Design of the study
Chapter 2 English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
Chapter 3 A contrastive analysis on English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
Chapter 4 The meanings of English proverbs referring to parts of the human body and their Vietnamese equivalents
Chapter 5 Some suggestions for learning and teaching English proverbs
Background
Where do proverbs come from?
1.1 Where do English proverbs come from?
Proverbs originate from two main sources: the common and the wise, which are interconnected Common sayings often gain recognition through the wisdom of notable figures, while wise words frequently resonate with the general public, leading to their transformation into proverbs.
Proverbs have largely originated from the traditional and collective wisdom of mankind By way of examples,
Little strokes fell great oaks have obviously come from the common experience of woodcutters in olden times
A stitch in time saves nine has evidently come from the experience of housewives in mending clothes
Many English proverbs owe their origin to the Bible, e.g: A soft answer turneth away wrath
In addition to the Bible, several proverbs are believed to have their origin in the works of William Shakespeare It is difficult to be certain whether these
Graduation thesis - A contrastive analysis on English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
8 proverbs were truly invented by Shakespeare or they were already in existence before or around his time Some examples follow
Brevity is the soul of wit (from Hamlet)
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet (from Romeo and Juliet)
Famous literary works have contributed to a lot of proverbs as illustrated below
A little learning is a dangerous thing (from Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope)
A thing of beauty is a joy forever (from the poem Endymion by John Keats)
Some proverbs are linked to specific individuals known for their wisdom, such as John Milton, who famously wrote, “They also serve who only stand and wait” in his sonnet about blindness.
Many English proverbs originate from other languages such as French, Latin, and Spanish, often developing in parallel or being directly borrowed A notable example is the proverb “he gives twice who gives quickly,” which translates from the Latin “bis dat qui cito dat.” Some proverbs remain more popular in their original language, clearly indicating their foreign roots.
Caveat emptor (Latin) is more popular than Let the buyer beware
In vino veritas (Latin) is more popular than In wine, there is truth
1 2 Where do Vietnamese proverbs come from?
Vietnamese proverbs, an oral tradition preserved for four thousand years, serve as a powerful means of social critique and reflection on daily hardships These expressions encapsulate the collective wisdom of the Vietnamese people, highlighting their resilience and cultural values throughout history.
Graduation thesis - A contrastive analysis on English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
Vietnam, as a predominantly agricultural nation, reflects the challenges of peasant life in its proverbs These sayings often highlight the struggles faced by farmers, who contend with uncontrollable factors such as floods, droughts, and typhoons, illustrating their ongoing battle for survival.
Vietnamese proverbs, much like English ones, originate from two main sources: collective wisdom and individual insight Typically, these proverbs emerge organically from the experiences of peasants and are passed down orally through generations Additionally, some proverbs are crafted by intellectuals, writers, poets, and notable figures Due to various factors, certain proverbs gain widespread recognition within the community, such as "ngày vui ngắn chẳng tày gang."
The timeless wisdom found in Nguyễn Du's "Kiều" reflects deep philosophical insights, as seen in the lines “cảnh nào cảnh chẳng đeo sầu, người buồn cảnh có vui đâu bao giờ” and “có tài mà cậy chi tài, chữ tài liền với chữ tai một vần.” These phrases have transcended literature to become proverbs, embodying the idea of learning from the past (“ôn cũ biết mới”) Additionally, the adage “tai hoạ từ miệng gây ra, bệnh tật từ miệng rước vào” emphasizes the importance of speech in both causing misfortune and inviting illness Such proverbs, including those attributed to Confucius and Phó Huyền, highlight the intricate relationship between words and their consequences, as noted by Chu Xuân Diên in his 1975 publication.
Proverbs, often attributed to intellectuals, writers, or notable figures, were introduced to Vietnamese culture by Confucian scholars Confucianism, which arrived in Vietnam during the period of Chinese domination, later became the official ideological system of Vietnamese feudalism under the Le dynasty.
Many proverbs are borrowed from various cultures, such as the Chinese saying “distant relatives are not as helpful as nearby neighbors” (viễn thân bất như cận lân), the French proverb “when the cat’s away, the mice will play” (le chat parti les souris dansent), the Russian saying “when the cat is away, the mice are free,” and the German proverb “a good beginning is half the battle” (Frisch be gonnen, halb gennonen) Additionally, some proverbs are gathered from different ethnic groups, showcasing the rich diversity of wisdom found in global sayings.
Graduation thesis - A contrastive analysis on English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
In Mường culture, proverbs reflect deep wisdom, such as “a daughter is like a fruit,” emphasizing the value of family Additionally, the saying “one year to build a house, three years to pay off debt” highlights the importance of financial responsibility Furthermore, the proverb “a dog relies on its home, and a chicken depends on its nearby coop” illustrates the significance of community and support systems in daily life.
The Thai people's proverbs, such as "gần lửa rát mặt, gần sông sạch mình" and "gần quan thì khổ, gần nồi thì nhọ," mirror the wisdom found in Vietnamese proverbs This highlights the rich and diverse origins of proverbs in Vietnamese culture.
The position of proverbs in lexicology
Lexicology is the study of words that are considered as a branch of linguistics Lexicology can be said to consist of five essential branches:
2.1 Word structure and formation: It investigates all the problems concerning the structure of the word and the way it is formed
2.2 Semantics: It focuses on the meaning of the word, chiefly the lexical meaning because the grammatical meaning is studied in the grammar It discusses types of meaning, the change and the development of meaning, the grouping of words and so on
2.3 Etymology: It refers to the history and the origin of words Etymologists divide the English vocabulary into main layers: native words and borrowings (borrowed words)
2.4 Lexicography: It studies the problem related to dictionary compiling
They are the problem of the types of dictionary, the selection of words for each type, the arrangement of words and so on
2.5 Phraseology: It goes into set (fixed) expressions, which are reproduced in speech as ready - made units There may be standardized word phrases to very long sayings In English, there are such set expressions as: “good heavens”;
Idioms, quotations, clichés, sayings, and proverbs, such as "diamond cut diamond," "no pains no gains," "as strong as a horse," and "two heads are better than one," enrich our language and communication Much like a picture, a well-crafted proverb can convey profound meaning and insight, often encapsulating complex ideas in just a few words.
Graduation thesis - A contrastive analysis on English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
Proverbs, idioms, quotations, clichés and sayings
Distinguishing between proverbs, idioms, and sayings can be challenging due to their overlapping characteristics While a definitive solution may be elusive, we can generally categorize them into separate groups to clarify their differences.
3.1 Proverbs: A proverb is a short saying expressing popular wisdom, a truth, or a moral lesson in concise and imaginary way
He laughs best who laughs last
Two heads are better than one
Proverbs are fixed expressions with stable lexical components, often conveying figurative meanings As ready-made units of language, they should be analyzed alongside other set expressions for a comprehensive understanding.
3.2 Idioms: Idioms are difficult to define accurately They are also set expressions; short sayings usually characterized by the fact that their meanings cannot easily be deduced from their components
Let the cat out of the bag
3.3 Quotations: Quotations are also set expressions coming from literature and gradually become part and parcel of the languages This means that many people using them may not know or may forget that they are quoting In English, most familiar are from Shakespeare; Pope, etc
Give everyman thy ear but few thy voice
Graduation thesis - A contrastive analysis on English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
3.4 Clichộs: Clichés are quotations or sayings that are so frequently used that they have become hackneyed and stable As they are constantly and mechanically repeated, they have lost their expressiveness and are therefore better avoided:
Stand shoulder to shoulder with
Pave the way to a bright new world
Having dealt with the terms above it can be noted,“sayings, expressions or phraseological units are general terms
Distinction between proverbs and idioms
Idioms are fascinating anomalies in language that defy conventional rules, acting as the mavericks of the linguistic world The term "idiom" originates from the Greek word "idios," meaning "one's own, peculiar, or strange."
Idioms therefore we break the normal rules
According to the Vietnamese Dictionary published by the Linguistics Institute in 1977, an idiom is defined as a fixed expression whose meaning cannot easily be deduced from the individual words that comprise it.
Rán sành ra mỡ Đâm ba chẻ củ
Graduation thesis - A contrastive analysis on English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
“An idiom , as Johnathan Crowther (1995) defines , is a phrase whose meaning is difficult or sometimes impossible to guess by looking at the individual word it contains” ( Advanced Learners‟ Dictionary)
Or an idiom can be defined as a number of words which when taken together, have a different meaning from the individual meaning of each word
Idioms are familiar expressions that, unlike proverbs, often lack clear meaning at first glance and do not provide advice For example, the idiom "to blow one's own trumpet" refers to the act of self-promotion or boasting.
So that idioms are fixed expressions that are commonly used They are not complete sentences but words - An idiom is equal to a phrase
Idioms are expressions that lack commentary, moral lessons, or advice, which makes them more aesthetic than educational This characteristic is why idioms do not qualify as literary works; they are fundamentally a part of the language itself.
The Vietnamese idiom “mặt hoa da phấn” highlights a woman's aesthetic beauty without offering any critique or advice While idioms can be ornate and serve an aesthetic purpose, they do not provide a comprehensive understanding of life or convey lessons about social relationships.
Idioms come in various forms and structures, ranging from regular to irregular or even grammatically incorrect The clarity of an idiom's meaning does not rely on grammatical accuracy.
4.1.1.1 Irregular form, clear meaning as in "give someone to understand";
"do someone proud"; "do the dirty on someone"
Graduation thesis - A contrastive analysis on English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
4.1.1.2 Regular form, unclear meaning as in "have a bee in one' bonnet";
"cut no ice"; "bring the house down"
4.1.1.3 Irregular form, unclear meaning as in "be at large"; "go great guns"; "be at daggers drawn"
We find, in fact, that most idioms belong to the second group where the form is regular but the meaning unclear
People from all parts of the world use proverbs and sayings to transmit their wisdom, knowledge, experience and feelings Like a picture, a proverb is worth a thousand words
According to the Vietnamese Dictionary published by the Linguistic Institute in Da Nang in 1977, a proverb is defined as a concise saying that typically features rhyme and encapsulates practical knowledge, life experiences, and moral lessons.
Examples: Đói cho sạch rách cho thơm
Một giọt máu đào hơn ao nước lã
Thừa người nhà mới ra người ngoài
According to John Simpson - Proverbs - Oxford University Press “ A proverb is a traditional saying which offers advice or presents, a m oral in a short and pity manner"
“ Proverbs are concise statements expressing deep thoughts, practical knowledge, and experience - based judgements, covering all aspects of life and bearing some flavor of a particular culture, sometimes in a specific
Graduation thesis - A contrastive analysis on English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
15 period and sometimes beyond the time limits” (from Internet – http:// www.english proverbs.com)
What are proverbs? They can be defined as ' Pearl of wisdom ' - proverbs are wise sayings, so they need following characteristics:
4.2.1.1 They are popular and memorable
Example: All‟s well that ends well
4.2.1.2 They are short and to the point
Example: Slow but sure wins the race
4.2.1.4 They contain simple truth from experience over years
Example: Honesty is the best policy
A proverb is a complete sentence or expression that conveys a comment, experience, or moral lesson It serves as a distinct piece of literature, fulfilling three essential functions: comprehension, education, and aesthetic appreciation.
Example: Thuận vợ thuận chồng tát bể đông cũng cạn
This proverb emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving success, particularly within the context of a husband-wife relationship It highlights the values of equality and empathy between partners, while also serving an educational purpose by guiding individuals towards fostering positive connections in their relationships Additionally, the proverb's aesthetic appeal lies in its vivid imagery and exaggeration, capturing people's interest and encouraging reflection on the significance of harmonious partnerships.
Graduation thesis - A contrastive analysis on English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
According to logical science, proverbs and idioms can be differentiated through two thinking processes: concept and judgment Idioms represent concepts and possess a "naming function," while proverbs convey judgments and have a "reporting function." This relationship illustrates that idioms are linguistic phenomena, whereas proverbs reflect social thinking, culture, and the spirit of the community.
We can distinguish between idioms and proverbs by the following diagram.
Table1 Table of distinction between proverbs and idioms.
ASPECTS OF THE STUDY IDIOMS PROVERBS
Grammatica l structure A fixed phrase that equals a word Complete sentence
Function of literature Function of aesthetic Function of comprehension
Function of literature Aesthetic function Logical thinking process Expressing concept
Expressing judgements Confirm the attribute of phenomenon Function of linguistic form “ Naming” function made by words
Phenomena belong to the aspect of language
“Reporting” function belongs to cognitive activities
Phenomena belongs to the social attitudes, cultures, spirit of the people
Graduation thesis - A contrastive analysis on English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
4.2.2.1 The first kind takes the form of abstract statements expressing truths, such as "absence make the heart grows fonder" and "nature abhor vacuum"
4.2.2.2 Proverbs of the second type, which include many of the more colorful examples, use specific observations from everyday experience to make a point which is general, for instance, “you can take a horse to the water” but “you can‟t make him drink” and “don‟t put all your eggs in one basket”
4.2.2.3 The third type of proverbs comprises sayings from particular areas of traditional wisedom and folklore for example, the health proverbs
“after dinner rest a while, after supper walk a mile” and “feed a cold and starve a fever”
Classical maxims are often translated into everyday language, alongside traditional proverbs from rural life that pertain to agriculture, seasonal changes, and weather patterns A notable example is the saying, "red sky at night, shepherd's delight; red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning," which reflects the wisdom of farmers in predicting weather conditions.
5 The distinction between English proverbs and Vietnamese proverbs
We can find out some similarities between English proverbs and Vietnamese ones regardless of their form of language
5.1.1 We realize that there are so many proverbs which have the same way of thinking, apprehension as well as presentation
The saying "Out of sight, out of mind" emphasizes how distance can diminish our thoughts of someone or something Similarly, "Walls have ears" serves as a reminder to be cautious about what we say, as our words may be overheard Lastly, the proverb "Spare the rod and spoil the child" highlights the importance of discipline in raising children, suggesting that without proper guidance, they may not thrive.
Cheapest is the dearest ~ Của rẻ là của ôi Man proposes, God disposes ~ Mưu sự tại nhân, thành sự tại thiên
Graduation thesis - A contrastive analysis on English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to parts of the human body
5.1.2 The second similarity is that a proverb can contain an idiom
The Vietnamese proverb “chồng yêu xỏ chân lỗ mũi” and the saying “chaý nhà hàng xóm bình chân như vại” highlight the idea of influence and behavior within relationships This concept is mirrored in the English proverb “birds of a feather flock together,” emphasizing the tendency for similar individuals to associate with one another Additionally, the idiom “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” warns against the risks of concentrating all efforts in one area, reinforcing the importance of diversification in decision-making.
5.2.3 The third similarity is that they can break the structure of common proverbs and change to use in particular situations Ăn nên đọi nói nên lời Cái khó ló cái khôn.
They become as in “ăn không nên đọi nói không nên lời” and “cái khó bó cái khôn”