INTRODUCTION
Rationale for the study
English is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, and in Vietnam, the number of schools and universities offering English as a core subject has been steadily increasing This rise is largely due to the country's need for global integration since the open-door policy, leading to a growing interest in learning English However, Vietnamese learners face challenges due to the significant differences between English and Vietnamese, particularly when it comes to idioms Idioms reflect cultural nuances and are often the most challenging aspect of language acquisition, as they encapsulate a nation’s history, geography, customs, and cultural background Understanding English idioms requires a grasp of their cultural context, highlighting the importance of cultural knowledge in learning Both English and Vietnamese are rich in idiomatic expressions, making it essential for learners to leverage this cultural understanding to master English idioms effectively.
English idioms present a unique challenge, even for native speakers, making them a fascinating area of study My research focuses on "An English-Vietnamese Cross-Cultural Study of Idioms With Colors and Its Implications to ELT," as this cultural perspective enhances the accuracy and vibrancy of understanding idioms I aim to provide valuable insights for Vietnamese learners seeking to use these idioms correctly, highlighting the importance of cultural context in language education.
In summary, the significance of the English language and the proper use of idioms is crucial for effective communication My research is driven by the challenges faced in using color-related idioms, as well as a desire to help Vietnamese students recognize the importance of these expressions in mastering English This endeavor aims to enhance their four language skills and foster a deeper understanding of idiomatic usage.
Scope of the study
This study focuses on "An English-Vietnamese Cross-Cultural Study of Idioms With Colors and Its Implications for English Language Teaching" among Vietnamese learners of English, highlighting a comparison with native English speakers It explores the significance of colors and idioms related to colors from a cross-cultural perspective Given the diverse backgrounds of Vietnamese learners, including age, purpose, and occupation, the research primarily targets first-year students at CFL-VNU, alongside a select group of native English speakers.
Objectives of the study
Effective communication for foreign language learners hinges on their ability to understand and articulate their viewpoints Achieving these objectives requires mastery of vocabulary and grammar, as well as an understanding of idiomatic expressions A strong grasp of idioms is essential for learners to enhance their communication skills and convey their messages more effectively.
This study addresses the challenges encountered in using English idioms related to colors, drawing from both personal experiences and observations The primary aim is to provide valuable suggestions to English learners to help prevent communication breakdowns The objectives of this research are outlined below.
1 To provide the theoretical review of English idioms and a specification is given to English idioms with colors
2 To show how well Vietnamese students are exposed to English idioms in general and English idioms with colors in particular, and how they practice, use them in mastering English Also, it points out wrong interpretations that are usually encountered and made by students when using English idioms with colors, at the same time, seeks the sources of such mistakes
3 To supply some suggested implications for teaching and learning method, and some activities and exercises that can be useful for practicing English idioms with colors in teaching and learning process, contributing to improve ability of using English idioms with colors.
Methodology of the study
The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure the collection of reliable and comprehensive data Quantitative data, consisting of numerical information suitable for statistical analysis, was combined with qualitative data, which includes descriptive text gathered from interviews and observations.
The primary methods utilized in this study include examining reference materials to gather valuable knowledge and theories Additionally, the research incorporates survey questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and observational techniques to enrich the findings.
Idioms are complex multi-word units that challenge our understanding of grammar and vocabulary, a challenge that remains largely unmet (Fellbaum et al., 2006:349) While they are often viewed as distinct from standard language, the exact nature of this distinction is not always clear Even among researchers who study idioms, there is a lack of consensus on what qualifies as an idiom due to the diverse nature of this linguistic category.
An idiom is an established expression whose meaning differs from the individual meanings of its parts While this definition encompasses various phraseological structures like collocations, formulaic greetings, and clichés, these do not qualify as true idioms Researchers face the challenge of creating a definition that inclusively identifies all recognized idioms while effectively excluding non-idiomatic expressions.
Current psycholinguistic theories suggest that idioms should be viewed as "long words," with their meanings accessed directly rather than through the analysis of their individual components (Gibbs 1994, 2002) However, when encountering an idiom for the first time, language users must derive its meaning from the individual constituents, typically focusing on the most prominent meanings first (Giora 1997, 2002; Peleg & Giora).
The limited success of this tactic stems from the challenges in determining the relevant meaning of polysemous components and the degree to which the idiom is semantically motivated or transparent.
If you look up the word idiom in Webster, you will be given the following definition:
An idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be easily inferred from the individual words it contains, such as "kick the bucket" or "hang one's head." Additionally, idioms do not follow standard grammatical rules, as seen in expressions like "the table round" instead of "the round table." These unique expressions stand alone and are not part of larger phrases with similar characteristics.
This definition seems a bit dry and doesn't really tell anything about the function of idioms in English language
English is abundant in idioms, unique expressions that often challenge conventional logic and grammar The presence of idioms adds significant variety and humor to both spoken and written English, making the language more vibrant and engaging.
2 Cultural characteristics of English idioms:
The rich diversity of English idioms can largely be attributed to the language's historical evolution, reflecting the everyday experiences of people from various backgrounds Significant sources of these idiomatic expressions include the Bible and the works of Shakespeare, both of which have contributed greatly to English literature Additionally, many idioms are derived from fables, myths, and legends, further enriching the language.
Besides, English idioms are created by people in different trades and occupations
Many idioms originate from the experiences of working individuals, such as seamen, hunters, farmers, and cooks, who incorporate familiar terms from their trades into their language Phrases like "in deep water" and "tide over" stem from maritime life, while "kill two birds with one stone" reflects hunting practices, and "have all one's eggs in one basket" relates to farming These expressions are concise, vivid, and impactful, allowing them to transcend their original contexts and become widely accepted in everyday language Consequently, they have become integral to the cultural fabric of language, applicable in various situations.
The distinct cultural backgrounds of English and Vietnamese languages lead to noticeable differences between them Idioms, as an integral part of language, showcase the vibrant characteristics of a nation Consequently, there are significant cultural disparities between English and Vietnamese idioms.
Idioms are closely linked to people's daily lives and work Given that England is an island, its culture holds a deep appreciation for water, which is reflected in the idiom "spend money like water."
Cultural perceptions of dogs vary significantly between Western countries and Vietnam In the West, dogs symbolize loyalty and faithfulness, often regarded as close companions Conversely, in Vietnamese culture, the term for dog can carry negative connotations For instance, the English phrase "You are a lucky dog" reflects a positive sentiment, devoid of any contempt, highlighting the contrasting attitudes towards dogs in different cultures.
Religious beliefs significantly influence English idioms, introducing various ideas and customs linked to faith Phrases such as "God helps those who help themselves" and "Go to hell" exemplify how these beliefs shape language and expression.
Many English idioms originate from significant historical events Phrases like "to cross the Rubicon" and "to meet one's Waterloo" are derived from Napoleon's empire's downfall, while the American Civil War gave rise to expressions such as "by the grapevine."
Literature Review
Cultural characteristics of English idioms
The rich diversity of English idioms can be largely attributed to the language's historical evolution, drawing from the daily experiences of people across various backgrounds Significant sources of these idiomatic expressions include the Bible and the works of Shakespeare, both of which have greatly influenced the English language Additionally, many idioms originate from fables, myths, and legends, further enriching the tapestry of English expression.
Besides, English idioms are created by people in different trades and occupations
Many idioms originate from the experiences of working individuals, such as seamen, hunters, farmers, and cooks, who use familiar terminology from their trades Phrases like "in deep water" and "tide over" stem from maritime life, while "kill two birds with one stone" reflects hunting, and "have all one's eggs in one basket" relates to farming These expressions are concise, vivid, and impactful, allowing them to transcend their original contexts and become widely accepted in everyday language Consequently, they have become integral to the cultural fabric of communication, applicable in various situations.
The cultural disparities between English and Vietnamese languages lead to notable differences, particularly in idioms, which encapsulate the vibrant characteristics of each nation Consequently, there are distinct cultural variations in idiomatic expressions between English and Vietnamese.
Idioms are deeply intertwined with people's daily lives and professions Given that England is an island, its culture places great value on water, which is reflected in expressions like "spend money like water."
Cultural perceptions of dogs vary significantly between Western countries and Vietnam In many Western societies, dogs symbolize loyalty and faithfulness, often regarded as close companions Conversely, in Vietnamese culture, the term for dog typically carries a negative connotation For instance, the English phrase "You are a lucky dog" reflects a positive sentiment, highlighting the contrasting attitudes towards dogs in different cultures.
Religious beliefs significantly influence English idioms, introducing various ideas and customs linked to faith Phrases such as "God helps those who help themselves" and "Go to hell" exemplify how these beliefs shape language and expression.
Many English idioms have their origins in significant historical events For instance, phrases like "to cross the Rubicon" and "to meet one's Waterloo" stem from Napoleon's downfall, while the American Civil War gave rise to expressions such as "by the grapevine."
Classification of idiom
English idioms can be classified based on various criteria, with cultural style being a preferred approach This classification divides idioms into five categories: colloquialisms, proverbs, slang, allusions, and phrasal verbs Understanding these distinctions enhances the study, learning, usage, and translation of idioms While many English idioms are versatile and applicable in various contexts, some are specific to formal or slang situations Knowledge of this classification is valuable for both learners and translators.
Colloquialisms are informal words or phrases commonly used in everyday conversation For instance, the expression "on the blink" refers to something not functioning correctly, such as a washing machine that is out of order Another example is "hang in (there)," which conveys encouragement to persevere through difficulties.
―not to give up‖; ―big wheel‖，means ―an influential or important person‖
A proverb, derived from the Latin term "proverbium," is a widely recognized and repeated saying that conveys a truth based on common sense and human experience Often metaphorical in nature, proverbs serve as concise expressions of wisdom When a proverb outlines a fundamental rule of conduct, it is referred to as a maxim, while those with particularly eloquent phrasing are known as aphorisms.
Proverbs are frequently derived from comparable languages and cultures, often transmitted through multiple linguistic channels The Bible, particularly the Book of Proverbs, along with medieval Latin, has significantly contributed to the spread of proverbs throughout Europe, while nearly every culture also boasts its own unique proverbs.
Proverbs are concise and widely recognized sayings that convey fundamental truths or practical advice Examples include phrases like "A fall into a pit, a gain in your wit," "Do as they do at Rome," and "Bitter pills may have wholesome effects." These expressions encapsulate wisdom in a memorable way, making them an integral part of everyday language.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proverb)
Slang refers to informal words and phrases that deviate from standard language norms It serves as a means of expressing ideas that may be deemed inappropriate in formal contexts and helps individuals connect with like-minded peers.
Slang is a vibrant form of language primarily found in casual conversation, characterized by playful and often temporary expressions that replace standard terms for added humor or impact Its popularity stems from its colorful and expressive nature, making communication more engaging For example, terms like "dough" and "bread" refer to "money," while "kick the bucket" means "to die," showcasing the creativity and irreverence inherent in slang.
( Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slang)
Allusions serve as indirect references that often replace more general terms, enhancing the richness of language For instance, the term "Trojan horse" originates from the ancient story of the Trojan War, while "Sphinx riddle" draws from Greek mythology, referring to a winged creature with a woman's head and a lion's body, known for posing deadly riddles to those who could not answer.
Phrasal verbs are idiomatic expressions formed by combining a verb with a preposition and/or a particle For instance, "get away with" refers to the act of doing something wrong without facing punishment, "put down to" indicates attributing a cause or explanation to something, and "look into" means to investigate a matter.
There is another way to classify idioms as follows:
Phrase idioms consist of a central word that can be a noun, verb, adjective, preposition, or adverb, aligning with familiar parts of speech These idioms serve specific syntactic functions within sentences, enhancing their meaning and coherence.
Verb phrase idioms consist of a verb combined with an adverb, such as "look up," or a verb paired with a preposition, like "make for." Additionally, they can include a verb that incorporates both an adverb and a preposition, exemplified by "come round to." These idiomatic expressions enrich language by adding nuance and depth to communication.
The characteristics of certain expressions include their close association with loan words of Roman origin, such as "work out" being interchangeable with the single word "calculate." Additionally, these expressions can create noun compounds, exemplified by the phrase "a gang of thieves did a break-in last night." Furthermore, they tend to be more vibrant and expressive than their single-verb counterparts, as illustrated by the sentence "The firecracker went off and scared my little sister," which is more animated than simply stating "exploded."
Verb+direct object +complement pattern：
Verb+indirect object +direct object pattern：
Use of idiom
Different idioms show different stylistic meanings Some are casual, others formal, still others neural in style The same idiom may show stylistic differences when denoting different meanings
(1) Phonetic manipulation a alliteration such as "chop and change" b rhyme such as "toil and moil"
Lexical manipulation involves various techniques to enhance language use, including reiteration, which refers to the duplication of synonyms like "chop and change." Another technique is repetition, where the same word is used multiple times, exemplified by phrases such as "by and by." Additionally, juxtaposition combines contrasting terms, as seen in the phrase "day and night."
Figures of speech enhance language and expression through various forms Similes create vivid comparisons, such as "as proud as a peacock" or "as graceful as a swan." Metaphors convey deeper meanings with phrases like "white elephant" or "black sheep." Metonymy uses related concepts, illustrated by terms like "velvet glove" and "in the cradle." Synecdoche highlights parts representing the whole, seen in expressions like "earn one's bread." Lastly, personification attributes human qualities to abstract ideas, as in "Failure is the mother of success" and "actions speak louder than words." Understanding these figures of speech enriches communication and literary expression.
Definition of color
Colors are more than just pigments; they represent energy that communicates with us on a nonverbal level, significantly influencing our emotions and health In essence, color is an integral part of life itself.
Moreover, color is one component of environmental language in non-verbal communication.
Classification of colors
There are 3 kinds of colors
Primary colors are essential color sets that can be mixed to create a wide variety of hues The primary colors typically employed in additive color mixing are red, green, and blue, while for subtractive color mixing, such as in printing with pigments or dyes, the primary colors used are cyan, magenta, and yellow.
- Secondary color: is a color made by mixing two primary colors in a given color space
- Tertiary color: A tertiary color is a color made by mixing one primary color with one secondary color
Tertiary colors, such as brown and grey, do not have universally recognized names like primary and secondary colors These colors are often created by mixing complementary colors, resulting in a unique palette that enhances artistic expression.
This classification is referenced from Nguyen Quang's 2007 work, "Nonverbal Communication across Cultures," published by CFL-VNU Additionally, it pertains to the concept of tertiary colors, although the specific link to the relevant Wikipedia page is currently inaccessible.
7 Denotational meaning and connotational meaning of colors:
Black Evil, falsehood, error, grief, despair, death
Blue Chastity, loyalty, fidelity, faith, modesty, eternity, immortality
Green Love, joy, abundance, hope, youth, mirth, gladness, resurrection, spring
White Purity, truth, innocence, hope
Yellow Faith, constancy, wisdom, glory, jealousy, inconsistency
(Source: John Gage, 1999, Color and Meaning: Art, Science, and Symbolism, University of California Press)
Colors carry varied meanings based on cultural associations rather than inherent qualities For instance, red evokes warmth due to its connection with fire, while it also signifies anger, reflected in the reddening of the face during emotional responses Similarly, purple represents royalty, a symbolism rooted in the historical scarcity and high cost of purple dye.
RED: warmth, love, anger, danger, boldness, excitement, speed, strength, determination, desire, courage
ORANGE: cheerfulness, low cost, affordability, enthusiasm, stimulation, creativity YELLOW: attention-grabbing, comfort, liveliness, cowardliness, hunger, optimism, overwhelm, Summer, comfort, liveliness, intellect, happiness, energy
GREEN: durability, reliability, environmental, luxurious, optimism, well- being, nature, calm, relaxation, Spring, safety, honesty, optimism, harmony, freshness
BLUE: peace, professionalism, loyalty, reliability, honor, melancholia, boredom, coldness, Winter, depth, stability, professionalism, honor, trust
PURPLE: power, royalty, nobility, elegance, sophistication, artificial, luxury, mystery, royalty, elegance, magic GRAY: conservatism, traditionalism, intelligence, serious, dull, uninteresting
BROWN: relaxing, confident, casual, reassuring, nature, earthy, solid, reliable, genuine, Autumn, endurance
BLACK: Elegance, sophistication, formality, power, strength, illegality, depression, morbidity, night
WHITE: Cleanliness, purity, newness, virginity, peace, innocence, simplicity, sterility, snow
(Source: http://changingminds.org/disciplines/communication/color_effect.htm)
Certain colors have been utilized in English to symbolize particular emotions or reactions or flavors
In Western culture, the color white symbolizes weddings and vanilla, while brown is often associated with chocolate Green represents botanical fertility, as well as jealousy and safety, with connections to Irish heritage Magenta is typically linked to raspberry flavor, whereas warmer shades of red signify strawberry, cherry, danger, or flammability, and are also associated with St Valentine’s Day.
Valentine's Day Purple may indicate grape flavor, or injury in the line of duty (the Purple
Heart Medal) or radioactivity and combined with yellow is associated with Easter
Yellow symbolizes both cowardice and loyalty, particularly in the context of military ribbons Green and red are traditionally recognized as the colors of Christmas Additionally, the combination of red and white stripes has historical significance, representing barber shops and peppermint candy.
English, or are they universal?
Red is a vibrant color often associated with heat and strong emotions in American culture People express their anger by saying they are "red hot" about injustices The term "red hots" also refers to small, spicy peppers commonly used in Mexican cuisine, known for their fiery flavor Additionally, fast-paced music, particularly Dixieland jazz, is described as "red hot," reflecting its lively and energetic nature.
Pink is a lighter shade of red often associated with good health, as reflected in the phrase "in the pink." This expression originated in America in the early twentieth century and likely stems from the rosy hue of healthy newborns.
Blue is often regarded as a cool color, contrasting sharply with the energetic vibe of red hot music Traditional blues music in the United States embodies a slow, soulful, and melancholic essence A notable example is Duke Ellington's renowned song "Mood Indigo," which reflects the profound emotions associated with the color indigo The lyrics suggest that true sadness, or feeling "blue," is an experience that runs deep, emphasizing the emotional weight of the blues genre.
The color green is commonly associated with nature, seen in trees and grass, but it can also represent an unnatural feeling for humans For instance, someone experiencing nausea might describe themselves as feeling "a little green," and a boat passenger suffering from seasickness due to rough waves may appear quite green.
People often feel upset or envious when they see friends possessing nicer things, such as a fast new car or more money, leading to the expression "green with envy," which references the color of U.S currency known as greenbacks Additionally, the color black is frequently used in expressions to signify negativity; for instance, a "black day" describes a day when everything goes wrong, and significant tragedies are remembered as black days Historically, a blacklist referred to a list of individuals that businesses would refuse to hire, particularly those associated with unpopular organizations, although such practices are now considered illegal.
8 The difference in colors’ meaning and symbolism
Colors carry symbolic meanings, with red often representing love, while blue is also linked to this emotion, as seen in the tradition of brides incorporating something blue into their weddings Interestingly, blue has a calming effect, lowering blood pressure and respiration, but it can also be associated with feelings of sadness or depression, as indicated by the phrase "feeling blue."
Colors evoke various emotions and associations; for instance, blue can signify feelings of depression but is also the most popular color in America, even influencing toothbrush choices Black symbolizes power, while brown is often favored by men and suggests authenticity Green, associated with nature, is the most soothing color for the human eye, and purple, linked to royalty, may help alleviate migraines Pink, commonly associated with romance alongside red, can relieve tension and serve as an appetite suppressant in diet therapy White represents purity, making it a traditional choice for brides, and is considered lucky for weddings Interestingly, yellow is the first color our eyes detect.
Colors hold diverse meanings across cultures, influencing our perceptions and responses In the U.S., Egypt, Rome, and much of Europe, black signifies mourning, while in China and Japan, white is the color of grief In India, a married woman wearing white may be seen as inviting widowhood, and in Celtic regions, red is linked to death, contrasting with South Africa, where it is the official mourning color Burma associates yellow with mourning, and in Iran, blue serves this purpose Meanwhile, purple signifies death in Greece and Mexico, and in Thailand, it represents mourning Certain colors are also believed to bring luck; for instance, Egyptians wore blue to ward off evil, while red eggs are dyed in Greece during Easter for good fortune In China, red symbolizes luck and is prominently featured in holidays and weddings Green is revered in Egypt, recognized as the national color of Ireland, and symbolizes honor in Scotland and victory in Greece Historically, brides wore green in the Middle Ages to signify fertility, and Mennonites painted their doors green to indicate a daughter’s readiness for marriage Zulu traditions use colors and patterns to convey a woman’s relationship status, with blue indicating engagement and a combination of blue, white, and black representing marriage Additionally, yellow was once worn by executioners in Spain, and in France, criminal doors were painted this color Native Americans associate colors with the four cardinal directions: blue for north (cold/trouble), white for south (warmth/peace), red for east (success), and black for west (problems).
The difference in colors’ meaning and symbolism
Colors carry symbolic meanings, with red often representing love, while blue is also linked to this emotion, as seen in the tradition of brides carrying something blue at their weddings Interestingly, blue has a calming effect, lowering blood pressure and respiration, but it can also be associated with feelings of sadness or depression, as indicated by the phrase "feeling blue."
Colors evoke a range of emotions and associations; for instance, blue can signify feelings of depression, yet it remains a popular choice, especially in items like toothbrushes Black often symbolizes power, while brown is favored more by men than women, representing authenticity Green, linked to nature, is the most soothing color for the human eye Purple, associated with royalty, can also alleviate migraines Pink, often connected to romance, helps relieve tension and is used in diet therapy as an appetite suppressant White symbolizes purity, which is why brides often wear it, and it is considered good luck to marry in this color Interestingly, yellow is the first color our eyes perceive.
Color holds diverse meanings across cultures, influencing our perceptions and responses In the United States, Egypt, Rome, and much of Europe, black symbolizes mourning, while in China and Japan, white serves this purpose In India, a married woman wearing white may invite widowhood, contrasting with the Celtic association of red with death and South Africa's official mourning color of red Burma recognizes yellow as a mourning color, while blue signifies mourning in Iran In Greece and Mexico, purple is linked to death, and in Thailand, it represents mourning Certain colors also symbolize luck; for instance, Egyptians wore blue for protection against evil, and red eggs in Greece are associated with good fortune In China, red is a symbol of good luck, especially during celebrations Green holds sacred significance in Egypt, is the national color of Ireland, represents honor in Scotland, and symbolizes victory in Greece While many brides wear white today, historically, green was worn in the Middle Ages to signify fertility, and Mennonites painted their doors green to indicate a daughter's readiness for marriage In Zulu culture, colors and patterns convey a woman's relationship status, with blue indicating engagement and a combination of blue, white, and black representing marriage Additionally, yellow was historically worn by executioners in Spain, and criminal doors in France were painted this color Native Americans associate colors with directions: blue for north (cold/trouble), white for south (warmth/peace), red for east (success), and black for west (problems).