INTRODUCTION
RATIONALE
The evolution of language is closely tied to the use of beautiful words and metaphorical comparisons, such as likening the heart to a fruit or an arm to a bird's wing This concept of comparison has been intrinsic to language since its inception, serving as a means for expanding linguistic functions The desire to beautify language is a natural human inclination, and metaphors play a crucial role in this process As highlighted by Lakoff and Johnson (1980), metaphors are not only prevalent in language but also shape our thoughts and actions, indicating that our conceptual framework is fundamentally metaphorical.
"The Tale of Kieu," a renowned work by Nguyen Du, is celebrated as the pinnacle of Vietnamese literature since its release in the early 19th century This long narrative poem masterfully employs metaphor to convey the complexities of love, with its metaphorical imagery deeply rooted in Vietnamese cultural identity This rich use of metaphor not only captivates readers but also attracts scholarly interest However, the translation of these metaphorical images into English, particularly in Michael Counsell's version, reveals significant differences from the original Vietnamese text, raising questions about the preservation of meaning across languages.
Let us consider the following extract taken from Truyện Kiều by Nguyễn Du expressing the love is a journey:
Giữa đường đứt gánh tương tư Keo loan chắp mối tơ thừa mặc em (725)
And now the vows thereof Are broken while they’re almost new;
Please use the phenonix glue
In this narrative, love is depicted as a journey shared by two individuals, ideally culminating at the end of the road However, the relationship between Kim Trong and Thuy Kieu falters, leaving them stranded "giữa đường," symbolizing an unfortunate and incomplete love The phrase "đứt gánh tương tư" underscores the notion of unfinished affection, while Kieu's desire for her sister Thuy Van to marry Kim Trong reflects her selflessness and deep emotional sacrifice Ultimately, Kieu's feelings are left in a state of "tơ thừa," or severed threads, highlighting the poignant reality of their broken vows and unfulfilled love.
Bây giờ kẻ ngược người xuôi (1973)
Biết bao giờ lại nối lời nước non? (1974)
Our ways must now divide;
Who knows if we shall ever meet to keep and to repeat The vows we made by the hills and the sky?
In the verse from 1973, love is metaphorically depicted as a journey, illustrating the separation of the couple, Kim Trong and Thuy Kieu, who are now on divergent paths, described as "kẻ ngược người xuôi." This contrasting movement signifies the fragmentation of their love, encapsulated in the rhetorical question, "Biết bao giờ lại nối lời nước non?" which suggests a poignant separation and the uncertainty of their future reunion The line "Đau lòng kẻ ở người đi" further emphasizes the sorrow experienced by those left behind as the other departs.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
And oh! The broken hearts
Of her who went and those who stayed;
Of tears upon the paving – stones;
Such pain in flesh and bonnes Like silkworms emptied of their thread!
In the context of Nguyen Du's work, "Người đi" refers to Kieu, while "kẻ ở" signifies Kim Trong and her family, highlighting the poignant separation between Kieu and her loved ones This separation illustrates Kieu's profound sorrow as she bids farewell to her beloved Kim Trong, reflecting Nguyen Du's deep humanitarian spirit towards her character The theme of familial love is poignantly captured through Kieu's departure, emphasizing her uncertain journey without a promise of return.
Truyện Kiều is a celebrated masterpiece in Vietnamese poetry, inspiring poets worldwide This work has withstood the test of time, reflecting the social life, familial ties, love, and the fate of Vietnamese women over centuries Its rich language and rhetorical devices, such as metaphor and metonymy, continue to offer valuable insights The diverse metaphors of love presented in Nguyễn Du's original Truyện Kiều and Michael Counsell's interpretations motivated my exploration into the topic, "An Investigation into Metaphorical Expressions."
EXPERSSION OF “LOVE IS A JOURNEY” IN TRUYEN KIEU BY NGUYEN
This research explores the translation and interpretation of Nguyen Du's "Truyen Kieu" by Michael Counsell, aiming to enhance readers' understanding of the work By examining metaphors and their equivalents in both the Vietnamese and English versions, this study provides valuable insights for students and enthusiasts of the classic text.
This study explores the role of metaphor, focusing on the conceptual metaphor of love as a journey in The Tale of Kieu It examines the metaphorical expressions in the original text and their English translations, highlighting the linguistic similarities and differences between the two languages.
In order to reach the aims, there are three objectives to guide the study:
- Identifying the metaphorical expressions of the conceptual metaphor “love is a journey” in The Tale of Kieu
- Finding out the procedures in the translation of linguistic expressions of the conceptual metaphor “Love is a journey” from the original to versional ones by Michael Counsell
Translating complex poetic works like "Truyen Kieu" requires a nuanced understanding of metaphorical expressions to convey their true essence By exploring the implications of these intricate texts, educators can enhance teaching methodologies and enrich the learning experience for students of English This approach not only fosters a deeper appreciation for the original work but also equips learners with valuable skills in interpreting and translating sophisticated literature.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This research focuses on identifying metaphorical expressions of “Love is a journey” in both original version Truyen Kieu by Nguyen Du and translated English version by Micheal Counsell
The research also analyses the procedure of translation about love from original version Truyen Kieu by Nguyen Du and translated English version by Micheal Counsell.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
In order to achieve the aims and objectives of the study, the research questions below will be addressed
1 What are the metaphorical expressions of “Love is a journey” in Truyen Kieu by Nguyen Du?
2 How are the metaphorical expressions of “Love is a journey” in Truyen Kieu by Nguyen Du translated into English by Michael Counsell?
DEFINITION OF TERMS
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes one thing in terms of another, highlighting their similarities It serves as a symbolic representation, allowing an object, activity, or idea to embody deeper meanings and connections By using metaphors, we can convey complex concepts in a more relatable and vivid manner, enriching our language and communication.
- Metaphorical expressions of “Love is a journey” Love is metaphorically expressed as a journey, thus “Love is a journey” is a metaphorical concept and the representations of the metaphor are metaphorical expressions
The findings of this research can bring some benefits as mentioned below:
- Providing useful information for learners in using metaphoric language creatively
The exploration of the metaphor "LOVE IS A JOURNEY" in Nguyen Du's "The Tale of Kieu" and its translation highlights the universal and culturally specific nature of metaphors in conveying the concept of love This investigation reveals how metaphors serve as powerful tools for understanding and expressing complex emotions across different cultures.
- The study could be used as a reliable reference for those who are interested in conceptual metaphors about love for further studies concerning conceptual metaphors
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Metaphor has been a significant topic of research among philologists and writers in Vietnam and globally Notably, Aristotle first defined the concept of metaphor in 1982, describing it as "to carry elsewhere" or "to transfer." This foundational understanding has led classical theorists to view metaphor as a form of innovative poetic language, where words are employed beyond their conventional meanings.
Aristotle's exploration of metaphor, encompassing both lexical and rhetorical types, defines it as an implicit comparison grounded in analogy He emphasizes that the primary role of metaphor is stylistic and ornamental, as discussed in his works, The Poetics and The Rhetoric Aristotle argues that metaphor is essential for enhancing arguments in philosophy and persuading audiences in political discourse, while also serving a descriptive purpose in poetry He distinguishes between rhetoric, aimed at persuasion, and poetry, which is not intended to convince Ultimately, Aristotle presents metaphor as having a unique structure that fulfills both rhetorical and poetic functions, defining it as the application of one name to another.
In taxonomy, we can assign the name of a genus to one of its species, use a species name for its genus, apply the name of one species to another within the same genus, or base the transfer on a proportion (Aristotle, 1982, p 67–68).
Centuries after Aristotle, the concept of metaphor was further explored by ancient rhetoricians and later by medieval theologians While they generally adhered to Aristotle's interpretation of metaphor, they did not place significant emphasis on its importance.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines "metaphor" as a figure of speech where a name or descriptive term is applied to an object that is different yet analogous to the original context Mark Johnson, in "Philosophical Perspectives on Metaphor," highlights a shift in perception, stating, "We are in the midst of metaphormania," contrasting today's widespread use of metaphors with the past, when they were primarily the domain of poets and largely ignored by philosophers Johnson challenges the traditional view of metaphor, which typically focuses on identifying similarities in aspects such as shape, function, and behavior Max Black further contributes to this discourse, questioning conventional interpretations of metaphor.
In 1979, Black expanded on Richard's ideas by asserting that metaphors cannot be reduced to their literal meanings He emphasized that metaphors serve as projections from one concept to another, enabling us to understand one idea through the lens of another This perspective has led to a revolutionary shift in metaphor theory.
The exploration of conceptual metaphors, notably articulated by Lakoff and Johnson in their influential 1980 work "Metaphors We Live By," reveals that our conceptual system is fundamentally metaphorical, shaping our thoughts and actions This foundational theory has significantly impacted the study of metaphorical language Goatly (1997) also addresses the metaphoric functions within language in his book "The Language of Metaphors." Furthermore, Gibbs (1992, 1994) expanded on Lakoff's ideas, examining how novel metaphors are produced and understood alongside idiomatic expressions Additionally, Zoltán Kovecses (1986) offers a comprehensive analysis of metaphors, particularly focusing on the metaphor of anger, enriching our understanding of conceptual metaphors.
Vietnamese linguists, like Ly Toan Thang (2005), emphasize that language knowledge encompasses both meaning and form, fundamentally representing conceptual structures He argues that syntax, morphology, and phonology also serve as expressions of these concepts, as the sounds produced must be generated and comprehended through cognitive processes These processes are integral to speaking, listening, reading, and writing, highlighting the brain's role in language comprehension and expression.
Tran Van Co (2007) emphasized that concept is "the container" of human understanding about the world formed in consciousness, in the process of perception
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND Error!
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Metaphor has been a prominent element in literature and poetry from ancient times to the present day Originating from the 16th-century French word "métaphore," which itself comes from the ancient Greek term "metaphora," meaning transfer, metaphor involves translating meaning from one concept to another based on shared characteristics Essentially, it elegantly compares one thing to another, highlighting their similarities.
The concept of metaphor, encompassing lexical and rhetorical types, has roots in ancient Greek philosophy, notably articulated by Aristotle in the fourth century BC He characterized metaphor as an implicit comparison grounded in analogy, emphasizing its primary role as a stylistic and ornamental device In his works, The Poetics and The Rhetoric, Aristotle posited that metaphors enhance philosophical arguments and serve persuasive purposes in rhetoric, while also enriching poetic expression He distinguished between the rhetorical function, aimed at persuasion, and the poetic function, which seeks to evoke rather than convince Ultimately, Aristotle defined metaphor as the application of one name to another, allowing for various forms of transfer, such as from a genus to a species or vice versa, highlighting its complex structure and dual functions.
Centuries after Aristotle, the concept of metaphor was explored by ancient rhetoricians and later by medieval theologians While they acknowledged Aristotle's interpretation of metaphor, they did not give it significant emphasis in their works.
In Ancient times, particularly from BC to the 5th century, Cicero and Quintilian emerged as two influential figures who viewed metaphors as reliant on comparison While they recognized the value of metaphors in literature, they cautioned that improper or inaccurate usage could lead to obscured and challenging prose.
Cicero, much like Aristotle, focused on stylistic elements such as metaphors rather than substantive discourse He viewed metaphors as condensed comparisons, suggesting they should be placed in contexts where they do not naturally belong, yet can evoke pleasure if executed well Cicero highlighted the significance of word choice, identifying three key properties that enhance language: unusual words, new words, and metaphorical words He believed metaphors initially arise from necessity but later serve to create enjoyment, akin to clothing Quintilian, influenced by Cicero, defined rhetoric as "good man speaking well," often using the terms rhetoric, oratory, and eloquence interchangeably, emphasizing three essential factors in effective speaking.
- art: knowledge of good speech;
- speaker (artist): able to rhetoric;
- work to be completed: good speaking
Metaphors play a significant role in literature and poetry, presenting a multi-faceted and captivating way to convey meaning According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (1948), a metaphor is defined as a word or phrase that describes someone or something in a manner that deviates from its usual meaning, highlighting shared qualities and enhancing the description's impact Essentially, a metaphor serves as a comparison between two fundamentally different entities without employing "like" or "as." This transference of meaning occurs based on the similarities between the two objects, enriching the reader's understanding and experience.
“Thuyền đi để bến đợi chờ Tình đi nghĩa ở bao giờ quên nhau”
In the verse, the terms "Thuyền" and "Bến" serve as metaphors, representing distinct roles within society "Thuyền" symbolizes the man who ventures forth to defend the country in times of war, while "Bến" represents the woman who remains at home, nurturing the family and patiently awaiting his return.
Metaphor plays a crucial role in creating new meanings and words, as highlighted by Modell (1977), who described it as "the engine that drives poetry and literature." Quinn (1992) noted that metaphors give each thing its name in language According to I.A Richards (1966), a metaphor consists of two key components: the tenor, which is the underlying idea or subject of the comparison, and the vehicle, the metaphorical word or image that conveys the tenor These elements are linked through a shared common ground, with the tenor representing the intended concept, object, or person, while the vehicle embodies the image that supports the comparison Ultimately, metaphors illustrate the resemblance and shared semantic area between two or more similar entities, blending imagination with reality An example of this can be found in "Truyen Kieu" by Nguyen Du.
Tiện đây xin một hai điều Đài sen soi đến dấu bèo cho chăng
Say, Could a ray from you, I plead,
Shine down upon this weed
In the context of the article, "Dấu bèo" symbolizes ordinary people, reflecting Mr Kim's humility and his respect for Ms Kieu Conversely, "Đài sen" represents the royal and luxurious class The phrase "Đài sen soi đến dấu bèo," which translates to "Shine down upon this weed," serves as a metaphor for Mr Kim's love for Kieu, illustrating the depth of his affection and admiration for her.
In Vietnam, several linguists share similar perspectives on metaphor Do Huu Chau defines metaphor as the process of naming one object using the name of another, based on their shared similarities Likewise, Nguyen Thien Giap echoes this viewpoint, emphasizing the relational aspects of metaphorical language.
Metaphor is defined as the transfer of names based on the similarities between various objects or phenomena being compared According to Phan Thế Hưng, this concept evolves from Aristotle's analysis, suggesting that we do not comprehend metaphors by merely transforming them into similes Instead, a metaphorical statement encompasses classification, and thus, understanding a metaphor requires interpreting it through its inherent classification.
In "Metaphors We Live By," George Lakoff and Mark Johnson argue that metaphors are integral to our conceptual framework, asserting that "our ordinary conceptual system, in terms of which we both think and act, is fundamentally metaphorical in nature" (Lakoff and Johnson 1980, 3) While the cognitive theory of metaphor is often seen as groundbreaking, earlier scholars had acknowledged its cognitive aspects The interaction theory regarded metaphor as a mental process, and philosophers like John Locke, Giambattista Vico, and Immanuel Kant explored the cognitive dimensions of metaphor (Semino 2008) A conceptual metaphor, or generative metaphor, allows one idea to be understood through another, with the source domain providing the metaphorical expressions to interpret the target domain.
Küvecses (2010) defines a conceptual metaphor as the process of comprehending one conceptual domain through the lens of another This relationship can be succinctly expressed as "CONCEPTUAL DOMAIN A IS CONCEPTUAL DOMAIN B," highlighting the essence of what constitutes a conceptual metaphor.
A conceptual metaphor consists of two conceptual domains, in which one domain is understood in terms of another
In conceptual metaphors, two key domains are involved: the source domain and the target domain The source domain provides metaphorical expressions that help us comprehend the target domain This relationship allows us to better understand complex concepts through familiar imagery and language.
Conceptual metaphors serve as a mechanism for perception, extending beyond traditional views that regard metaphor merely as a rhetorical device highlighting similarities between two entities Cognitive learning theory posits that metaphors function not only as stylistic tools but also as cognitive frameworks that help us understand and conceptualize the world around us Lakoff defines conceptual metaphor as systematic mappings between two conceptual domains, where the source domain represents a category of experience that is projected onto the target domain, facilitating a deeper understanding of different experiences.
RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES
METHODOLOGY
The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative research methods, along with descriptive, analytical, and contrastive techniques, to effectively achieve its aims and objectives.
Qualitative methods in linguistics offer valuable insights that go beyond mere numbers, helping to elucidate the various levels of meaning expressed by speakers For language researchers, these methods are often the preferred approach, as they effectively explore polysemy and value models that quantitative methods fail to capture (Silverman, 2001; Lincoln and Guba, 1985).
Quantitative methods utilize various mathematical tools, including numbers, charts, and statistics, to assess the quantity and frequency of case studies (Rasinger, 2013: 10) The terminology employed is derived from a specific selection within the language system.
In certain items that fulfill import conditions, it is essential to conduct specialized statistics within the corpus to identify the most contextually appropriate items and their frequency of occurrence The corpus aids in calculating the likelihood of selecting each item, a complex process Furthermore, the corpus is integral to the development of linguistic theories, highlighting its foundational role However, there are three key challenges in using a corpus: the authenticity of its data, the inclusion of spoken language, and the ability to study grammar quantitatively (Halliday and Matthiessen, 2004, pp 34-35).
Descriptive research, as defined by Gall, Gall, & Borg (2007), prioritizes the observation of phenomena and their characteristics rather than exploring the underlying reasons It typically employs various observation and investigation tools for data collection, often leading to quantitative analysis through measures such as frequency, percentage, and averages to establish relationships In contrast, qualitative research adopts a more holistic approach, gathering rich data from diverse sources to gain a deeper understanding of participants' opinions, attitudes, and experiences This type of research relies on qualitative data collection and analysis methods, focusing on inductive exploration to identify recurring themes, patterns, and concepts, which are then described and explained.
In qualitative research, quantitative analysis can be applied to qualitatively collected data by first identifying relevant themes and ideas, which are then transformed into digital data for further analysis This study employs descriptive and analytical methods to explore the conceptual metaphors representing "love is a journey" in Nguyễn Du's Truyện Kiều and its translation, "The Tale of Kieu," by Michael Counsell Descriptive approaches are particularly favored in linguistic research, as linguistics inherently focuses on detailed descriptions.
- Contrastive analysis is objectively used together with qualitative and descriptive methods when comparing two or more languages (Johansson and Hofland,
Conflict analysis, initially developed by Charles Fries in 1945, plays a crucial role in foreign language teaching methods (Al-Khresheh, 2013) Research indicates that learners often rely on their first language (L1) when acquiring a second language (L2), highlighting the importance of considering this transfer of knowledge in L2 instruction The psychological foundation of this comparative analysis is rooted in transfer theory, which examines the interplay between L1 and L2 Effective L2 teaching materials should be grounded in scientific descriptions of the target language, compared with parallel descriptions of the learner's mother tongue This study employs comparative methods to explore the linguistic similarities and differences in the conceptual metaphor of "love as a journey" across both languages.
Cognitive metaphor theory, as proposed by Lakoff & Johnson (1980) and further developed by Lakoff & Turner (1989), views metaphor not merely as a linguistic device but as a fundamental concept that shapes our understanding This framework emphasizes the role of metaphors in cognition, highlighting their significance in shaping thought processes and perceptions.
According to Andersen (2000), effective translation of metaphors requires not only a deep understanding of cross-cultural knowledge but also an awareness of the metaphor's dual role as both a psychological concept and a linguistic expression Traditional methods of metaphor translation often treat metaphors merely as linguistic features, emphasizing the differences between the source and target languages This approach has sparked extensive discussions about the translatability of metaphorical expressions and has contributed to the advancement of various pre-script conversion programs.
Newmark (1982) identified five types of metaphors—death, cliché, existence, recent, and original—and outlined seven key translation processes for metaphors These processes include: (1) reproducing the same image in the target language (TL); (2) substituting the source language (SL) images with standard TL images; (3) altering the meaning while maintaining the metaphor and image; (4) translating metaphors or similes using a simile combined with meaning; (5) transforming metaphors into their literal meanings; (6) omitting the metaphor; and (7) combining the original metaphor with its meaning.
A significant distinction between cognitive linguistics and classical views is that, in cognitive linguistics, metaphor is seen not merely as a linguistic expression but as a fundamental aspect of the thinking process This perspective offers a fresh approach to understanding the translatability of metaphors, suggesting that while an exact metaphorical equivalent may not always be possible in translation, cognitive metaphor theory allows for a more comprehensive explanation of metaphors Schọffner (2004) argues that translatability is tied to the conceptual systems of both the source and target cultures, rather than individual metaphorical expressions Furthermore, she notes that while conceptual metaphors can align on a macro level between source and target texts, individual expressions must be examined on a micro level The use of the same metaphorical mapping across different cultural contexts can result in varied linguistic expressions, reflecting the complexity of basic conceptual metaphors (Lakoff and Johnson, 1999; Schọffner, 2004).
(2001) agreed that the cognitive approach to metaphor translation is still quite unknown and has only recently been applied to translation studies.
SAMPLING
A corpus of 150 samples, comprising 75 instances from each language, will be compiled to analyze metaphorical expressions that convey the theme of "love is a journey" in Nguyen Du's "Truyen Kieu" and their corresponding equivalents in Michael Counsell's English translation.
DATA COLLECTION
Basing on the definitions of conceptual metaphors denoting love by Lakoff and
Johnson, linguistic expressions of love is a journey including words, phrases and sentences are chosen as the samples of the study
The research procedure involves several key tasks, including the collection and classification of data, analysis and comparison of findings, synthesis of results, and the formulation of conclusions Additionally, the study will present implications and offer suggestions for future research endeavors.
In quantitative research, the use of repetitive processes and highly accurate results enhances the reliability of the study Conversely, qualitative research emphasizes the importance of form and context accuracy in original data sources through continuous comparison The author employs various methods to bolster the reliability of both processes and outcomes, including ongoing data comparison, incorporating comprehensive datasets that account for deviations, and utilizing tabular data for clarity.
Validation in qualitative research refers to the appropriateness of data collection tools and procedures In this study, the author selects data tables as the data collection tool, which effectively captures metaphorical phenomena for analysis and comparison.
The data samples utilized in this study are sourced from "Truyen Kieu" by Nguyen Du, edited by Bui Ky and Tran Trong Kim (Thanh Nien publisher, 1999), and "The Tale of Kieu" by Michael Counsell (The Gioi publishers, 2011) To achieve reliable and valid findings, the researcher employs a combination of various methods and procedures throughout the study.
"The Tale of Kieu" has instilled confidence in the richness of the Vietnamese language and paved the way for future writers to explore ethnic languages in literature (Nguyen Loc) Nguyen Du effectively employs metaphor to persuade readers, enhancing his language with imaginative and emotionally resonant imagery These metaphorical verses serve as timeless artistic expressions that touch the soul, reflecting the poet's deep appreciation for beauty in the human experience In addition to drawing from Chinese literature, Nguyen Du immersed himself in folk songs and the vernacular of farmers, which contributed to the uniqueness of his poetry.
Love is a universal conceptual metaphor that manifests in various forms, including a journey, a plant, a natural force, physical power, war, a bond, unity, a game, and celestial elements like the sun and moon, as well as concepts like fire, motion, and blindness, in both English and Vietnamese.
Our work is crucial and practical, offering readers a deeper and more nuanced understanding of love as a journey in "The Tale of Kieu."
The metaphor of love as a journey reveals both similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese In both languages, this metaphor is expressed through various terms that evoke the concept of travel, exploration, and personal growth While the specific expressions may vary, the underlying idea of love as a transformative experience remains consistent, highlighting the universal nature of this metaphor across cultures.
Table 4.1 The similarities in the conceptual metaphor LOVE IS A JOURNEY in
Be lost/ get lost/go astray Lạc lối/ mất phương hướng
Direction Ngã đường / Hướng đi
Way/ path/road/the land travelled Con đường / lối đi/dặm đường
End/ stop Dừng/ kết thúc
While both languages share similarities, they also face distinct challenges In Vietnamese culture, obstacles to love arise not only from natural factors but also from human influences, such as the impact of war, which are often absent in English narratives.
In his 2011 research, Assoc Prof Dr Phan Van Hoa provided insights into the similarities and differences in the challenges faced by lovers, using the metaphor of a JOURNEY to compare English and Vietnamese perspectives The findings are summarized in the following table.
Table 4.2 The similarities and differences of obstacles in the conceptual metaphor LOVE IS A JOURNEY in English and Vietnamese
Geographical elements (rivers, mountains, passes, waterfalls,…)
Elements causes by man (war…) - +
The conceptual metaphor of LOVE IS A JOURNEY illustrates the destination that two future lovers aspire to reach, highlighting notable differences between Western and Vietnamese perspectives on love and relationships.
In the context of a love journey, the destination in English is simply a place next to the beloved In contrast, the Vietnamese perspective sees this destination as not just a physical location, but as a more enchanting and beautiful experience shared with the one they love.
4.1 SEPARATION LOVE THROUGH METAPHOR LOVE IS A JOURNEY
Every romantic journey begins with the moment two individuals fall in love, leading to the ultimate destination of being together However, not all love stories reach a beautiful conclusion; many relationships encounter obstacles, leaving some travelers unfinished in their quest for happiness.
Hoa trôi bèo dạt đã đành Biết duyên mình biết phận mình thế thôi! (218)
(Will life be like my fears?
I’ll be a drifting flower, it seems, Upon the future’s streams Kieu whispered, “but if that befall
After participating in the Qing Qing festival, she had a vivid dream where Dam Tien told her they were "in the same boat," implying that she was destined to follow the same path and become a prostitute.
“Đường xa” showed Kieu’s fear when she dreamed about Dam Tien, her thought about her future “Đường xa” is like a journey is with an uncertainty, doubt about the future
Buộc yên quảy gánh vội vàng
Mối sầu sẻ nửa bước đường chia hai (561)
(Kim quickly packed his gear, Saddled his horse, and left at speed
The lovers, deeply connected in spirit and sorrow, must part ways after a brief encounter The imagery of Kim Trong saddling his horse symbolizes the urgency of his departure, as they exchange only a few words before separating This moment highlights the metaphor of love as a journey, with the horse representing the means of transportation, while their imminent separation is poignantly captured by the phrase "separate ways."
Trời Liêu non nước bao xa
Nghĩ đâu rẽ cửa chia nhà tự tôi (703) (How distant from this house He’ll have to go by hill and stream!
I’ve shattered my own dream