven sheets to the wind
- Sound in wind and limb
- A cloud hangs over sb/st
- The calm/lull before the storm
- You could cut atmosphere with a knife
- Cùng trời cuối đất
- Đau đẻ còn chờ trăng sáng
- Nhƣ mă ̣t trăng mă ̣t trời
- Nhƣ nắng ha ̣n gă ̣p mƣa rào
- Như ngo ̣n đèn trước gió
- Find which way the wind blew
- Have your head in the clouds
- In the heat of the moment
- Know which way the wind blows
- Make hay while the sun shines
- Bán trời không văn tự
- Gió chiều nào che chiều ấy
- Not have enough sense/imagination/intelligence to come in from (or out of) the rain
- Sail close to the wind
- Sunshine one minute, rain the next
- Throw caution to the winds
- Trời đánh không chết
- Trời không dung đất không tha
- It never rains but it pours
- Sunshine one minute, rain the next
- Bán mặt cho đất bán lƣng cho trời
- Bụng đói cật rét
- Hai sương mô ̣t nắng
- Nắng dãi mƣa dầu
- Like greased (a steak of) lightning
- Ăn nhƣ gấu ăn (mặt) trăng
- Ăn vụng nhƣ chớp
- Like the wind - Lên nhƣ diều gặp/đƣợc gió
- In the teeth of the wind
No idioms express human character - Ghen bóng ghen gió
- Sớm nắng chiều mƣa
No idioms express danger and challenges
- Gió quét/táp mƣa sa
No idioms express opportunities and advantages
- Gió thổi là chổi trời
- Như cá gă ̣p nước như rồng gă ̣p mây
- Nhƣ nắng ha ̣n gă ̣p mƣa rào
- Bring a storm about one‟s/someone‟s ears
- Find/see how/which way the wind is blowing
- Save (st) for rainy day
-Take a shine off/out of
- Ăn vụng nhƣ chớp
- Chƣ̉i bóng chƣ̉i gió
- Khóc nhƣ mƣa (nhƣ gió):
- Van/lạy nhƣ tế sao: lạy lia lịa để cầu xin
- Xem/trông gió bỏ buồm
No idioms express state of life - Ăn đất nằm sương
- Bán mặt cho đất bán lƣng cho trời
- Hai sương mô ̣t nắng/mô ̣t nắng hai sương
No idioms express virginity and immortality
- Nắng giƣ̃ mƣa gìn
- Trời đánh không chết
- Trời không dung đất không tha
The syntactic analysis reveals that English and Vietnamese weather idioms share similar noun, verb, and adjective phrases, as well as sentence structures However, English idioms are more abundant in prepositional phrases A study identified 14 semantic fields in both languages, with 8 overlapping areas, including weather conditions, psychological states, physical states, behavior, circumstances, human actions, speed, and misfortunes Additionally, 5 unique semantic fields were found exclusively in the Vietnamese corpus, such as human character, opportunities, dangers, life states, and moral aspects Notably, there are no findings related to directional idioms in the Vietnamese corpus The following chapter will focus on the cultural influences on the use of idioms in both languages, exploring the intriguing similarities and differences from a cultural perspective.
CHAPTER THREE: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Language serves as the primary means of conducting our social lives and is intricately linked to culture in various ways (Kramsch, 1998:3) As discussed in Chapter 1, idioms are fixed expressions that have been used over time, reflecting human experiences, behaviors, and perceptions of life's phenomena Consequently, idioms embody the cultural characteristics of specific regions, highlighting their significance within language.
This chapter will explore the cultural similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese people, focusing on the concepts of EIWW and VIWW To provide a comprehensive comparison, it is essential to examine notable characteristics of both cultures, as well as their respective weather conditions.
3.1 Some characteristics of Vietnamese/English people, culture and weather conditions
3.1.1 Characteristics of Vietnamese people, culture and weather conditions
Vietnam's climate is dominated by strong monsoon influences, featuring abundant sunshine, high rainfall, and humidity, which foster rich vegetation but also lead to challenges like severe floods and droughts Rooted in Southeast Asian culture, the Vietnamese river-imprinted culture significantly shapes both the spiritual and material lives of its people, interacting closely with other Asian cultures, especially Chinese Predominantly agricultural, Vietnamese culture is characterized by key products such as rice, vegetables, and fish, fostering unity and a collective spirit among its people Influenced by the philosophy of Yin and Yang, Vietnamese society emphasizes harmony in relationships with others and nature, prioritizing feelings over reason, spirit over materialism, and peace over violence Moreover, Vietnamese people, as part of the Oriental Thought Group, often approach problems indirectly, as noted by Kaplan (1966).
For the Vietnamese, the concepts of motherland and family hold immense significance, leading many to prioritize stability within their homeland The strong bonds among family members set Vietnamese culture apart from others, emphasizing personalism over the individualism commonly found in Western societies This cultural distinction is beautifully encapsulated in traditional phrases like “Lá lành đùm lá rách” and “Sáng lƣ̉a tối đèn có nhau,” which reflect the importance of unity and support within families.
Vietnamese culture is an integral component of Southeast Asia, characterized by its wet-rice civilization The Vietnamese people are known for their hard work, bravery, and fidelity in both their lives and interactions.
3.1.2 Characteristics of the British people, culture and weather conditions
According to Trần Quốc Vươ ̣ng (1998) and Trần Ngo ̣c Thêm (1999), the cold, dry climate and vast steppes of Western countries foster a dynamic nomadic culture In the UK, the climate is significantly shaped by the Atlantic Ocean and its latitude, with Northern Ireland, Wales, and the western regions of England and Scotland experiencing the mildest, wettest, and windiest conditions The temperature in these areas remains relatively stable, influenced by maritime tropical air from the southwest Consequently, the English climate is known for its variability and absence of extremes, leading to the popular saying that the UK "does not have a climate; it only has weather," highlighting the unpredictability of dry days (James O'Driscoll, 1995).
English culture is often seen as a representative of the entire culture of Great Britain Similar to many Europeans, the English are characterized by their reserved nature, maintaining a certain distance from strangers and frequently using the weather as a conversation starter A typical Englishman is expected to embody modesty and humor, and he appreciates these traits in others, particularly when engaging in eloquent communication.
In England, sportsmanship and directness are greatly esteemed, reflecting a cultural preference for honesty and fairness Kaplan's 1966 graphic illustrates this mindset as a straight line, symbolizing the value placed on individualism while emphasizing the importance of not exploiting others' misfortunes The concepts of "fair play," "playing the game," and "playing fair" are central to English values, highlighting a commitment to integrity in both sports and everyday interactions.
Generally, the English culture is the most proper representative of the British They bring both common cultural features of Western countries and specific ones.
Comparison of syntactic features between EIWW and VIWW from the cultural
Both EIWW and VIWW share a key characteristic: they predominantly feature fixed phrase structures that make it challenging to reorder, add, or omit words Despite this rigidity, many idioms possess variants that allow for some alterations while still preserving their original meaning.
The expressions "chill/freeze someone to the bone/marrow" in English and "dầm mƣa giãi nắng/gió" in Vietnamese illustrate the flexible use of weather-related vocabulary such as "chill," "freeze," "nắng," and "gió." These phrases can be adapted by substituting existing words with synonyms or similar terms, showcasing the practical and versatile nature of idiomatic expressions in both languages.
Both English and Vietnamese idioms frequently employ comparisons using structures like "as as" and "like " in English, and "như " in Vietnamese These comparisons often link human emotions to weather phenomena For example, "As black as thunder" or "A face like thunder" conveys anger, while "Như vịt nghe sấm" illustrates confusion This connection arises because weather is an integral part of daily life, creating a strong relationship between weather elements and various aspects of human experience across cultures.
Although few in number, there still exit VIWW which are equivalent to EIWW both in meaning and structure as follows:
As quick as lightning Nhanh nhƣ chớp
Like the wind Nhanh nhƣ gió
White as driven snow Trắng nhƣ tuyết
Both English and Vietnamese idioms reflect the distinct characteristics of weather phenomena, drawing parallels to human traits such as speed and appearance, exemplified by lightning and wind or the color of snow However, the limited number of equivalent idioms highlights the cultural differences between nomadic and agricultural societies.
Nonetheless, there are great syntactic differences between English and Vietnamese idioms due to respective geographic environment, national experience, cultural inherence and formation of thinking
The nomadic lifestyle of the English significantly influences their active approach to life, which is prominently reflected in their use of verb phrases In English idioms, verb phrases account for 44% (70 out of 160), compared to 37% (57 out of 154) in Vietnamese This higher usage underscores the English values of self-action, decisiveness, and individualism, contrasting with the Vietnamese emphasis on dependence and community.
One notable syntactic difference between English and Vietnamese idioms that involve weather-related terms is the use of rhyme in Vietnamese Vietnamese idioms often feature interior rhymes, as seen in phrases like “Gió thổi là chổi trời,” “Nắng lửa mưa dầu,” “Sóng to gió lớn,” and “Trông gió bỏ buồm.” Additionally, parallelism is prevalent, exemplified by the idiom “Ăn sấm nói gió,” where both “ăn” and “nói” function as verbs within the same grammatical category, enhancing the rhythmic quality of the expression.
Vietnamese idioms often feature unique linguistic structures, such as noun combinations and symmetric patterns, exemplified by phrases like "Màn sương chiếu đất" (N + N/N + N) These characteristics reflect Vietnam's rich traditional culture, setting its idioms apart from English ones The poetic and musical qualities of Vietnamese idioms enhance their memorability and usability in everyday conversations Additionally, the incorporation of rhymes serves as a source of optimism for farmers, helping them cope with the challenges of production and life.
3.3 Comparison of semantic features between EIWW and VIWW from the cultural perspectives
English and Vietnamese weather idioms encompass eight semantic fields: weather conditions, psychological states, physical states, behavior, circumstances, human actions, speed, and misfortunes While these idioms primarily describe weather conditions—like "Rain cats and dogs" and "Mưa tầm tã"—they also convey rich figurative meanings Both cultures reflect on their daily experiences with weather, encapsulating these observations in idiomatic expressions These idioms effectively reveal both objective factors, such as circumstances, and subjective factors, such as behaviors.
Both the English and Vietnamese cultures recognize the mysterious and uncontrollable nature of weather, which can significantly impact human life, offering both benefits and drawbacks Analyzing idiomatic expressions related to weather reveals a common understanding of its adverse effects For instance, idioms like "Brass-monkey weather" and "Nóng như thiêu như đốt" describe extreme cold and heat, respectively, while phrases such as "A storm in a teacup" and "Mượn gió bẻ măng" highlight unnecessary conflicts and unreasonable gains Additionally, expressions like "Feel the wind/draught" and "Bão táp mưa sa" reflect experiences of hardship and persistent problems Clearly, both cultures share a consensus on the serious implications of weather conditions, which is mirrored in their idiomatic language.
Although there are some similarities as mentioned above, the cultural differences between English and Vietnamese cause the dissimilarities in the meanings of IWW
The distinct cultural communities of Vietnam and the Frigid Zone are highlighted through their language, particularly in relation to food and weather Vietnamese verb phrases frequently incorporate the word “ăn,” reflecting the community's deep connection to food, as seen in expressions like “Ăn đói mặc rét” and “Có thực mới vực được đạo.” This emphasis on food stems from historical experiences, such as the devastating famine of 1945, which ingrained the importance of eating for survival and motivation into Vietnamese culture In contrast, the Frigid Zone's language showcases its climate with terms like “snow,” “frost,” and “freeze,” which are rarely found in Vietnamese vocabulary Additionally, Vietnamese expressions often highlight tropical characteristics, evidenced by phrases that reference local flora, such as “Mươn gió bẻ măng.”
“Gió trúc mƣa mai” but English idioms do not have anything like that
Additionally, while there is a long list of English idiomatic phrases which have nautical origins such as: “Sail close to the wind”, “Three sheets to the wind”,
“Before the wind”, “Take the wind out of somebody‟s sail”, some directly reflex the agricultural life in Vietnamese idioms like “Bán mă ̣t cho đất bán lƣng cho trời” ,
The phrases "Hai sương một nắng" and "Nắng dãi mưa dầu" reflect the intricate relationship between weather and agricultural life Additionally, the vocabulary of VIWW frequently incorporates terms related to domestic and farm animals, such as chickens, birds, fish, mice, and herons, highlighting the significance of these creatures in rural livelihoods.
Vietnamese idioms often reflect the culture and daily life of the people, using vivid imagery and relatable experiences Phrases like "Ủ rũ như gà phải trời mƣa" (as gloomy as a chicken in the rain) and "Như vịt nghe sấm" (like a duck hearing thunder) capture the essence of emotions in challenging situations Similarly, expressions such as "Chim trời cá bể" (birds in the sky, fish in the sea) and "Ướt như chuột lột" (soaked like a wet rat) convey relatable circumstances The dragon, a significant symbol in Asian culture, appears in idioms like "Như rồng gặp mây" (like a dragon meeting clouds), emphasizing cultural pride Other common phrases, including "Gió thổi là chổi trời" (the wind blows where it may) and "Có trăng quên đèn" (with the moon, forget the lamp), illustrate the connection between nature and daily life, highlighting the importance of these idioms in Vietnamese culture.
The analysis reveals that there are no idioms related to direction in the Vietnamese idiom corpus (VIWW) when compared to the English idiom corpus (EIWW) Instead, VIWW features idioms that express five unique semantic fields: human character, opportunities and advantages, dangers and challenges, state of life, and themes of virginity and immorality While both English and Vietnamese idioms encompass eight shared semantic fields, including weather conditions and psychological states, their expressions of human attitudes, feelings, and actions differ significantly.
English idioms reflect a more positive outlook on life, often highlighting emotions such as happiness and contentment, as seen in expressions like “A breath of fresh air,” “Bright and breezy,” “On cloud nine,” and “Over the moon.” In contrast, Vietnamese idioms tend to convey negative sentiments, with phrases like “Gió thảm mƣa sầu” and “Ruột nóng nhƣ lửa đốt” emphasizing sadness and frustration This difference may stem from the English people's nomadic lifestyle and mild weather, which influences their idiomatic expressions and emotional perspectives.
“Ủ rũ nhƣ gà phải trời mƣa” Besides, Vietnamese idioms are used to describe extremely dangerous conditions such as “Gió dâ ̣p sóng vùi” , “Tai trời ách đất” ,
The phrase "Gió quét mưa sa" highlights the significant impact of weather on both agriculture and the daily lives of Vietnamese people who rely on farming for their livelihoods Frequent adverse weather conditions inevitably create negative associations with people's experiences, emotions, and feelings, underscoring the deep connection between climate and the agricultural community in Vietnam.