INTRODUCTION
Rationale for the study
Language is essential for communication, with English recognized as a global language used across various fields such as business, technology, and medicine Consequently, the demand for learning English as a second language is growing in countries like Vietnam, where it is now a mandatory subject for all ages, from young children to retirees For the first time in Vietnam's history, English has become the most important foreign language among students Additionally, the availability of English language resources has increased, reflecting a rising desire among Vietnamese individuals to acquire English skills for specific professional contexts The number of students fulfilling the compulsory foreign language requirement by choosing English has surged significantly.
Language serves as a vital tool for human communication, yet each language possesses unique origins, characteristics, and values English and Vietnamese, being vastly different, present challenges in conveying ideas and translating meanings, particularly when describing human traits or objects Learners face difficulties in mastering various aspects of English, including listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and lexicology Among these, adjectives play a crucial role in sentence formation, frequently used to describe people, objects, and emotions The diversity in forms and meanings of English adjectives can be overwhelming, making it challenging for students to grasp their semantic and syntactic functions Different types of adjectives, such as quantitative, demonstrative, possessive, and descriptive adjectives, further complicate the learning process, especially for those studying English as a second language Many learners struggle with contextual meanings, which are essential for accurate interpretation The meaning of an adjective can shift based on context, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of descriptive adjectives This thesis aims to explore the syntactic and semantic features of English descriptive adjectives in various works, with a focus on their Vietnamese equivalents.
Aims of the study
This study aims to provide an overview of descriptive adjectives in English and their Vietnamese equivalents, examining both syntactic and semantic features to identify similarities and differences between the two languages Additionally, the research seeks to uncover the most effective methods for teaching and learning English.
Objectives of the study
To achieve the aims mentioned above, following objectives are looking forward to:
- To investigate the syntactic and semantic features of English descriptive adjectives with reference to their Vietnamese equivalents
- To find out the similarities and differences between descriptive adjectives in
English and Vietnamese equivalents in term of syntactic and semantic features
- To propose some implications for teaching and learning English descriptive adjectives at Tran Dang Ninh high school
Research questions
1 What are the syntactic and semantic features of English descriptive adjectives?
2 What are the similarities and differences between English descriptive adjectives and their Vietnamese equivalents?
3 What are the implications for teaching-learning English descriptive adjectives and their Vietnamese equivalents in an effective way?
Methods of the study
In order to complete this study, some different research methods will be applied:
The article employs a descriptive method to thoroughly examine the syntactic and semantic characteristics of descriptive adjectives in both English and Vietnamese Additionally, it utilizes a contrastive analysis method to highlight the similarities and differences between English descriptive adjectives and their Vietnamese counterparts, focusing on their syntactic and semantic features.
The qualitative method is employed to explore the relationship between the syntactic and semantic features of English descriptive adjectives and their Vietnamese equivalents, drawing on examples from Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield" and selected short stories by Hans Christian Andersen This analysis aims to develop a test to identify common errors made by students at Tran Dang Ninh High School when using English descriptive adjectives.
Scope of the study
This study examines the syntactic and semantic characteristics of English descriptive adjectives in comparison to their Vietnamese counterparts, aiming to identify both similarities and differences By analyzing 300 sentences from selected English works and Vietnamese fairy tales, the research will reveal the features of these adjectives Additionally, a survey will be conducted at Tran Dang Ninh High School in Ung Hoa, Hanoi, involving 60 students from three Grade 10 classes.
Significance of the study
The study of syntactic and semantic characteristics of English descriptive adjectives in works like "David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens, along with stories by Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, offers a compelling insight into the perspectives of native speakers Through a systematic contrastive analysis, this research highlights both the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese descriptive adjectives, enhancing our understanding of these languages.
This study offers valuable insights for English learners, particularly students at Tran Dang Ninh High School, by guiding them in mastering descriptive adjectives for everyday use and minimizing confusion when translating these adjectives into Vietnamese Additionally, it provides effective teaching and learning strategies for both learners and educators Furthermore, this research serves as a reliable reference for other researchers and linguists pursuing further studies in the field of descriptive adjectives in English.
Design of the study
The thesis comprises five chapters, along with appendices and references, including an Introduction, a Literature Review, a Methodology section, an analysis of the syntactic and semantic features of English descriptive adjectives in Charles Dickens's "David Copperfield" and the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, with a focus on their Vietnamese equivalents, and concludes with a summary of findings.
Chapter 1 - “Introduction” a brief account of relevant information for carrying out the study such as rationale for choosing the topic, aims, objectives, scope, significance, and design of the study
Chapter 2 - “Literature review”- presents overview of previous researchers related to the thesis topic, the related concepts such as: definition of adjective in English, classification based on the general syntactic and semantic features of adjectives Chapter 3: “Data and Methods”-This chapter will feature research methods, participants and procedures of research
Chapter 4: “Syntactic and semantic features of English descriptive adjectives in
The article examines the syntactic and semantic characteristics of descriptive adjectives in English and their Vietnamese counterparts, highlighting both similarities and differences It identifies common errors made by English learners and suggests potential solutions for effectively teaching and learning these adjectives The conclusion summarizes the key findings, discusses the study's limitations, and offers recommendations for future research in this area.
References and Appendices come at the end of the thesis
LITERATURE REVIEW
Previous studies
Adjectives play a crucial role in English grammar and everyday conversation, making them a familiar element of language Numerous studies have explored the syntactic and semantic functions of adjectives, drawing interest from both English and Vietnamese researchers, including notable figures like Meja Kyto and Suzanne Ramaine (1996).
(1999), Frances Peck (2008), Nguyen Huu Quynh (1980), Le Bien (1999), Dinh Van Duc (2001), Nguyen Van Thanh (2003), Luu Quy Khuong (2001), Diep Quang Ban
In 2005, various grammarians provided insights into adjectives, emphasizing their definition, classification, position, order, and formation They commonly identified the syntactic functions of adjectives as either predicative or attributive.
The richness of language, both in form and content, enhances communication and adds beauty to expression Adjectives play a crucial role in this enrichment, serving as essential tools for description and clarity In English, adjectives are versatile, primarily describing objects while also elevating ideas and facilitating eloquent communication Recognizing the significance of adjectives in everyday interactions and language education, researchers have explored their functions across various fields, including syntax, semantics, and translation.
In recent decades, the semantic aspects of English adjectives have garnered significant attention in language studies Adjectives introduce properties and serve as the main predicate in sentences, highlighting their importance Additionally, there are observable entailments from the attributive form of adjectives to their predicative form, further reinforcing their role in denoting properties.
Travis (1985, 1994, 1997) challenges the notion that sentences determine truth conditions by analyzing judgments about sentences with color adjectives He argues that the semantic value of a sentence establishes necessary conditions for its truth but does not guarantee sufficiency Consequently, the content of a sentence does not create a direct function linking contexts to truth.
Adjectives are also a matter of concern of many Vietnamese researchers They are Cao Xuân Hạo (1998), Đinh Văn Đức (1986), Nguyễn Tài Cẩn (1999), Nguyễn Hữu Quỳnh (2001), Phạm Hồng Hải (2012), etc
According to Đinh Văn Đức (1986) in his work "Ngữ Pháp Tiếng Việt," adjectives are defined as words that describe the characteristics of concepts expressed through nouns and verbs.
In his 2002 work "Từ Loại Tiếng Việt," Le Bien offers a comprehensive analysis of Vietnamese adjectives, defining them as words with the unique ability to generate other words He outlines their grammatical functions, which include attributive, predicative, and subject roles, as well as their combinations with various word types Le Bien classifies adjectives into nine categories: quality, color, characteristic, temperature, state, gender, relationship, age, and origin, reflecting a common classification among Vietnamese grammarians Additionally, he compares Vietnamese adjectives to their English counterparts, highlighting three levels of comparison and emphasizing their three primary functions: attributive, predicative, and as the head of a noun phrase, in contrast to adjectives in European languages.
In his 2015 study on Vietnamese grammar, Diep Quang Ban defines adjectives and highlights their key roles in phrases He categorizes Vietnamese adjectives into two main types: quality adjectives and relative adjectives A notable aspect of his research is the differentiation between adjectives and verbs that express states of mind Overall, Diep Quang Ban's work emphasizes the classification of adjectives in the Vietnamese language.
In her 2009 work, "Ngữ Pháp Tiếng Việt," Nguyen Ly Kha provides a comprehensive analysis of Vietnamese adjectives, defining them as a key component of speech that conveys the qualities of nouns She highlights their capacity to combine with adjuncts and offers a clearer and more complete classification than Nguyen Van Thanh Kha categorizes Vietnamese adjectives as functioning in attributive, predicative, subject, and verbless clause (adverbial) roles.
We would have a comprehensive view on adjectives in Vietnamese with Cẩm Nang
In "Ngữ Pháp Tiếng Việt" (2010), Tran Ngoc Dung provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnamese adjectives He begins with a clear definition of adjectives and categorizes them into various types, including impartial, partial, semi-partial, and special adjectives, which differs from other authors' classifications Notably, he introduces new forms of adjectives, such as dimple, compound, and complex adjectives Additionally, Dung discusses the positioning of adjectives in relation to nouns, as well as the comparative forms of adjectives.
In "Tiếng Việt 3" (2003), Hoang Thung identifies the roles of Vietnamese adjectives as subjects, attributives, and predicatives He further explores the transformation of adjectives into nouns, providing a comprehensive overview of their functions in the language.
It can be said that mentioned authors appear to have made good use of adjectival characteristics in the hope of bringing about their semantic recognition profoundly
While linguists have extensively explored adjectives, particularly their meanings and uses, there has yet to be a dedicated study examining the semantic features of various descriptive adjectives Therefore, I have undertaken an investigation into this topic.
An overview of adjectives in English
2.2.1 Definitions of adjective in English
An adjective is defined as a word that describes a noun or conveys the ideas represented by a group of words, as noted by L G Alexander (1998, 106).
According to Quirk et al (1973), determining whether a word functions as an adjective cannot be done in isolation, as its form does not always reveal its syntactic role Additionally, a word's potential for inflection alone is insufficient for identification as an adjective They suggest that a word is typically classified as an adjective if it meets at least one of four specific criteria.
- It can freely occur in ATTRIBUTIVE function, i e they can premodify a noun, appearing between the determiner and the head of a noun phrase: an oval face; a beautiful girl; the round table
- It can freely occur in PREDICATIVE function, i e they can function as subjective complement or as object complement:The girl is attractive; I guess the girl attractive;
- They can be modified by the intensifier very For example: The new house is very large; She is very happy now
Comparative and superlative forms can be created through inflections such as -er and -est, or by using the premodifiers "more" and "most," known as periphrastic forms For instance, Ho Chi Minh is recognized as the most wonderful city in Vietnam, while Lan is noted to be more charming than her classmates Additionally, it can be observed that the children are happier now.
In summary, adjectives are a key component of the open class items in English grammar, alongside nouns, adverbs, and verbs These descriptive words convey various attributes such as quality, quantity, size, color, and characteristics, enriching the language and enhancing communication.
According to The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language, adjectives serve to modify and refine the meanings of nouns, enabling the communication of more nuanced distinctions than nouns alone can convey (Huddleston and Pullum 2002, p.526).
Adjectives possess the ability to introduce properties and function as modifiers due to their semantic and syntactic characteristics Semantically, they denote properties, while syntactically, they can combine recursively with nouns to create new properties that offer a finer gradation of meaning This combination often results in a subset of entities that share the original properties, enhancing the descriptive capacity beyond that of the noun alone However, this straightforward understanding conceals complexities that are crucial for exploring topics of interest to linguists and philosophers, including vagueness, contextualism, relative meaning, compositionality, and the semantic analysis of phenomena such as modality.
Adjectives are essential components of the English language, serving to describe nouns According to Richard et al (1993), an adjective is defined as a word that characterizes a noun, encompassing aspects such as quality, state, or action related to the noun.
An adjective is a part of speech that describes, identifies, or qualifies a noun or pronoun, enhancing its specificity and interest The primary role of an adjective is to modify nouns or pronouns, making them more detailed Additionally, a group of words that functions as an adjective is known as an adjective clause.
The English adjective is diverse, primarily describing properties related to opinion, size, age, and origin This variety provides learners with numerous options for using adjectives effectively based on their specific purposes.
4 origin It’s an USA apple
8 purpose It’s is a coffee table
9 Age It’s an old house
An adjective is a word that modifies a noun or pronoun by adding descriptive or specific detail, as outlined in The Little, Brown Handbook (2011:315) Unlike adverbs, adjectives do not modify verbs, other adjectives, or adverbs Typically, adjectives precede the nouns or pronouns they describe and do not require agreement in number or gender They answer the question of "What kind?" regarding the nouns they modify.
How many? or Which ones?
-Tom bought a used car (used describes what kind of car Tom bought.)
-Sally baked ten pies for the school bake sale (ten tells how many pies Sally baked.)
-Bob climbed that tree in the backyard (that specifies which tree Bob climbed.)
2.2.2 Syntactic features of English Adjectives
Adjectives serve various functions in sentences, primarily as attributes or predicates Attribute adjectives can be closely attached to their nouns (e.g., "a good boy," "the delegates present") or loosely detached (e.g., "Clever and ambitious, he schemed as well as he could") When detached, these adjectives are separated by commas from their head-words or other sentence parts As predicates, adjectives can be part of a compound nominal or double predicate (e.g., "he was alone," "the window was open") Predicative adjectives can also be modified by adverbials of manner, degree, or consequence, leading to more complex phrases.
He is not so foolish as to neglect it
She is not so crazy as you may imagine
It is not as simple as you think
Adjectives may also function as objective or subjective predicates in complex constructions:
He pushed the door open
Better eat the apples fresh
I consider what he did awful
The fruits were picked ripe
The windows were flung open
Adjectives may be used parenthetically, conveying the attitude of the speaker to the contents of the sentence (strange, funny, curious, odd, surprising), often pre- modified by more or most
Strange, it was the same person
Most incredible, he deceived us
A certain type of exclamatory sentence is based on adjectives, often modified by other words: How good of you! How wonderful! Excellent! Just right!
In a sentence, adjectives serve as both attributes and predicatives, with their primary role being that of an attribute While nouns can also function as predicatives, a significant distinction exists between the predicative uses of adjectives and nouns, influenced by their inherent categorical characteristics.
The predicative adjective conveys an attributive quality of its noun referent, while the predicative noun indicates various substantive traits, including identification and classification This distinction can be illustrated through examples analyzed using definitional and transformational methods.
When addressing individuals, you engage with them as if they constitute a collective Clearly, his actions mirrored those of a friend, indicating a close relationship.
Cf., as against the above:
I will be silent as a grave → I will be like a silent grave Walker felt healthy →
Walker felt a healthy man It was sensational → That fact was a sensational fact
Many adjectives, when functioning as predicates or post-positional attributes, exhibit unique combinability traits with nouns This complementive combinability is often enhanced through the use of prepositions, allowing for more complex adjective expansions.
E.g fond of, jealous of, curious of, suspicious of; angry with, sick with; serious about, certain about, happy about; grateful to, thankful to, etc
Vietnamese adjectives
In Ngữ Pháp Tiếng Việt (2006) by Diep Quang Ban and Hoang Van Thung, adjectives in Vietnamese are defined as following:
Adjectives are words that describe the characteristics, colors, shapes, size, quality, quantity, dimensions, materials of things, etc
1 Kích thước Đó là một cái túi sách nhỏ
2 Hình dạng Đó là một cái bàn hình vuông
3 Màu sắc Một ngôi nhà màu hồng
4 Nguồn gốc Một quả táo đỏ mỹ
5 Chất liệu Một chiếc nhẫn kim cương
6 Quan điểm Đó là một cô gái rất đáng yêu
7 Tình trạng Một chiếc bàn hỏng
8 Mục đích Một cái bàn trà
9 Tuổi tác Người đàn ông đó rất trẻ
Table 2.2 Types of Vietnamese adjectives
In Vietnamese grammar, adjectives are one of the four open class elements, alongside nouns, adverbs, and verbs These descriptive words convey qualities, quantities, sizes, colors, and characteristics.
The Vietnamese language is characterized by its inflectional nature, allowing adjectives to combine with nouns, verbs, and other parts of speech to form meaningful phrases Consequently, Vietnamese adjectives are categorized into various types based on different criteria This section outlines two methods for classifying Vietnamese adjectives.
*Classification based on the general meaning and the ability of adjectives to combine with adjuncts of degree
According to Diep Quang Ban and Hoang Van Thung in their work "Ngữ Pháp Tiếng Việt" (2006), as well as other grammarians, adjectives can be classified into two categories: gradable adjectives, which indicate varying degrees of a quality, and non-gradable adjectives, which represent absolute qualities.
Adjectives are words that describe the characteristics of people, objects, and actions, allowing for comparisons of these traits They can also be paired with degree modifiers such as "very" and "a bit" to enhance their meaning.
(quite, a bit), quá (so), etc
For example: ngắn (short), dài (long), cứng (solid), mềm (soft), đẹp (pretty), etc
Cái quần dài này của em trai tôi hơi ngắn (1)
(My brother’s trousers are a bit short.)
Cô giáo tôi có mái tóc rất dài và đen (2)
(My teacher has very long and black hair)
The gradable adjectives such as ngắn, dài and đen denoting the external feature of thing and people are preceded by the adverbs hơi and rất
Mentioning the class of gradable adjectives, Le Bien in Từ Loại Tiếng Việt Hiện Đại (1999) only mentions features of this class while Diep Quang Ban and
Hoang Van Thung in Ngữ Pháp Tiếng Việt (2006) focus on the classification of gradable adjectives with adjectives of quality, adjectives of quantity, adjectives of characteristics, and adjectives of intensity
Adjectives of quality: chăm chỉ (hard), khéo léo (clever), thông minh (intelligent), giỏi (good), trang trọng (formal), etc
Adjectives of quantity: nhiều (many, much), ít (little, few), rậm (thick), thưa (sparse), đông (crowed), etc
Adjectives of characteristics: xanh (green), béo (fat), thơm (perfumed), ồn ào (noisy), đắng (bitter), etc
Adjectives of intensity: mạnh (strong), yếu (weak), nóng (hót), sáng (bright), tối (dark), mát mẻ (cool), etc
While non-gradable adjectives have no comparison, the gradable adjectives can be used to make comparison, particularly in proverbs For example: Nhanh như cắt
The gradable adjectives “nhanh” and “khỏe” appear in proverbs with the comparison form “như” However, the non-gradable adjective “khỏe khoắn” cannot be used as “khỏe khoắn như trâu”
We can easily realize this type of adjectives by making couples of antonyme
Non-gradable adjectives convey an absolute quality or characteristic of nouns and cannot be modified by degree words such as "very," "quite," "so," or "less."
For instance: riêng (private), chung (common), trắng tinh (spotlessly white), tím ngắt (dark purple), etc
Hoang Van Thung and Diep Quang Ban categorize non-gradable adjectives into two distinct types: absolute adjectives and absolute adjectives that do not form pairs of absolute antonyms The key distinction lies in their definitions; absolute adjectives have corresponding pairs of absolute opposites, while those without pairs do not.
Absolute adjectives typically follow nouns and verbs, serving as attributive or adverbial modifiers Examples include terms like "public" (công) versus "personal" (tư), "main" (chính) versus "secondary" (phụ), and "only" (duy nhất) versus "countless" (vô số) Most of these adjectives have corresponding antonyms.
Mỗi nhà văn, nhà thơ đều mang những hơi thở rất riêng của họ vào trong mỗi tác phẩm
Every poem and writer conveys a unique style, encapsulated by the phrase "rất riêng," which highlights the distinctiveness of their works As a result, the vast array of literature produced by countless authors showcases a remarkable diversity This illustrates the use of absolute adjectives combined with "rất," emphasizing the individuality found in poetry.
Với một số đồng nghiệp ở công ty, Hải hay lấy việc công trả thù riêng
(Hai is a narrow-minded and lasting hatred person to his colleagues.)
Trụ sở chính của Liên Hợp Quốc đặt tại New York
(The official foundation of United Nations is located in New York.)
In the first example, the absolute adjective "riêng" follows the verb "trả thù," highlighting negative behavior In the second example, the adjective "chính" modifies the noun "trụ sở," functioning as an attributive.
About absolute adjectives without building pairs of absolute antonyms, they are normally compound words and reiterative words mainly placed after nouns
For example: đỏ lỏm (gaudy red), trắng phau (very white), đen sì (very black), xanh mượt (deep blue), xanh xanh (greenish), etc
Take the following examples for illustration:
(After a night of drawing up a net without sleeping, her face seemed tired, sleepy and became death vale)
“Tái ngắt” is an absolute adjective without absolute antonym, desorbing the woman’s tiredness after hard working
Non-gradable adjectives can completely describe nouns by itself It means these adjective cannot be compared in any degree
*Classification basing on the semantics and ability of adjective to control adjuncts after the adjectives
Vietnamese grammarians often classify adjectives based on specific criteria, with some focusing exclusively on this aspect In the book "Ngữ pháp Tiếng Việt Hiện Đại" (1980), two main types of Vietnamese adjectives are identified: those describing external features of objects and those reflecting internal characteristics and states, determined by their semantics and ability to govern adjuncts.
*Adjectives expressing external features of things
With these adjectives, users can draw a portrait of person or object It pays attention to the color, appearance, quantity and size; therefore, there are following adjectives:
Adjectives of color: đỏ (red), tím (violet), vàng (yellow), hồng (pink), da cam
Adjectives of appearance: cơ bắp (muscular), gầy (thin), mảnh mai (slim), xoăn (curly), cao (high), etc
Adjectives of quantity: dày (full), trống rỗng (empty), một nửa (half), ít (few), nhiều (many), etc
Adjectives of size: nhỏ (small), lớn (big), to (huge), rộng (large), vừa (fit), etc They regularly function as the attributive of nouns and verbs
Chiếc váy đỏ của Loan thật bắt mắt (Modifying noun)
(Loan’s red dress is very eye-catching.)
Mai bị mọi người chú ý khi nói chuyện to trong văn phòng (Modifying verb)
(Some people looked at Mai when she spoke loudly)
Adjectives play a crucial role in describing the qualities of people, objects, or things, functioning as both attributive modifiers of nouns and as predicates within sentences Examples of such adjectives include "kind," "bad," "gentle," "violent," "daring," and "voluble."
Tan Da compliments his writing style in the poetry “Hầu Trời” by using adjectives of internal characteristics of things
For example: Nhời văn chuốt đẹp như sao băng!
Khí văn hùng mạnh như dây chuyền! Êm như gió thoảng tình như sương! Đầm như mưa sa, lạnh như tuyết!
The author utilizes the adjectives “chuốt đẹp”, “hùng mạnh”, “Êm”,
“tình”, “đầm”, and “lạnh” together with comparison estimated as a wonderful scenery picture
Adjectives can occasionally combine with adverbs such as "đang" (be Ving), "đã" (past simple), "đừng" (don’t), and "hãy" (let’s) to enhance their ability to function as predicates.
Em tưởng trên mình không có bọn ác ôn hay sao Đừng ngây thơ như thế
(Do you believe that here are no evil-doers? Do not be so nạve.)
In summary, Vietnamese adjectives can be classified in two primary ways, largely due to the language's inflectional nature This classification is based on the meaning of the adjectives and their capacity to combine with other parts of speech.
Adjectives play a crucial role in language by modifying nouns and verbs, and their placement is essential for conveying meaning In Vietnamese, adjectives can appear in two primary positions: before nouns (preposition) and after nouns or verbs (postposition) Understanding these positions is key to using adjectives effectively in sentences.
Unlike English adjectives, Vietnamese ones are mostly placed after nouns and verbs The following sentences in Mùa lá rụng trong vườn (1985, p.87) written by Ma Văn Kháng will explicit it
E.g.: ([…] ông Bằng lâng lâng trong những hoài niệm hư ảo, thoát trần Nhưng ông chỉ ở trong dòng tình cảm trôi lững lờ đó trong giây phút”
([…], Mr Bang is very light in illusory and peaceful thoughts However, he is only in that sluggish emotion just a few moments)
The adjectives "illusory" and "peaceful" follow the noun phrase "thoughts," while the adjective "sluggish" is positioned after the verb "drift" to effectively describe the action.
Summary of the chapter
This chapter has presented the theory of adjectives in English and
This article reviews Vietnamese and previous studies on adjectives in both Vietnamese and English, providing a clear definition, order, and semantic features of adjectives in Chapter 2 It also categorizes the types of adjectives found in both languages, establishing a theoretical background and framework that will support the discussions and findings presented in Chapter 4.
METHODOLOGY
Subjects
This is a conduct research that provides a deeper outstanding of descriptive adjectives and the application of descriptive adjectives in some English or
American works(The little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson ( 1848),
Cinderella by the Grimm brothers ( 1812),The Sleeping Beaty in the Wood by
Charles Perrault(1959), Little Red Riding Hood by Charles Perrault and
The Brothers Grimm(1911), Snow White and Rose Red by Caroline Stahl (1776–
1837), The Twelve Brothers collected by The Brother Grimm , The Little
Mermaid by the Danish(1837), David Copperfield by Charles Dicken( 1849)
Renowned authors from England and America have created beloved children's literature that resonates worldwide Additionally, Vietnamese fairy tales such as "Chàng Cóc Lấy Vợ," "Thạch Sanh," "Hòn Trống Mái," and "Nàng Út Trong Ống Tre" also hold a cherished place in the hearts of readers These stories not only entertain but also reflect rich cultural traditions, making them significant in the realm of children's storytelling.
Tích con Rồng cháu Tiên, Sự Tích Quả Dưa Hấu, Tích Chu, Tấm Cám, Truyện ngụ ngôn Kiến và Voi, Dế Mèn Phưu Lưu Ký
This study is designed to analyze and describe syntactic and semantic features of
English and Vietnamese descriptive adjectives In this study, we have used descriptive method, statistic method, analytical method and contrastive method
The subjects involved in this study are a group of 60 students in 10th group in
Tran Dang Ninh high school, Ung Hoa province, Ha Noi city, and their elementary for 7 years They are supposed to have three 45-minute periods of English a week
The study utilizes material from the English textbook for the 10th grade, part of a three-year curriculum The participating students are from carefully selected classes, ensuring their qualifications for the survey task Consequently, the data collected for analysis is considered to be quite reliable.
Instruments
This exploratory research project utilized a combination of quantitative and qualitative data, reflecting the diverse definitions and perspectives proposed by linguists and researchers regarding the advantages and disadvantages of these data types.
According to Tinambunan and Ginting (2013) quoted from Wallace (1998),
Quantitative data refers to information that can be counted and measured, making it objective, while qualitative data encompasses information that cannot be quantified in an objective manner, rendering it subjective.
To investigate the comparative nature of descriptive adjectives in Vietnamese and English, the researcher analyzed 300 sentences from a selected book Additionally, a survey was conducted with 60 grade 10 students from Tran Dang Ninh High School, aiming to gather insights on the types of conditional clauses in English.
This study explores the semantics and syntactics of descriptive adjectives in the Vietnamese language To ensure the authenticity of the research, both primary and secondary data were utilized Primary data were gathered from a local high school within the study area, while secondary data were obtained through desk research from selected publications focusing on descriptive adjectives.
This study investigates common errors in English descriptive writing and speaking among students by analyzing their written work, conducting a questionnaire survey, and performing interviews The students' writings will serve as a source for error collection, while the questionnaire aims to identify the underlying causes of these errors Additionally, interviews will offer valuable insights into the reasons behind the mistakes and suggest timely intervention methods to address them.
Procedure
The study involved collecting key data from fairy tales and administering a controlled test to 60 students, ensuring strict supervision to prevent cheating and enhance data reliability Participants completed the test in 30 minutes without access to dictionaries or electronic devices to avoid any assistance that could skew results Following the test, the researcher conducted interviews with current and former teachers at Tran Dang Ninh High School to gain insights into the writing instruction context This qualitative approach aimed to uncover the underlying causes of the students' errors and to explore potential solutions for improving their writing skills.
Questionnaires are a popular and effective tool for gathering information and opinions, offering several advantages and disadvantages compared to other evaluation methods They provide structured, numerical data that can be easily analyzed and can be administered without the researcher’s presence, making them a convenient choice for collecting survey information.
The research questionnaire consists of 30 questions that explore the syntactic and semantic features of descriptive adjectives It is divided into two sections: the first part includes five theoretical questions, while the second part features exercises such as multiple-choice questions, word ordering tasks, and identifying descriptive adjectives.
The survey was in November, 2018 at Tran Dang Ninh highschool 60 participants did the survey in 3 classes of grade 10 They completed the questions in 30 minutes.
Statistical Analysis
The data are analyzed on basis of syntactic and semantic perspectives The questionnaires collected from the participants were listed and classified in three tables and parts below
Questions A(percent) B (percent) C(percent) D(percent)
Table 3.1 Result of theory of descriptive adjectives
In summary, a comprehensive analysis of errors in these exercises reveals that many students struggle with the correct order of descriptive adjectives The primary causes of these difficulties include interference from their mother tongue and over-generalization of grammatical rules.
Diagram 3.1: Errors made by students when using order of descriptive adjectives in
Diagram 3.2: Errors made by students when using descriptive adjectives in Ex 2
In Exercise 3: Students can find the simple descriptive adjectives but they cannot recognize compound descriptive adjectives
Many students struggle with translation due to the influence of their first language, leading to a high rate of incorrect answers Common mistakes include grammatical and vocabulary errors, particularly when constructing sentences with descriptive adjectives These grammatical errors often stem from improper use of various syntactic structures.
Rét dữ dội Tuyết rơi Trời đã tối hẳn Đêm nay là đêm giao thừa
It was terrible cold, it was snowing It was so dark Today is New Year's Eve evening Suggestion for translating:
Most terribly cold it was; it snowed, and was nearly quite dark , and evening-the last evening of the year
This sentence has only 13 students (21,6%) used the right structure, but they didn’t use the descriptive adjectives in inverted sentences:
It was terribly cold, it snowed, and was nearly quite dark……….
Summary of this chapter
The research employed both qualitative and quantitative methods, utilizing data from various English and American literary works Additionally, the findings were reinforced by supplementary information sourced from online resources and grammar books focused on adjectives.
The research data was analyzed using descriptive and contrastive methods, which were deemed appropriate for examining the sentences within the linguistic study.
SYTACTIC AND SEMANTIC FEATURES OF ENGLISH
Syntactic and semantic features of descriptive adjectives in English
4.1.1.1 Syntactic features of descriptive adjective in English
4.1.1.1 Descriptive adjectives as compound adjectives
Compound adjectives are formed by combining two words to create a descriptive adjective, often seen when adjectives precede nouns, such as "blue-sky," or when adjectives follow verbs, like "feel-good." When using multiple colors as adjectives, it's essential to include hyphens between them to avoid ambiguity The absence of a hyphen can lead to unclear meanings in sentences, highlighting the importance of proper punctuation in compound adjectives.
Eg: Many-coloured, star-studded, half-glazed, light-yellow, dark-blue, hard- working, fine-looking, smooth-faced, bad-tempered …
Descriptive adjectives play a significant role in storytelling, as illustrated in classic tales such as "The Little Match Girl," "Cinderella," and "The Sleeping Beauty in the Woods" by Hans Christian Andersen These adjectives enhance the narrative by vividly portraying characters and settings, enriching the reader's experience and engagement with the story.
(1) In this cold and darkness there went along the street a poor little girl, bareheaded, and with naked feet
(2) On the table was spread a snow-white tablecloth
(3) Anyone but Cinderella would have dressed their hair awry, but she was good-natured, and arranged it perfectly well
In example (1), the writer used bareheaded with the meaning without head or scarf on head The little Match girl is too poor to have necessity
In example (2), the writer used snow- white to take place tablecloth is very white (white as the snow)
In example (3), good-natured is used to express Cinderella’s beauty Although she has no beautiful clothes, works all day, but she is still very beautiful and lovely
Descriptive adjective as compound adjective emphasizes more information about the features of the noun by describing or modifying it
This kind is not easy, it clarifies 8% of descriptive adjectives
First we can see the following examples taken from stories “The little Match Girl” and “Cinderella” by Hans Christian Andersen:
(4) Most terribly cold it was; it snowed, and was nearly quite dark, and evening the last evening of the year
(5) However, Cinderella, in spite of her mean apparel, was a hundred times more handsome than her sisters
(6) They were highly delighted with the invitation, and wonderfully busy in choosing the gowns, petticoats, and head-dresses which might best become them
Adverbs used before descriptive adjectives modify these adjectives and answer the questions: how? or to what extent?
These adverbs are completely, beautifully, wonderfully, especially, admittedly, strangely, far, quite…
In example (4), the term "terribly" describes the harsh, bone-chilling weather, while "quite dark" indicates the transition from day to night The early evening's coldness causes a loss of sensation, emphasizing the discomfort of the environment.
Cinderella's beauty was often described as being far superior to that of her sisters, making her stand out even while she toiled all day The writer emphasized her unparalleled beauty, noting that no one could match her stunning appearance, which consistently drew attention despite her hard work.
Highly delighted appeared to declare the happiness when receiving the invitation of
Cinderella’s sisters to join the party That is the reason why they were so busy in choosing the clothes for the party They did it all day (wonderfully busy)
There are not so much descriptive adjective words in this feature, it only account for 4% (12/300)
Descriptive adjectives are prevalent, accounting for around 22% of all collected adjectives When an adjective modifies a single noun, it is referred to as the positive degree In contrast, the comparative degree is used when comparing two nouns, while the superlative degree applies when comparing multiple nouns.
A is a tall building (positive degree) (We have Equality comparison with term)
B is taller than A (comparative degree)
C is the tallest building (superlative degree)
The three degrees of an adjective are positive, comparative and superlative Using them depends on how many things that they mention
A positive adjective describes a noun without making comparisons For instance, in the sentence, "It was that moment turned into a fine horse, and the six mice made a fine set of six horses of a beautiful mouse-colored, dapple gray," the adjectives "fine" and "beautiful" highlight the qualities of the horse and the horses Similarly, the phrase "She is a strange child, quiet and thoughtful" uses "strange," "quiet," and "thoughtful" to convey distinct characteristics of the child.
A comparative adjective is utilized to compare two entities and typically follows with the word "than." For instance, one might say, "their world appeared much larger than hers," or, "the five sisters, interlocking their arms above the water, showcased voices more beautiful than any human's."
A superlative adjective is used to compare three or more items or to indicate that something is the most For instance, it can describe something as "the most beautiful of all" or highlight a character's emotions, as in "none was as full of longing as the youngest one."
These three degrees only work for descriptive adjectives
Descriptive adjectives can be categorized into two forms based on their syllable count: long adjectives, which have three or more syllables, and short adjectives, which consist of one or two syllables, such as happy, pretty, and lovely.
Descriptive adjectives will have 3 states:
+ Equality comparison: as short/long adjective as
(7) They went to Court, and Cinderella followed them with her eyes as long as she could
+ Comparative comparison: short- Adj-er than
The depth of the ocean is astonishing, surpassing the reach of any anchor cable, requiring multiple church towers stacked atop one another to bridge the distance from the seabed to the surface.
+ Superlative comparison: the short-Adj-est
(9) This done, she gave her a pair of the prettiest glass slippers in the whole world
Long descriptive adjectives, which contain three or more syllables, do not take the -er and -est endings for comparisons For instance, the adjective "beautiful" cannot be modified to "beautifuler" or "beautifulest." Instead, to express comparison or superlative forms, you should use "more" for the comparative and "the most" for the superlative: beautiful, more beautiful, the most beautiful.
Lovely slave-girls adorned in silk and gold performed a mesmerizing song for the prince and his royal family The prince, captivated by their beauty, clapped and smiled, but the little mermaid felt a pang of sadness, knowing that her own voice could have surpassed theirs in beauty.
Beneath the surface of the sea lies more than just bare white sand; it is home to magnificent trees and plants with flexible trunks, stems, and leaves The gentle movement of the water brings these underwater flora to life, creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem.
Sometimes we can see form of less comparative:
(12) She looked not a bit the less charming and beautiful
There are some exceptions to these rules, as with most grammar rules
For example, good only has one syllable, but it turns into better and best You can find a list of common irregular adjectives in some grammar book
(13) That is the better to hug thee, my dear.”
(14) I must have the best thing you own for my precious drink!
These examples are also taken from stories “The little Match Girl” and
“Cinderella” by Hans Christian Andersen, “The little Mermaid” by Walt Disney
This kind of descriptive adjectives account for about 49% of all collected descriptive adjective For example:
(15) …when…the match went out and nothing but the thick, cold, damp wall was left behind
(16) Great suns span round, wonderful fire-fishes soared into the blue sky, and everything was reflected by the clear, calm sea
She was an unusual child, introspective and serene, unlike her sisters who adorned their space with treasures from shipwrecks Her greatest desire, aside from the vibrant rose-red flowers that mirrored the sun, was to possess a stunning marble statue of a handsome youth, crafted from pristine white stone and resting on the ocean floor after a shipwreck.
My beautiful white beard is trapped in a cleft, leaving me stuck and unable to escape, while you smooth-faced girls just stand by and laugh How wretched you are!
Descriptive adjectives are used before a noun to describe this noun that add more information and qualities to the word they’re modifying
Syntactic and semantic features of descriptive adjectives in Vietnamese
We can see the examples taken from the story “Tích Chu” and “Hòn Trống Mái”,” Con Rồng Cháu Tiên” “Tấm Cám”/ Vienamese’s fairy tales- NXB Mỹ Thuật
(54) Một cậu bé hiếu động, mải chơi như Tích Chu hẳn sẽ thích mê nơi này phải không?
(A playful kid like Tich Chu must have loved this place very much.)
(55) Tích Chu phải trèo lên những đỉnh núi cao vút giữa trời mưa bão
(Tich Chu had to climb very high mountains when it was raining very healthy.)
(56) Trăm người con trai đó lớn lên như thổi, tất cả đều xinh đẹp, khỏe mạnh và thông minh tuyệt vời
(All of them were handsome, strong and smart.)
(57) Ít lâu sau, hai người yêu nhau và họ mơ ước có một cuộc sống tự do hạnh phúc
Shortly after, they fall in love and envision a life filled with freedom and happiness In Vietnamese, descriptive adjectives typically follow the nouns they modify, making the syntax simpler compared to English.
These examples are taken from the story “Nàng út trong ống tre”/ Vienamese’s fairy tales- NXB Mỹ Thuật
(58) Hoàng tử vui vẻ đưa hai mẹ con nàng Út về kinh đô và xin phép vua cha cho cưới nàng làm vợ
(The prince happily took Út and her son to the capital and asked his father's permission to marry her)
(59) Hoàng tử buồn rầu than vãn với vợ:” ta rất buồn vì trong cuộc thi này nàng sẽ không làm đẹp được lòng vua cha”
(Prince wistfully laments to his wife: "I am very sad because in this competition you can’t make my father satisfied ")
(60) Vừa thấy Cóc, Khoàng Tý đã giận dữ hét lên (Chàng Cóc Lấy Vợ Tiên-
(As soon as Khoang Ty saw Mr Frog, he angrily shouted)
In Vietnamese “vui vẻ”, and “buồn rầu”, “giận dữ” are adjectives and they come before verbs “đưa”,” than vãn” but when translating into English, they become adverbs
(61) Con hổ tìm tới ngôi mộ mới đào lên và mang thi thể người đàn ông tới chỗ cũ và chôn thật sâu
In many cases adverbs of degree can be used before descriptive adjectives, especially the adverb of degree “rất” Below are some of the examples:
Sau khi tiêu diệt nạn yêu quái, Lạc Long Quân nhận thấy người dân còn nghèo khổ Vì vậy, chàng đã hướng dẫn họ cách trồng lúa, nấu cơm bằng ống tre và xây dựng nhà cao từ cây để bảo vệ mình khỏi thú dữ.
After defeating the demons, Lac Long Quan noticed the ongoing poverty of the local people To improve their living conditions, he taught them essential skills such as rice cultivation, cooking rice in bamboo tubes, and constructing piled houses to safeguard against dangerous animals.
(63) Nhưng dì ghẻ của Tấm là người rất cay nghiệt
(But Tam’s stepmother is bitterly harsh)
(64) Ở vùng bên cạnh, có một chàng trai rất khỏe mạnh và siêng năng )
(In the next area, there is a very strong and hard-working man)
(65) Chàng yêu hoa nên trồng một vườn hoa rất đẹp
(He likes flowers, so that he plants a really beautiful flower- garden)
In some cases, we can find that a descriptive adjective can also stand before a noun For example:
(66) Có lúc, cậu phải đi qua rừng rậm tối tăm đầy rẫy rắn rết Không điều gì có thể làm cậu nản lòng
He navigated through dense forests teeming with venomous snakes The phrase "teeming with" emphasizes the abundance of danger present in the environment, enhancing the reader's understanding of the perilous situation Similar examples can illustrate this technique further.
- No bụng, đói con mắt
- Ai mua con quạ bán cho,
- Đen lông đen cánh bộ giò cũng đen
- Tốt danh hơn tốt lành áo
Anh về đi ngủ kẻo khuya
Xấu chuôm, tốt cá em ơi!
Tốt chuôm mà nó có nơi cá nằm
Anh về em nó đi đưa
Quan sơn nghìn dặm em chưa hết lời
4.2.5 Being used in comparison form
We can see the following examples taken from the story “Nàng út trong ống tre”,”
Sự tích hòn trống mái”/ Vienamese’s fairy tales- NXB Mỹ Thuật
(67) Nàng Út là người đẹp nhất, đẹp nhất
( Ut is the most beautiful woman)
(68) Từ khi có họ tới, xóm làng đẹp thêm, vui thêm
( Since their arrival, the village is more beautiful and happy)
“Đep nhất”, “đẹp thêm” “vui thêm” are the comparison of descriptive adjectives.
Semantic features of descriptive adjectives in Vietnamese
Vietnamese adjectives are a crucial part of speech that describe attributes such as color, size, shape, and quality They can be effectively categorized into themes, with descriptive adjectives playing a key role in conveying detailed information.
1 Colors Xanh, đỏ , tím , vàng…
Ruột dưa đỏ ối,mọng nước làm chàng khoan khoái
Cô bé nhỏ tí ti như ngón tay út
3 Quality Tốt, xấu, tuyệt hảo…
Còn các đường may thì tuyệt hảo
4 Characteristic Khỏe mạnh,siêng năng, hung dữ…
Hai vợ chồng cùng nhau chống đỡ với mưa to sóng lớn và lũ cướp biển hung dữ
5 Feelling Vui vẻ buồn rầu,
Hoàng tử buồn rầu than vãn với vợ:” ta rất buồn vì trong cuộc thi này nàng sẽ không làm đẹp được lòng vua cha”
To elucidate the semantic field of descriptive adjectives in Vietnamese, one can examine compound words and collocational phrases that reflect both denotative and connotative meanings within their semantic context.
Ngày xưa, tại quận Cao Bình, có một chàng trai tên Thạch Sanh, mồ côi cha mẹ từ khi còn nhỏ Chàng sống một mình trong một túp lều nhỏ dưới gốc cây đa.
(One upon the time, in Cao Binh district, there lived Thach Sanh, an orphaned, living alone in a small hut under a banyan tree.)
In this sentence, small modifies for the noun hut in size amount
“ Từ nhỏ ” talks about a period of the time
(70) Hai vợ chồng cùng nhau chống đỡ với mưa to sóng lớn và lũ cướp biển hung dữ (Hòn Trống Mái- Vietnamese fairy tales)
(The couple struggled with heavy rains, huge wave and violent and fierce pirates)
“hung dữ” mentions the characteristic of pirates.
Similarities and differences of the syntactic features of descriptive in
English and Vietnamese are distinct languages, each with unique characteristics Due to cultural differences and varying communication habits, learners often struggle to use descriptive adjectives in both languages effectively This section will highlight the similarities and differences in the syntactic features of descriptive adjectives in English and Vietnamese.
4.4.1 Similarities of the syntactic features of descriptive adjectives in English and Vietnamese
- As English descriptive adjectives, Vietnamese descriptive adjectives can also function as attributive and predicative For example:
Chỉ trong vài năm qua, Hội An đã biến đổi từ một nơi nhỏ bé, trầm lắng và có phần ảm đạm thành một thành phố nhộn nhịp, đầy sức sống.
In this example, the noun "Hội An" serves as the subject, while adjectives like "small," "serene," "moss-covered," and "gloomy" act as predicates Additionally, the adjectives "bustling" and "vibrant" attribute characteristics to the noun "a town."
(72) Trăm người con trai đó lớn lên như thổi, tất cả đều xinh đẹp, khỏe mạnh và thông minh tuyệt vời ( “Con Rồng, CháuTiên” / Vienamese’s fairy tales)
In this example, xinh đẹp, khỏe mạnh và thông minh tuyệt vời are attributives
Descriptive adjectives can follow certain stative verbs in English, including "feel," "be," "make," and "seem." Similarly, in Vietnamese, adjectives can appear after verbs such as "nghe," "có vẻ," "cảm thấy," and "trông." This structure highlights the relationship between verbs and adjectives in both languages, demonstrating how they convey meaning effectively.
The water appeared a vibrant green, dotted with massive icebergs that resembled pearls, each one towering above the tallest church spires constructed by humans.
(74) Công chúa cảm thấy vô cùng tức giận
- Before English and Vietnamese descriptive adjectives are always adverbs of degree For example:
(75) They were highly delighted with the invitation, and wonderfully busy in choosing the gowns, petticoats, and head-dresses which might best become them
(76) Tiên Dung rất đẹp , song tự nguyện không lấy chồng, chỉ ham thích phong cảnh, thường đi du lịch khắp nơi trong nước
- Descriptive adjective can be in comparison form in both English and Vietnamese
In Vietnamese, comparison can express by some words: hơn, thêm, nhất… In English, we have 3 level for comparison: equality, comparative, superlative For example:
Cinderella, known for her beauty and kindness, welcomed her two sisters into the palace and arranged for them to marry two esteemed lords from the Court on the same day.
(78) Từ khi có họ tới, xóm làng đẹp thêm, vui thêm
4.4.2 Differences of the syntactic features of descriptive adjectives in English and Vietnamese
Descriptive adjectives in English can serve as the head of a noun phrase They can function as the subject, object, complement, or the complement of a preposition Unlike other noun phrases, adjectives as heads do not indicate number or generic case and typically take the definite determiner "the."
(79) There’s a widening disparity between the young and the old
The old, the young as a noun
In Vietnamese, though these adjectives can be behaved like head of a noun phrase, they are pre-modified by the determiner “người” For example:
(80) Người già thường mắc bệnh quên
In general, function of descriptive adjectives changes from pre-modifiers in
English to post-modifiers in Vietnamese For example, “Một túp lều nhỏ” is translated into English “a small hut”
4.5 Similarities and differences of the semantic features of descriptive in English and Vietnamese
As the syntactic features, there are some similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese descriptive adjectives in sematic features
4.5.1 Similarities of the semantic features of descriptive in English and Vietnamese
Descriptive adjectives play a crucial role in both English and Vietnamese, enriching the language and enhancing its vibrancy By utilizing these adjectives, individuals can vividly and imaginatively convey their thoughts and experiences, making communication more engaging and dynamic.
Both English and Vietnamese possess a rich treasure of expression, particularly in their use of descriptive adjectives, which are prevalent in both literature and everyday conversation The unique structural and semantic features of these adjectives create vibrant expressions that reflect the world around us This diversity is evident in the cultural characteristics, concepts, and thought processes of each nation Consequently, a notable similarity between English and Vietnamese is how this aspect enhances the connotative and allusive nature of both languages.
Despite cultural and linguistic differences, there are notable similarities in the thought processes and worldviews of English and Vietnamese speakers Both languages utilize descriptive adjectives to convey ideas, focusing on aspects such as character, shape, size, age, and color This commonality highlights how both English and Vietnamese employ adjectives to enhance and modify nouns effectively.
The ocean's water, a stunning blue reminiscent of cornflower petals, is crystal clear yet incredibly deep, exceeding the reach of any anchor cable.
Tít ngoài biển khơi, nước xanh hơn cánh đồng hoa mua biếc, trong vắt như pha lê nhưng lại sâu thăm thẳm, đến mức neo buông không thể chạm đáy.
(82) Voi lồng lên, định dẫm đàn Kiến nhỏ bé chết tan xác dưới bàn chân to lớn của mình
Both English and Vietnamese cultures share common thoughts, particularly in the use of descriptive adjectives Native speakers often create expressions that reflect their cultural experiences and lifestyles To fully grasp the semantic nuances of these expressions, it is essential to consider real-world situations, historical references, and cultural contexts Additionally, many of these expressions employ concrete imagery to convey abstract concepts through metaphorical and metonymical devices This analysis highlights the prevalence of metaphors and metonymies in both languages.
4.5.2 Differences of the semantic features of descriptive adjectives in English and Vietnamese
Beside similarities, the semantic features of adjectives in English and in
Vietnamese learners of English often struggle with specific differences in the language that can lead to common errors This section will focus on the most significant distinctions that impact their language learning experience.
Both English and Vietnamese civilizations are traditionally rooted in agriculture, leading to a rich tapestry of expressions that reflect human and agricultural experiences This analysis reveals that differences in language stem from cultural perspectives and worldviews, contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of language Consequently, expressions involving color and descriptive adjectives have emerged as valuable linguistic treasures waiting to be explored.
Errors and causes of committing errors by learners of English when using
Students frequently struggle with grammar and vocabulary due to over-reliance on their native language Linguists differentiate between errors, which occur when learners are unaware of language rules, and mistakes, which happen when students momentarily forget known rules, such as the order of descriptive adjectives.
(83) He seemed altogether so thin, small, and pathetic
(Anh ta dường như quá gầy, yếu và đáng thương )
(84) Cô ấy có một con mèo nhỏ trắng rất đẹp
(She has a beautiful small white cat)
(85) When the match went out and nothing but the thick, cold, damp wall was left behind (The little Match Girl, Andersan)
(Rồi… que diêm vụt tắt; trước mặt em chỉ còn là những bức tường dầy đặc và lạnh lẽo )
- Students cannot identify compound descriptive adjectives For example:
She was an unusual child, introspective and reserved, in contrast to her sisters who proudly showcased treasures from shipwrecks While they adorned their space with remarkable finds, her sole desire, aside from the bright rose-red flowers reminiscent of the sun, was to possess a stunning marble statue of a handsome young man, crafted from pristine white stone and resting on the seabed after a shipwreck.
In this example “rose-red” and” fine-looking” are descriptive adjectives in this sentence but students do not know they are compound descriptive adjectives
Students frequently encounter common grammar and vocabulary errors when constructing sentences with descriptive adjectives These mistakes often stem from incorrect usage of various syntactic structures.
(87) Rét dữ dội Tuyết rơi Trời đã tối hẳn Đêm nay là đêm giao thừa
In translation almost students have no correct answer because of effect of their first language They only translate word by word For example:
Most terribly cold it was; it snowed, and was nearly quite dark, and evening-the last evening of the year
There are only 13 students (21,6%) using the right structure when translating this sentence, but they didn’t use the descriptive adjectives in inverted sentences
4.6.2 Causes of committing errors in using descriptive adjectives
A primary challenge in language learning arises from insufficient common knowledge and linguistic competence at certain stages, particularly in early classroom environments During this time, learners are often tasked with producing written compositions or engaging in verbal communication, but their language skills may not yet support effective expression Consequently, students tend to rely on familiar structures from their mother tongue when attempting to communicate in their second language (L2).
The second factor is the limitation of foreign language environment
A key factor influencing second language production is the reliance on learners' native language, which manifests in tasks like translating paragraphs, writing essays, or orally describing images.
The final factor is the monitor use The learners are said to think in their mother tongue and attempt to put their idea in the target language.
Implication of the study
This study highlights the significance of adjectives within the vocabulary system, focusing on the recognition of descriptive adjectives The findings are valuable for language learners, offering essential insights into the appropriate usage of various adjective meanings Additionally, the research underscores the importance of encouraging students to explore the diverse meanings of adjectives, enabling them to use these descriptive words more flexibly and effectively in their language learning journey.
The meaning of a word is shaped by its relationships with other linguistic elements and can only be understood within specific contexts, which poses challenges for English language learners This study aims to enhance learners' awareness of the importance of context, particularly in relation to physical objects and emotional expressions It is essential for teachers to provide specific situations that illustrate the various meanings of a word and to guide students in recognizing necessary collocations Relying solely on Vietnamese equivalents without context can hinder students' understanding, as one English word may have multiple Vietnamese translations, particularly when descriptive adjectives precede nouns.
When learning a foreign language, individuals are often influenced by their mother tongue, leading to the imposition of Vietnamese thinking during the translation of English words This tendency results in the application of Vietnamese grammatical rules when constructing sentences in English, particularly when learners lack knowledge or are careless To avoid rigid translations, it is crucial to identify the similarities and differences between the two languages with the guidance of teachers For Vietnamese learners of English, a common error is placing descriptive adjectives before verbs or nouns, mirroring their native language structure This study aims to help learners distinguish between the two languages effectively Additionally, teachers should provide ample opportunities for students to engage with the relevant word forms, and incorporating a variety of exercises will enhance the effective and vivid use of descriptive adjectives.
Summary
The analysis reveals significant differences and similarities in the semantic features of English and Vietnamese, particularly in the use of descriptive adjectives that convey shape, size, color, and time Each language uniquely expresses ideas, reflecting distinct cultural characteristics Both languages emphasize human personality traits and the surrounding world, highlighting the crucial role of adjectives in communication A notable grammatical similarity is that adjectives in both languages typically follow the noun they modify, making it easier for learners to grasp the concepts through comparison Engaging teaching methods have been developed over the years to motivate students and cater to diverse learning needs, emphasizing the creative potential in using English adjectives Additionally, the position of adjectives can alter their meaning, showcasing their functional diversity in both languages.
