INTRODUCTION
Statement of the problem and rationale for the study
Communication plays a crucial role in shaping human behavior, as individuals rely on it from birth to death This vital interaction allows for the exchange of thoughts, information, and emotions In today's world, communication transcends national borders, highlighting the importance of understanding cross-cultural communication.
The increasing global interest in cross-cultural communication stems from two key assumptions: first, advancements in technology, travel, economic systems, and immigration are fostering more interactions among diverse cultures, a trend that is set to intensify Second, there is a growing recognition of the significant impact culture has on communication, shaping individuals' perceptions and interactions These insights contribute to the allure of cross-cultural communication, attracting a wide array of researchers to the field.
Television programs have become an indispensable part of daily life, making it hard to envision a home without a TV These programs provide not only entertainment but also play a crucial role in enhancing various aspects of everyday life, such as intercultural communication.
In recent years, reality shows have gained immense popularity on television, with numerous American formats being adapted for Vietnamese audiences This trend highlights the growing influence of American entertainment on Vietnamese culture, as local versions of these shows cater to the tastes and preferences of Vietnamese viewers.
Television content must be flexibly adapted to align with the tastes of the local audience, as language differences between English and Vietnamese reflect unique cultural factors This cultural distinction influences how judging panels in reality shows comment, showcasing the national culture and historical experiences of their community.
Cross-cultural research on the speech act of commenting has been largely overlooked by linguists and related researchers This gap motivates me to investigate the commenting strategies used by judges in two reality shows: American Next Top Model (ANTM) and Vietnam Next Top Model (VNTM) on American and Vietnamese television.
Research aims and research questions
The study is carried out to address the following objectives:
- To discover the common commenting strategies utilized by panels in two reality shows: ANTM & VNTM
- To investigate the similarities as well as the differences between American and Vietnamese panels‟ ways of employing those strategies of commenting
Understanding the cultural factors that influence differences between American and Vietnamese audiences is essential for professionals in mass media and broadcasting By increasing awareness of these cultural nuances, we can enhance our effectiveness in communication and content creation, ultimately benefiting our future careers in the industry.
The above aims could be summarized into two following research questions:
1 What are the common commenting strategies utilized by panels in two reality shows: ANTM & VNTM?
2 What are the similarities and differences between American and Vietnamese panels‟ ways of employing those strategies?
Significance of the study
This research aims to explore a relatively under-explored topic within the Faculty of English Language Teacher Education and in Vietnam Upon completion, the findings are expected to provide significant benefits to various stakeholders, including Vietnamese reality show producers, audiences, and researchers in the field.
- Provide a more insightful view into how the judging panels comment on reality shows, namely ANTM & VNTM
- Help the audience approach a more critical view about commenting part in the Vietnamese version of Top Model series
- Offer a reliable source of information for researchers who wish to carry out studies on similar issues in the future.
Scope of the study
This study examines the verbal direct commenting strategies utilized by judging panels in two reality shows, America's Next Top Model (ANTM) and Vietnam's Next Top Model (VNTM), specifically after the photo shoots Due to the constraints of the graduation paper, the analysis focuses on ten episodes from each show, all aired in 2010 on American and Vietnamese television.
Organization of the study
The thesis paper consists of five chapters, each of which is set to deal with a specific aim as followed:
Chapter 1: Introduction- states the problem and rationale for the study, together with the aim, significance, scope and organization of the study
Chapter 2: Literature review- provides the key concepts and theoretical backgrounds related to the research issue
Chapter 3: Methodology- outlines the research methods used and demonstrate that recognized procedures have been followed in the study
Chapter 4: Findings and discussion- state what was found, analyze and explain why the results came out as they did, and how they helped to answer the research questions
Chapter 5: Conclusion- summarizes the key points of the study, points out the limitations and proposes some suggestions for further studies
LITERATURE REVIEW
Cross - cultural Communication
Communication is essential for human interaction, serving as the foundation for sharing beliefs, values, ideas, and emotions It plays a crucial role in individual development, enabling a person to fully realize their humanity.
Communication is a vital aspect of human life, playing a crucial role in both primitive and modern societies As highlighted in 1994, "Communication is powerful: It brings companions to our sides or scatters our rivals, reassures or alerts children, and forges consensus or battle lines between us." This underscores the significant impact communication has on relationships and social dynamics.
Communication, as defined by Bach & Harnish (1979), is the dynamic exchange and negotiation between at least two individuals utilizing both verbal and non-verbal symbols, encompassing oral, written, and visual modes This intricate social interaction is characterized by a significant level of unpredictability and creativity in both its form and message.
Also regarded communication as a process, Lustig (1996: 29) hypothesizes that communication is a symbolic process in which people create shared meaning
Human communication is defined as the process of transmitting symbols to elicit a response (Samovar et al., 2007) In essence, communication involves the exchange of messages that aim to provoke reactions from others.
6 two- way process whereby meaning is sent and received so as to gain shared understanding
In essence, despite the diversity of communication theories, they all share the understanding that language is not the sole means of conveying meaning Effective communication also relies on non-linguistic elements such as gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and conversational distance, which are crucial for accurately interpreting others' intentions.
The concept of culture has evolved significantly throughout European and Western history since Roman times Harrison and Huntington (2000) highlight that the term "culture" possesses multiple meanings across various disciplines and contexts Within the scope of this paper, the researcher aims to present several typical definitions of culture.
Triandis, in his book “Culture and Social Behaviors” (1994), sees culture as
Culture encompasses a combination of human-made objective and subjective elements that historically enhance survival chances and provide satisfaction within ecological niches This definition highlights the intrinsic connection between culture and communication, emphasizing their interrelated roles in shaping human experiences.
Levine and Adelman (1993) link culture to language by defining culture as a collective background shaped by shared knowledge, communication styles, customs, beliefs, attitudes, and values.
In their last attempts to lay down a comprehensive definition of culture, Kroeber and Kluckhohn (1952) suggest that:
Culture encompasses the explicit and implicit behavioral patterns acquired and transmitted through symbols, representing the unique achievements of human groups, including their artifacts At its core, culture is rooted in traditional ideas and the values associated with them Additionally, culture can be viewed both as a product of human action and as a factor that influences future actions.
The term "culture" encompasses not just "high culture," but refers to the knowledge and beliefs necessary for individuals to function acceptably within their community and fulfill various roles recognized by its members.
In the context of culture, as defined by Goodenough (1957), it encompasses the informal and often subtle patterns of human interactions, expressions, and viewpoints shared among individuals within a specific group, rather than solely focusing on art, music, or literature.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, opportunities for cross-cultural interaction have surged, leading to a growing global interest in cross-cultural communication This concept, far from being new, has roots that trace back thousands of years to the dawn of civilization, when early humans formed tribal groups and encountered diverse cultures However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that cross-cultural communication began to be studied in earnest.
According to Kramsch (1998), the term „cross-cultural communication‟ usually refers to the meeting of two cultures or two languages across the political boundaries of nation- states
Sharing the same idea, Nguyen Quang (1998) believes that,
Cross-cultural communication involves interactions between individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, shaped by varying cultural values, attitudes, and behaviors This form of communication highlights how culture influences people's perceptions and reactions towards one another.
Another comprehensive definition by Samovar et al (2007) states, “Cross- cultural communication involves interaction between people whose cultural perceptions and symbol systems are distinct enough to alter the communication event.”
Cross-cultural communication refers to the exchange of information between individuals from diverse backgrounds, including differences in nationality, social or ethnic origin, gender, age, occupation, and sexual preference.
Speech act – Commenting as a speech act
In 1962, philosopher J.L Austin introduced the concept of "speech acts," defining it as an utterance that conveys meaning beyond mere words This foundational theory was further explored by notable theorists, including Hymens (1972), Searle (1969), Levinson (1983), and Brown and Yule (1989) Speech act analysis has proven to be an essential framework for understanding the functional aspects of language and the relationship between linguistic functions and grammatical structures.
When conducting their researches into the theory of speech act, different researchers have proposed their own definitions for it Overall, they all
9 share the common theme that speech act is best described as “in saying something, we do something”
Speech acts, as defined by Searle (1969), encompass verbal actions like promising, threatening, and requesting For instance, when someone says, “Would you please open the door for me?”, they are actively performing a request.
George Yule (1997) asserts that individuals do more than simply convey grammatical sentences; they engage in actions through their utterances This leads to a refined definition: speech acts are the actions executed through spoken or written expressions.
In brief, speech acts are acts that speakers perform when making utterances for purpose of communication
Austin (1962) identifies three distinct types of acts associated with the utterance of a sentence: locutionary acts, which refer to the actual spoken words; illocutionary acts, which convey the speaker's intention; and perlocutionary acts, which describe the effects on the listener.
A locutionary act involves producing an utterance that conveys a clear and meaningful message according to the rules of a specific language For instance, when someone says, “It is cold here,” they are simply describing the current situation or state of affairs.
However, if we not only simply say that sentence but also intend to require the listener to close the door for us, this kind of act via utterance we
10 produce with purposes in mind is generally known as illocutionary act In short, an illocutionary act is using a sentence to perform a function
The perlocutionary act represents the effect or outcome generated by a speaker's utterance in communication When communication is successful, the illocutionary and perlocutionary acts align closely, indicating that the intended action is effectively performed by the listener.
According to Searle (1969), speech acts can be categorized into five distinct types based on the speaker's intention: commissive, directive, declarative, expressive, and representative This classification helps in understanding the various functions of language in communication.
Commissive: commit the speaker to a course of action, expressing his/her intention such as promises, threats, refusals, etc
Eg: I will take you to the cinema tomorrow
Directive: attempt to get the hearer to do something and express what the speaker wants They are requests, suggestions, orders, etc
Eg: Could you open the door?
Declarative: change states of affairs, comprising namings, firings, appointments, etc
Eg: I now pronounce you husband and wife
Expressive: state what the speaker feels, express psychological states or attitude They can be apologies, compliments, greetings, expressing gratitude, commenting, etc
Eg: The meal was delicious
Representative: state what the speaker believes to be the case or not, including assertions, descriptions, reports, statements, etc
Eg: This is a German car
In the light of the aforementioned classifications, the researcher would like to employ the view of Searle as it proves to be the most complete and comprehensive one
According to Searle's theory of speech acts, comments fall under the Expressive category, as they reflect individuals' true feelings and convey their psychological states or attitudes towards people or situations.
As defined in Collins Cobuild Advanced Learner‟s English Dictionary
(2006), commenting is giving opinion about something or giving an explanation for it Besides, according to Dictionary.com, commenting is making remarks, observations, or criticisms
Commenting is a significant speech act that encompasses various related actions, including complimenting, criticizing, disparaging, encouraging, and advising To effectively conduct further research, it is essential to provide an overview of these speech acts, as they form the foundational theories necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
First and foremost, making a comment can be in the form of complimenting In the Cambridge Encyclopedia of language, Crystal
(1996) defines complimenting as expressing admiration of, congratulating or politely praising (someone) for something For example:
He complimented Erika on her appearance
In contrast, criticizing is an act of “making fair, careful judgments about the good and bad qualities of someone/ somebody.” (Collins Cobuild Advanced Learner‟s English Dictionary, 2006) For example:
“Thank you for the report I can see you put a lot of effort in it
I would appreciate it if you could enhance the article by providing a more careful summary and incorporating some graphs While the content is strong, these minor adjustments would greatly improve its overall quality.
Disparaging is a speech act that conveys dissatisfaction with someone or something, carrying a more negative connotation than criticism It serves as an absolute antonym to complimenting For example, Avril Lavigne expressed her disapproval of Britney Spears' style in an interview, stating, “I cannot stand Britney's style It's even more than terrible.”
Encouragement serves as a powerful form of feedback, inspiring individuals with the confidence to take action It acts as a motivational speech that fosters support and approval, ultimately stimulating positive behavior and outcomes.
“You will make it through.”
Another form that performing a comment can be is advising This kind of official speech act, as defined in the Cambridge Encyclopedia of language
(1996), is the giving of one‟s opinion about what somebody else should do or how he/she should behave Following is an example:
“If I were you, I would try all my best to get it.”
Commenting is a unique speech act that often combines various forms of expression, such as compliments, criticisms, and encouragements A commenting strategy may begin with a compliment followed by criticism, or it could start with disparagement and transition to encouragement This versatility allows for a rich and nuanced approach to communication.
Reality shows
A reality show is a television program designed to showcase the behavior of ordinary people in everyday situations, often orchestrated by producers to reflect real-life experiences.
Reality TV is a television genre that showcases unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, often featuring ordinary people rather than professional actors This programming typically documents real events and may involve contests with prizes Despite being an unauthorized source, Wikipedia provides a clear and comprehensive definition of reality shows.
In summary, television reality shows showcase the talents of everyday individuals rather than trained actors Producers often film extensive footage for each episode, utilizing creative editing to craft a compelling narrative It's important to differentiate reality shows from documentaries, as the latter encourages participants to act naturally while disregarding the presence of cameras.
Reality shows encompass a variety of formats, with top model series being a prominent category These series focus on aspiring models competing for recognition and opportunities in the fashion industry An overview of these shows highlights their role in shaping public perceptions of beauty and success, as well as their impact on the careers of contestants.
Top Model is a globally recognized fashion-themed reality television show, airing in over 120 countries, including Vietnam This modeling competition offers winners lucrative contracts with major modeling agencies and features in prestigious fashion magazines The format was originally developed by Tyra Banks for America's Next Top Model, which premiered in 2003 and was produced by 10×10 Entertainment.
The show follows a format similar to the American version of the series, which is also adapted for international editions Each season of Top Model consists of 9 to 13 episodes, featuring 10 to 14 contestants In every episode, one contestant is eliminated, although there are occasional instances of double eliminations or no eliminations, decided by the judging panel.
In the concluding segment of each episode, a panel of experts assesses the contestants' performances through their photos or videos Following the evaluation of all submissions, the contestants exit the room, allowing the judges to deliberate and determine the results.
As of ANTM, the current judging panel includes the host Tyra Banks, Vogue editor André Leon Talley , and fashion photographer Nigel Barker
As of VNTM, the current board of judgment includes international super model Ha Anh (the host), designer Huy Vo and actor-model Duc Hai.
Concluding remark
This chapter offers essential theoretical foundations related to the research topic, including definitions and key concepts It aims to help readers familiarize themselves with the study's content, while the detailed methodology will be discussed in the subsequent chapter.
METHODOLOGY
Selection of subjects
In order to conduct this study, the researcher has employed 10 episodes of
The Vietnamese hit series ANTM and 10 seasons of VNTM both debuted in 2010, featuring content from the first cycle of ANTM and the 15th cycle of the American version The distribution of samples is detailed in the table below.
Samples collected ep3, ep4, ep5, ep6 ep7, ep8, ep9, ep10,ep11,ep13 ep3, ep4, ep5, ep6, ep9, ep10, ep11, ep12, ep13, ep14
This study utilized information-oriented sampling rather than random sampling to select research subjects, as average cases typically provide less insightful data In contrast, extreme or atypical cases tend to reveal richer information, enhancing the overall findings of the research.
17 they activate more basic mechanisms and more factors in the situation studied
From 10 episodes of ANTM, the researcher has obtained 160 utterances of commenting; meanwhile, she has got 150 commenting utterances from 10 episodes of Vietnamese version, which makes a total of 310 utterances This large size of the samples could somehow be considered eligible enough for the researcher to carry out a reliable study.
Research methods
The researcher utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods in the study, which together provided valid data for subsequent analysis.
The study aims to demonstrate that quantitative research is the most effective method for addressing research problems in the social sciences This approach involves systematic empirical investigation of quantitative properties and their relationships The primary objective is to develop and utilize mathematical models, theories, and hypotheses related to these phenomena Measurement plays a crucial role in quantitative research, as it establishes the essential link between empirical observation and the mathematical representation of quantitative relationships.
Qualitative research is a widely used inquiry method across various academic fields, particularly in social sciences and market research Its primary goal is to gain a deep understanding of human behavior and the underlying reasons for such actions This approach focuses on exploring the "why" and "how" behind behaviors, providing valuable insights into human motivations.
18 of decision-making, not just what, where, when Hence, smaller but focused samples are more often needed, rather than large samples
Data collection procedures
The data collection procedure has been divided into two successive phases The elaboration of each phase is clarified as followed:
This phase focused on gathering a total of 10 episodes from America's Next Top Model (ANTM) and 10 episodes from Vietnam's Next Top Model (VNTM) The researcher dedicated significant time to locating and viewing 14 episodes from each show, ultimately selecting the top ten episodes from both the American and Vietnamese versions.
The final phase of the data collection process involves the researcher meticulously reviewing and annotating transcripts from 20 American and Vietnamese shows During this analysis, she identifies the commenting strategies employed in each utterance and records notable examples of these strategies for further examination in her analysis.
Data analysis procedures
The study identifies eight common commenting strategies utilized by both American and Vietnamese panels Following this, the researcher analyzed the frequency of these strategies among commentators, converting the data into percentiles for comparative analysis Ultimately, the frequencies of commenting strategies between the American and Vietnamese panels were compared to highlight differences and similarities in their approaches.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Findings
The research question, “What are the common strategies employed by judging panels in ANTM and VNTM?” was addressed through a detailed analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, derived from 160 comments from the American panel and 150 comments from the Vietnamese panel.
The boundaries between different strategies can often be ambiguous, as the research reveals a spontaneous selection of various strategies by the panel Consequently, after completing the data collection, the author suggests the most frequently employed strategies by both American and Vietnamese panels.
3 Strategy 3 : Complimenting / Praising + Criticizing/ Disparaging
8 Strategy 8 : Complimenting/ Praising + Criticizing/ Disparaging+Advising
In this strategy, the panels utilize positive language to convey admiration, congratulations, or polite praise for the contestants Common positive expressions frequently used by American panels include various affirmations and commendations that enhance the overall encouragement of participants.
Stunning, supper super hot, beautiful, fantastic, sexy , magical, high- fashioned, striking, brilliant, elegant, charming, unbelievable, amazing, wise, special, wonderful , surprising, excellent, wow, fabulous, etc
Meanwhile, Vietnamese panel, when positively commenting, are in favor of utilizing the following expressions:
Confident and very beautiful, she exudes a gentle, girly charm with a soulful presence Her elegance reflects success, leaving me pleasantly surprised and deeply persuaded by her appeal She captivates viewers with her gorgeous and radiant aura, making her irresistibly attractive.
- This is one of my favors
- Finally, it is the best I have seen
“Hoa là tiên bay về trời.” ( Huy Võ- episode 12)
- Năng lượng của bạn dồi dào ( You are full of energy.)
- Tôi bị thuyết phục bởi……… ( I‟m persuaded by…)
- Tôi rất ngạc nhiên………… ( I am very surprised at…)
- Tôi không tưởng tượng được rằng… (I cannot imagine that…)
- Tôi thấy một sức mạnh đến từ………( I see an energy from….)
- Không ai có thể phủ nhận rằng…… (It is undeniable that…)
- Bạn thật sự tỏa sáng! (You are really shining!)
Both American and Vietnamese judging panels respond positively to contestants who demonstrate strong performances or noticeable improvement When examinees grasp the concept of a photo shoot and effectively convey it through their images, they consistently receive favorable feedback from the judges.
The strategy used by the panels aims to convey their disapproval of the contestants' performances by frequently incorporating negative language in their comments Below are some common negative expressions utilized by American panelists.
Stiff, crazily uncomfortable, irritating, fun, afraid, unmemorable, too simple, not in heat, overdoing, abandoned, weird, hard, etc
“It‟s classic position You are so stiff.” (Nigel Barker –episode 7)
- There is no… in your photograph
- Here you give me so bad a picture
- I don‟t feel any……… at all
- For me, it doesn‟t work
- It‟s not my favorite photo
- It‟s a mess, in anyway, it‟s a mess
- The biggest problem here is…
- You get a little bit lost…
In the meantime, Vietnamese panel usually make use of the following expressions when making negative comments:
The content lacks impact and feels soulless, making it the worst in terms of aesthetics It appears faint and inactive, with a stiff and vague presentation The execution is overdone, showing a lack of concentration and failing to be convincing.
“Không những mắt bạn vô hồn mà đôi môi của bạn cũng vô hồn…”
- Bạn bị mắc một lỗi là…………( Your mistake is….)
- Bạn chưa thể hiện được…… ( You failed to…)
- Bạn chưa biết cách………… ( You didn‟t know how to…)
- Bạn chưa thuyết phục được…( You aren‟t convincing in…)
- Điều hạn chế là……… ( The weak point is…)
- Tôi chưa hài lòng với………( I am not satisfied with…)
The above strategy is not only employed when the panels witness low- quality photographs of the contestants, but also when they see no improvement in the examinees‟ performances
Strategy 3 : Complimenting / Praising + Criticizing/ Disparaging
This strategy serves as a form of indirect disparagement, where a compliment acts as a counterbalance to a potentially harmful negative evaluation that could threaten someone's reputation Typically, individuals focus more on the second part of the statement, which functions as a lead-in.
- You can continue to be the girl that takes pretty photos because you are stunning, but it is not really the talent behind.( Tyra Banks- episode 5)
- It looks stunning There was elegancy, but one thing that‟s lacking for me is a little bit more charm ( Nigel Barker- episode 7)
- I like this picture because in the wild, you have sexuality but it doesn‟t create any angles that I am interested in when I go into the close up ( Tyra Banks- episode 9)
Khi Hương bước lên, năng lượng của cô ấy rất dồi dào, nhưng trong bức ảnh này, Hương lại trông nhợt nhạt như một cô bé lạc lõng, không để lại ấn tượng gì trong tâm trí tôi.
Ánh mắt của Trang trong bức ảnh này toát lên sự mạnh mẽ, nhưng phần cơ mặt từ miệng trở xuống lại thiếu sự linh hoạt, tạo cảm giác cứng nhắc (Đức Hải - tập 5)
Ngay từ đầu, tôi đã nhận xét rằng bạn sở hữu khuôn mặt khả ái và thân hình chuẩn Tuy nhiên, trong bức hình này, tất cả những yếu tố đó dường như trở nên nhạt nhòa (Hà Anh - tập 11)
The fourth strategy involves panels initially making polite remarks to compliment the candidates' appearance and efforts Following this, they provide feedback or share personal experiences to guide the examinees on improving their performance American panels often use phrases like “even though…”, “if…”, “you have to…”, and “you need to…”, while Vietnamese panels commonly utilize expressions such as “nhưng nếu…”, “tuy nhiên bạn phải chú ý ”, and “tôi muốn gửi tới các bạn rằng…”.
- Even though you look stunning, if you put your gesture at your neck even more, it will make you to look more of a model (Tyra Banks- episode 4)
- I think you are so stunning, I think you need to grow into more confident (Andre Leon Talley- episode 11)
Hoa đã thay đổi rất nhiều so với trước đây Bức ảnh này thật đẹp, mặc dù bạn không nhìn trực tiếp vào ống kính Điều này gửi gắm thông điệp rằng không phải lúc nào chúng ta cũng cần phải nhìn vào ống kính.
- Bạn rất đẹp, nhưng nếu mềm mại hơn một chút thì bạn sẽ làm tốt hơn rất nhiều (Hà Anh –episode 13)
Judges often provide advice following compliments on contestants' photos, indicating their satisfaction while also aiming to help enhance their performance to a more professional level.
This strategy involves the panel initially expressing approval and admiration for the contestants, which boosts their confidence They encourage candidates to continue their good work by using affirming phrases like “be your best” and “more of you,” as well as Vietnamese expressions such as “hãy duy trì phong độ” and “bạn có thể…nữa.”
- I think it is a great job, I thought you have a lot of qualities of all how I wish, and you could even be more (Nigel Barker – episode 4)
Discussion
To explore the similarities and differences in the strategies employed by American and Vietnamese panels, the author analyzed relevant data to address the second research question.
30 collected to discover the frequency of the use of commenting strategies by panels in two reality shows: ANTM & VNTM
Table 1: Use of commenting strategies by panels in two reality shows:
American Next Top Model & Vietnam Next Top Model
Table 2: Use of commenting strategies by American panel
As can be seen from the data, the very first strategy (complimenting/ praising) appears to be the most common one used by American panel.
% strategy 1 strategy 2 strategy 3 strategy 4 strategy 5 strategy 6 strategy 7 strategy 8
Figure 1: Use of commenting strategies by American panel
This strategy is utilized totally 68 times out of 160 utterances, which account for 42.5% Here are some typical examples:
- I feel you are stunning In fact, your hand posing is very very good.”(Andre Leon Talley- episode 3)
- The man beside you is supper supper hot but I‟m so looking at you (Tyra Banks- episode 4)
- Your picture can be in Vogue Italia (Nigel Baker- episode 4)
American judges show a clear disfavor for strategy number 8, which involves complimenting, criticizing, and advising This approach is utilized only three times, making up a mere 1.88% of their overall strategies.
The 8th strategy, which combines three speech acts, requires the board of judgment to invest more time and effort, making it less commonly used This strategy is typically reserved for special cases where the panel recognizes both the positive and negative aspects.
32 bad points of the contestants‟ photos; accordingly, they want to facilitate the candidates to overcome their weak points to perfect their performances
Table 3: Use of commenting strategies by Vietnamese panel
The chart illustrates a fact that Vietnamese panel use all the eight strategies, among which the second one (criticizing/ disparaging) is the most favored (33.3 %).
% strategy 1 strategy 2 strategy 3 strategy 4 strategy 5 strategy 6 strategy 7 strategy 8
Figure 2: Use of commenting strategies by Vietnamese panel
The most representative examples are quoted as followed:
Mắt và môi bạn có thể phản ánh sự thiếu sức sống, đây chính là điểm yếu nhất của bạn, thể hiện rõ những điều không đẹp.
- Trong bức ảnh này, tôi chưa hài lòng với phần thể hiện của bạn, tôi không nghĩ nó làm người ta nhớ (Hà Anh – episode 5)
- Ở đây, chúng tôi cần một sự mới mẻ ở Hương, góc nhìn của Hương trong mọi bức ảnh không có gì thay đổi ( Huy Võ – episode 6)
Trong tập 7, Đức Hải nhận xét rằng khả năng biểu cảm của Trang còn yếu và cô chưa hoàn toàn chủ động trong việc điều khiển cơ thể của mình Điều này cho thấy Trang cần nỗ lực học hỏi và cải thiện rất nhiều để nâng cao kỹ năng biểu diễn.
The data suggests that traditional values significantly impact the panel's commenting strategy, echoing the adage "spare the rod and spoil the child."
In Vietnamese culture, including among judges on reality shows, there is a prevalent belief that criticism is more beneficial than praise This approach suggests that while disparagement may hurt individuals, it can also motivate them to improve and strive for progress Consequently, criticism has become a common practice among Vietnamese panels, reflecting a deeply ingrained perspective on the value of tough feedback in personal development.
Both American and Vietnamese judging panels show a notable reluctance toward the 8th strategy, which combines complimenting, criticizing, and advising, as it constitutes only 2.7% of their overall approach This indicates that regardless of cultural background, both groups are least inclined to use this strategy, suggesting its application is limited to specific situations.
A glance at the table shows that though popularly chosen by both panels, the percentage of the first strategy (complimenting/praising) employed by
American judges employ strategies significantly more often than their Vietnamese counterparts, utilizing them in 42.5% of their utterances, or 68 out of 160 instances In contrast, Vietnamese judges favor complimenting and praising much less, with these strategies appearing in only 26.6% of their communications.
Table 4: Use of strategy 1 by American and Vietnamese panels
The author of the thesis believes that American judges are generally more inclined to give compliments compared to their Vietnamese counterparts This tendency stems from a deeply rooted belief in egalitarianism among Americans, who value equality across various dimensions such as race, religion, and social status As a result, American judges may feel compelled to uphold this sense of equality by offering more praise and minimizing criticism, focusing on the positive aspects of contestants' performances rather than their shortcomings.
Table 5: Use of strategy 2 by American and Vietnamese panels
The data reveals a significant difference in critical commentary between American and Vietnamese individuals, with only 15% of American comments being disparaging, compared to 33.3% of Vietnamese comments This indicates that the Vietnamese judging group utilizes critical commentary strategies at nearly double the rate of their American counterparts.
Vietnam's hierarchical culture often leads to a social power dynamic in etiquette, where judges may feel superior to contestants (Nguyen Quang, 1998) This perspective can result in judges prioritizing criticism over compliments, as they believe that highlighting contestants' weaknesses elevates their own status Consequently, it is important for Vietnamese contestants to understand that such critiques do not inherently imply that their performances are inferior to those of American contestants.
Table 6 indicates that just 10% of American comments utilize strategy 3, while the Vietnamese panel shows a stronger tendency towards a combination of complimenting/praising and criticizing/disparaging, with a notable 14% in this category.
Table 6: Use of strategy 3 by American and Vietnamese panels
Both American and Vietnamese judges often struggle to directly address contestants' weaknesses and provide blunt negative feedback As a result, they typically use a strategy of complimenting the contestants on their appearance or attire before delivering any criticism This approach helps to mitigate the potential impact on the contestants' self-esteem and maintain a positive atmosphere during evaluations.
Table 7: Use of strategy 4 by American and Vietnamese panels
The data witnesses the likelihood that complimenting/ praising + advising is chosen at quite a low rate than other strategies by both American and Vietnamese judging groups
In a comparative analysis, American panelists employed the strategy of complimenting and advising in only 4.38% of their utterances, using it seven times out of 160 In contrast, Vietnamese judges utilized this approach more frequently, with a frequency of 5.3%, incorporating it eight times out of 150 utterances.
Concluding remark about major cross-cultural similarities and
The analysis reveals notable similarities and differences in the commenting strategies used by American and Vietnamese panels Both groups effectively utilize all eight common strategies identified in the study.
Noticeably, the least favorable strategy employed at the lowest rate by both Vietnamese and American panels is Complimenting/ Praising + Criticizing/ Disparaging+ Advising
Furthermore, there appears a rather equality of the frequency at which American and Vietnamese judging groups utilize three following strategies:
Complimenting/Praising+ Advising, Criticizing/ Disparaging + Advising
The most significant distinction observed is that American panels predominantly favor the strategy of complimenting, while Vietnamese judging groups exhibit a higher preference for the strategy of criticizing.
Nevertheless, the manner American board of judgment utilize the first strategy also extremely differs from that of Vietnamese panel Let‟s consider the following examples:
- I want to eat your lip on breakfast with toast
- I see you as a sexy version of mermaid
- I love the fire in your face
- For me, you are like a volcano on the iceberg of cold frozen
The extreme compliments often found in foreign reality shows, particularly in American panels, frequently liken beauty to food or use terms associated with heat and sexuality In contrast, such topics are considered taboo in Vietnamese culture, which can lead to shock among Vietnamese contestants and audiences This highlights the significant differences in manners and cultural perceptions between American and Vietnamese panels.
41 employing strategy 1 can somehow be seen, further investigations in related studies are still required to come to any confirmatory conclusion
What is more, American board of judgment seem to make more use of
Complimenting/ Praising + Encouraging (strategy 5) and Criticizing/ Disparaging + Compliment (strategy 6) than Vietnamese panel do
Last but not least, strategy 3(Complimenting / Praising + Criticizing/
Disparaging), strategy 8 (Complimenting/ Praising + Criticizing/ Disparaging+ Advising) are paid more attention to by Vietnamese judging group than American one
In brief, the differences can be observed in the following table:
Complimenting/ Praising 42.5 33.3 Criticizing/Disparaging Criticizing/ Disparaging 15 26.6 Complimenting/ Praising Complimenting / Praising +
CONCLUSION
Summary of findings
This research paper highlights two key findings: the common commenting strategies utilized by panels in the reality shows ANTM and VNTM, and the similarities and differences in how American and Vietnamese panels implement these commenting strategies.
As for the former, the researcher has discovered totally eight popular strategies that both American and Vietnamese judging groups utilize when making comments They are:
Strategy 3: Complimenting / Praising + Criticizing/ Disparaging
Strategy 8: Complimenting/ Praising + Criticizing/ Disparaging+ Advising
The thesis findings highlight both similarities and differences in how two cultures employ various strategies for delivering comments Notably, the eighth strategy, which combines commenting and praising with criticizing and advising, is the least frequently utilized.
Both American and Vietnamese panels demonstrate a shared perspective on the use of complex and time-intensive strategies, leading the researcher to conclude that these two cultures align in their approach.
The primary distinction between American and Vietnamese judging strategies lies in their approach to feedback American judges predominantly utilize positive comments and praise, reflecting their cultural value of egalitarianism In contrast, Vietnamese judges favor a critical approach, often highlighting contestants' weaknesses, which may stem from a cultural emphasis on hierarchical distance This divergence in feedback styles underscores the influence of cultural values on judging practices in these two countries.
In conclusion, the thesis author has proposed several suggestions for effectively performing the speech act of commenting, aimed at enhancing the practical implications for study.
Implications
Commenting is a nuanced and subjective speech act that varies significantly across cultures, potentially leading to challenges in both intercultural and cross-cultural communication Despite its importance, the act of commenting has been largely overlooked in linguistic research, highlighting the theoretical and practical significance of this thesis paper.
This research aims to enhance awareness around the importance of commenting, emphasizing that it is a sensitive aspect of communication Consequently, commentators should exercise caution and thoughtfulness in their statements to foster respectful dialogue.
The study highlights the key similarities and differences in commenting strategies used by American and Vietnamese panels, offering viewers of the VNTM reality show a clearer understanding of the original format and a more critical perspective on its Vietnamese adaptation Notably, Vietnamese commentary tends to focus on criticism and disparagement of candidates, often expressed in a more aggressive manner, which contrasts with the more supportive tone typically found in American panels This approach can potentially harm the candidates and the perception of the foreign judging panel.
This article aims to guide Vietnamese reality show producers in making appropriate adaptations to enhance the authenticity and originality of local versions of foreign programs In fashion competitions like Top Models, constructive criticism is essential for improving contestants' performances Judges should focus on various aspects such as posing, facial expressions, lighting, angles, the concept of photo shoots, and collaboration among contestants, rather than solely evaluating their physical appearances, makeup, body types, costumes, personal traits, and emotional states, which is often the approach taken by Vietnamese panels.
Nevertheless, the research contributes to better understanding of teacher‟s as well as English learners in employing general commenting in the class setting
Last but not least, this thesis paper offers a reliable source of reference for researchers in related fields in the future
Limitations of the study
Even though the author of the thesis has worked with all her great efforts, she still unavoidably had to leave the paper finished with some certain limitations
Due to the limitation of studying only 10 episodes in each version, the author refrains from making definitive conclusions, instead offering remarks, assumptions, and comments on the findings.
The researcher recognizes that the adaptation of the Vietnamese version influences the use of commenting strategies; however, she faces limitations in resources and capacity that hinder her ability to address this issue effectively.
Due to time constraints, the study could not explore politeness strategies in commenting, an important area closely related to the research presented Further investigation in this field would have significantly enhanced the depth and value of her thesis.
Furthermore, extending the duration and scope of the study would enable the researcher to explore nonverbal commenting strategies, which the author believes is a valuable area for further investigation.
Suggestions for further studies
Since the research area of commenting has not been thoroughly investigated, other thesis authors are still offered a large room to conduct further studies in such issues as follows:
- Politeness strategies in commenting by panel in two reality shows: ANTM & VNTM
- Non- verbal strategies in commenting by panels in two reality shows: ANTM & VNTM
Moreover, the act of commenting can also be put under investigation in other reality shows like “American Idol”, “Dancing with the stars”,
“Wherever you are”, “The bus of love” and so on.
Concluding remark
In conclusion, the author hopes that readers interested in cross-cultural communication will find significant value in her thesis Acknowledging that shortcomings are a natural part of the research process, she welcomes constructive feedback and insightful criticism from readers.
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AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL CYCLE 15
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): Oh, my goodness! How can you stand in the top of the man?
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): for you, I think it‟s very beginning
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): I feel you are stunning In fact, the hand is very good
- Tyra Banks (MC): and the man beside you is supper supper hot but I‟m so looking at you
Nigel Barker, the renowned fashion photographer, expressed his admiration by stating that while he found it difficult to fully grasp the approach taken, it reminded him of a scene from a movie Despite the confusion, he recognized the brilliance behind the work, labeling it as genius.
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): I think the body is stiff I think that you can understand it
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): I see no scorned, I see ……
- Tyra Banks (MC): that was the unique shot, Jane, that you were scorned, it‟s almost you were understand
Andre Leon Talley, a renowned fashion editor, emphasized the importance of not just beauty but also the right pose in modeling He admired the positioning of the model's arm but felt it was insufficient, expressing a desire for a more authentic connection, suggesting that the focus should be on how the model engages with the viewer.
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): again, of course, you have a guy, but you got to remember you are the star of the picture
- Tyra Banks (MC): you know who is the better girl? It‟s Kaysy To me, that‟s predatorial Do you understand the difference?
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): it‟s not easy, one of you can be in Vogue Italia…
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): There is no inferration in your photograph
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): finally, about the face, it‟s the best I‟ve seen It‟s still rather …….in the body but the face is strong
Tyra Banks expressed her concerns about the current team's performance, stating that the picture is not strong and that the team is collectively weak She emphasized the importance of being emotionally resilient and suggested that experiencing heartbreak can lead to personal growth for future challenges.
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): the girl didn‟t look at the man model but your eyes are fantastic
- Tyra Bank: I don‟t feel lust at all To me it looks like …
- Andre Leon Talley: here you give me so bad a picture
- Nigel Barker: your nails should go into his neck
-Nigel Barker: I think it‟s fabulous Very sensitive picture
- Andre Leon Talley: finally we got it
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL CYCLE 15
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): wow, I love the hand positioning, it works fantastically
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): beautiful!
Tyra Banks emphasizes the challenges of a photo shoot, noting that the model's limited movement can lead to a lifeless appearance in the images She appreciates the effort put into capturing dynamic poses, highlighting the difficulty of achieving vibrant results in such demanding conditions.
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): I love the photograph
Tyra Banks expressed her admiration, stating it’s fascinating how one can excel in various fields She described the individual as a captivating blend of a sexy mermaid and a country singer.
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): I think it‟s a great job, I thought you have a lot of qualities of all how I wish , and you could even be more
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): this is superior, it gives a moment I think the lip I want to eat them on the breakfast with toast
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): it‟s look like what they will do with the beauty……
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): I love the way you most of you imagine: form deep of the sea and then coming up to the surface
Tyra Banks discusses the challenges of capturing classic beauty shots, emphasizing the importance of minimizing the appearance of a large forehead She explains that strategic techniques can effectively alter the perception of the forehead, making it appear smaller in photographs.
- Tyra Banks (MC): Even though you look stunning, if you put your gesture at your neck even more, it will make you to look more of a model Thank you!
Nigel Barker, a renowned fashion photographer, emphasizes the importance of individuality in modeling He believes that true beauty shines through when a model brings their unique personality to a photograph, creating stunning visuals that capture their essence.
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): very elegant, there‟s something won about your smile and it‟s lovely
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): You look crazily uncomfortable when I shoot you I don‟t get it in realize, it‟s like too sweet to relax
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): beautiful, gorgeous, that‟s best I„ve seen of you so far
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): You‟ve alternate my mind Fantastic!
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL CYCLE 15
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): the body language is little but the face is stunning
- Tyra Banks (MC): you can continue to be the girl that takes pretty photo because you are stunning, but it is not really the talent behind
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): we rely on you, keep going and be your best!
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): It‟s not particularly pretty, I don‟t feel any age or energy
- Tyra Banks (MC): I‟m looking It looks like you just work …
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): I see your……….I love ……
- Tyra Banks (MC): my only thing is …if you were even more dominated on you, your face would be a good one
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): there is a lot tension in your hand, your body, your face
Tyra Banks (MC) emphasized that while the viewer is directed to look at the photo, the angle obscures the finger pointing She suggested that adjusting the pose could enhance clarity, ensuring the message is effectively conveyed.
- Tyra Banks (MC): Ann, it‟s amazing, sometime there is magic created and you create magic
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): you have to get some confidence somewhere in your body This is shown on Italian Vogue
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): The eyes!
-Nigel Barker : and the eyes!
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): It‟s classic position, if you do like this, it‟ll become fashion
- Tyra Banks (MC): you got the shot, Chris, because you get the…….and look what happened
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): the eyes have light
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): interesting, some reasons for me is the connection with your eyes
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): I‟ve got to say it‟s high- fashioned
- Tyra Banks (MC): I feel you look very mature
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL CYCLE 15
Tyra Banks expressed her discomfort regarding the chosen photo, highlighting that the model's body appears unhealthy due to its curvature, contrasting with the standards of wellness.
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): you are very slim, and I will say when I look at the picture ……… If you…giving yourself look a bit more curved
- Tyra Banks (MC): do you think you have to be a model or…
- Tyra Banks (MC): but there‟s a point that even a designer or an editor of a magazine and they say this is too much
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): and also I said the president of CMGA, beauty is heath and if you lost healthy, you lose beauty
- Tyra Banks (MC): and it‟s more difficult for girl to be like you
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): amazing, the hand on your hair look natural It‟s gentle about you
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): I think you can be a big model
- Kyle Hagler (Img Manager): and you success to go away
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL CYCLE 15
Nigel Barker, a renowned fashion photographer, emphasizes the striking and powerful nature of the image, highlighting the model's captivating presence He believes that while the shot may not be the model's best today, it truly showcases their potential and essence.
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): The hair tells me you are Westwood I‟m convinced with your point of being Westwood
Tyra Banks praised the contestant's fierce expression and noted the striking similarity in appearance to the girl beside her, who also sported vibrant hair and a bold outfit, emphasizing the importance of asserting one's individuality with the statement, "step back, this is my shot."
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): It is classic position You are so stiff
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): you absolutely caught the essence of his the body gestures
- Tyra Banks (MC): There is a beautiful of sexuality structure that I think you should really was there‟s something that is magical
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): It‟s look stunning I think it‟s your best photograph, truthly There was elegancy, but one thing that‟s lacking
58 for me is a little more bit charm, she very very successful as she has charm and elegance
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): you look fantastic
Nigel Barker, a renowned fashion photographer, believes that capturing the essence of a subject often requires an over-the-top approach He emphasizes the importance of portraying others subtly, while also acknowledging the striking impact of unique costumes in his work.
Tyra Banks (MC) praised your stunning bone structure but noted that it seems diminished due to a lack of facial expression She advised that if you wish to present a more masculine appearance, you should emphasize your jawline However, she emphasized that your photo doesn't capture your true beauty.
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): I think it‟s a little bit more broken
- Tyra Banks (MC): when you come to top model, it‟s not a funning game
- Tyra Banks (MC): my feeling is that you are noun, and not a verb, so you are born a model but not modeling, what you think is blocking you
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): it‟s just surprise me, I don‟t think it‟s the prettiest shot of you and I love it for that reason
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): it‟s great, the photograph is great I love the way you look, the dress is well chosen
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): brilliant! That‟s what‟s she like, no stop of movement She is glorious, she has the sense of humor, this is very best
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL CYCLE 15
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): you got a magic moment I want to see more of you
- Andre Leon Talley (Fashion editor): That‟s the contract with the real model I want to say you look beautiful when you were telling him
- Nigel Barker (fashion photographer): she was absolute utter missed and what‟s more, irritatingly, you laugh most of it
- Tyra Banks (MC): you should look forward The waiting gate toward u want to go is not lowing it off What are you thinking now?