INTRODUCTION 1 Rationale of the study
Research aims and research questions
The purpose of the study:
To find out the English and Vietnamese idioms containing words denoting heart, liver, gut and stomach by using cutural elements
To explore syntactic and semantic features of the English and Vietnamese idioms relating to heart, liver, gut and stomach
To point out the the similarities and differences in the cutural values of two countries through the idioms containing heart, liver, gut and stomach
To enhance learners' understanding of English and Vietnamese idioms, particularly those related to heart, liver, gut, and stomach, it is essential to provide guidance on their correct usage in communication.
This study aims to explore the syntactic and semantic features of heart, liver, gut, and stomach idioms in both English and Vietnamese It seeks to identify the similarities and differences between the two cultures as reflected in these idioms, while also examining the underlying factors that contribute to these variations.
Scope of the research
Idioms play a significant role in both English and Vietnamese languages, making it challenging to conduct an exhaustive study on them Therefore, this research will concentrate specifically on idioms associated with the heart, liver, gut, and stomach.
This study explores the similarities and differences in the syntactic and semantic features of idioms related to the heart, gut, stomach, and liver in both English and Vietnamese It compares English idioms that express human feelings and emotions through internal organs with their Vietnamese counterparts.
This research focuses on commonly used English and Vietnamese idioms related to the heart, liver, gut, and stomach, collected from various dictionaries, books, and websites However, it may not encompass all idioms associated with these organs.
Methods of the study
Due to the scientific missions, the study uses several reseach methods to meet the research aims
The statistical method aims to gather idioms related to the heart, liver, gut, and stomach in both English and Vietnamese from trustworthy sources, including reference books, stories, novels, dictionaries, and reputable websites, followed by categorization of these idioms.
This analysis method examines the syntactic and semantic characteristics of English and Vietnamese idioms that reference the heart, liver, gut, and stomach, while also exploring the cultural nuances embedded within these expressions in both languages.
The comparative-contrastive method serves as a crucial approach for analyzing and identifying the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms that reference the heart, liver, gut, and stomach, particularly from a cultural perspective This method enables a deeper understanding of how these idiomatic expressions reflect the values and beliefs inherent in each culture.
Significance of the research
This study enhances the understanding of idioms among Vietnamese teachers and learners, focusing specifically on idioms related to the heart, liver, gut, and stomach It explores the syntactic, semantic, and cultural characteristics of these idioms, providing valuable insights into their significance in the Vietnamese language.
This study offers valuable insights for Vietnamese learners seeking to enhance their language skills, particularly in the use of idioms related to heart, liver, gut, and stomach By focusing on communicative abilities, the research aims to help learners navigate cultural nuances and avoid potential culture shock.
Design of the research
This research consists of three main parts
Part one is the Introduction, which consists of the rationale, the aims and research questions, the objectives, the scope, the methods, the significance and the design of the study
The Development section of the study focuses on English idioms that incorporate the terms heart, liver, gut, and stomach, along with their Vietnamese equivalents This section is organized into four distinct chapters, each examining the cultural and linguistic significance of these idiomatic expressions.
Chapter II: Theoretical background including Overview of idioms, The Relationship of Language and Culture, Idioms and Culture
Chapter III: Methodology and procedure
Chapter IV: Findings and discussion as well as some implications for teaching and learning
The last part is the Conclusion of the study and suggestions for further studies
The References and Appendixes are at the end of the thesis
DEVELOPMENT
In recent years, linguists have increasingly focused on the cultural implications of language, leading to numerous studies on idioms A particularly popular area of research is the exploration of idioms that express human emotions, which has captured the attention of many scholars in the field.
In the article "Đặc trưng tư duy của người Việt qua ẩn dụ tri nhận trong thành ngữ," Nguyễn Đức Tồn (2009) highlights that the psychological framework of the Russian people is primarily centered around the heart as a symbol of love, with little connection to body parts Similarly, Trịnh Thị Kim Ngọc in her book "Ngôn ngữ và văn hóa: Tri thức nền và việc giảng dạy tiếng nước ngoài" (1999) emphasizes that "heart" serves as a pivotal term in both the Russian language and its idioms Moreover, in Eastern cultures, particularly among the Japanese and Chinese, idioms related to the "heart" are commonly used to express various emotions.
Southern Vietnamese agricultural culture reflects a concrete and practical mindset shaped by historical challenges, including environmental adversities like storms and floods, as well as invasions The emphasis on food and drink is crucial for survival, linking Vietnamese thought closely to digestive organs such as the gut and stomach This perspective is illustrated in P.G Vallot's "Dictionnaire franco-tonkinois illustré" from 1898.
LITERATURE REVIEW
In recent years, linguists have increasingly focused on exploring cultural implications through language, with numerous studies examining idioms A particularly popular area of research involves idioms that express human emotions, highlighting the connection between language and emotional expression.
In the journal article "Đặc trưng tư duy của người Việt qua ẩn dụ tri nhận trong thành ngữ," Nguyễn Đức Tồn (2009) highlights that the psychological landscape of Russians is not linked to body parts, with the heart being the sole symbol of love Similarly, Trịnh Thị Kim Ngọc (1999) in her book "Ngôn ngữ và văn hóa: Tri thức nền và việc giảng dạy tiếng nước ngoài" supports this notion, emphasizing that "heart" is a central term in both the Russian language and its idioms Additionally, in Eastern ideologies, both Japanese and Chinese cultures utilize "heart" idioms to express a range of emotions.
Southern Vietnamese agricultural culture is characterized by its concrete and practical approach, shaped by the challenges of the living environment, including storms and floods, as well as historical invasions This reality has led to a strong emphasis on food and sustenance, essential for survival Consequently, Vietnamese thought is closely linked to the digestive organs, such as the gut (lòng, ruột) and stomach (bụng, dạ) An illustration from the "Dictionnaire franco-tonkinois illustré" by P.G Vallot (1898) highlights these cultural connections.
According to the article “ Con người suy nghĩ bằng bụng, dạ, ruột, gan hay tim, …óc”, Nguyễn Cung Thông shows that in English/France belonging to the
The Indo-European language emphasizes a cerebral approach to thinking and a heartfelt expression of emotions, contrasting with the Chinese inclination towards cardiocentrism and the Vietnamese preference for abdominocentrism After thorough analysis of various cultures' use of body organs in emotional expression, three primary trends emerge: i) Cerebrocentrism, where the brain is the focal point of thought; ii) Cardiocentrism, which centers on the heart as the source of understanding; and iii) Abdominocentrism, where the abdomen is regarded as the center of cognition.
In the paper titled "Some Linguistic and Cultural Issues Through the Concepts of lòng, ruột, bụng, and dạ in Vietnamese," Trần Thị Hồng Hạnh argues that these terms, which denote body parts, share similarities with other anatomical terms They not only refer to human body parts but are also extended to describe various components of objects and to convey human emotions By comparing the usage of these terms in Vietnamese with their counterparts in other languages and analyzing literary works, the paper reveals significant insights into their cultural and linguistic implications.
This article highlights seven key differences in the expression of emotions in Vietnamese Notably, the findings reveal that the word "long" holds a central role in conveying emotions within the Vietnamese language.
Numerous studies have explored idioms in both English and Vietnamese, particularly focusing on body-related idioms One notable example is Đỗ Quỳnh Anh's M.A thesis from 2004, titled "A Contrastive Analysis of English and Vietnamese Idioms of Comparison." This research specifically examines idioms of comparison, highlighting the structures "as…as" in English and "như…như" in Vietnamese.
A contrastive analysis of idioms in English and Vietnamese reveals similarities in comparative expressions, yet highlights a lack of cultural contrast In the thesis “The Linguistic and Cultural Features of Words Denoting Human Body Parts in Vietnamese Idioms Compared to English,” Nguyễn Thị Phương examines idiomatic expressions related to human anatomy in both languages She identifies semantic similarities and differences in how these idioms convey concepts such as appearance, knowledge, emotions, and will Additionally, she underscores the impact of cultural elements on language learning, which can pose challenges for learners of foreign languages.
Several studies, including "Về thành ngữ có chứa yếu tố ruột trong tiếng Việt" by Nguyễn Thanh Thủy and "Một số thành ngữ có từ bụng" by Tạ Đức Tú, agree that terms related to the gut and stomach (such as bụng, ruột, lòng, dạ) serve as metaphors for emotions and feelings in Vietnamese culture, portraying these internal organs as containers of human sentiment.
Idiomatic expressions play a crucial role in daily life and reflect cultural values that have evolved over the past 20 centuries Numerous studies on idioms have been conducted to explore their practical applications and enhance literary development As a result, various resources, including books, dictionaries, and documentary films, have been created to showcase idioms, offering both traditional and contemporary perspectives on different aspects of life.
Idioms and idiomatic expressions are typically organized alphabetically for easy reference, categorized by metaphor and topic Their meanings, along with guidance on usage in various languages, are thoroughly explained.
A variety of valuable resources are available for learners of English idioms, including notable titles such as "Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms" by Cowie, Mackin, and McCaig, and "Collins COBUILD Dictionary of Idioms" (2002) Other essential references include "Oxford Dictionary of Current Idiomatic English" (1983), "Longman Dictionary of English Idioms" (1979 and 1998), and "CHAMBERS Dictionary of Idioms" (1996).
"Idioms for Everyday Use" by Broukal and Milada (1994) and "Idioms Organiser," curated by John Wright and edited by Jimmie Hill and Morgan Lewis, with illustrations by Bill Stott, offer valuable resources for understanding and utilizing idiomatic expressions These works categorize idioms by metaphor, topic, and keyword, making them accessible for learners and enhancing everyday communication skills.
Besides, Vietnamese researchers have carried out studies on idioms namely
“Từ điển Thành ngữ tục ngữ Việt - Anh” (2006), “Thành ngữ Tục ngữ tiếng Anh”
(2008), „Kể chuyện thành ngữ tiếng Anh” (2006), “Tuyển tập Thành ngữ Tục ngữ
Ca dao Việt - Anh thông dụng” (2007)…
In conclusion, the studies discussed are integral to the thesis, which explores the cultural comparisons and mental activities reflected in language The author diligently examines the similarities and differences in the syntactic and semantic features of idioms related to heart, gut, stomach, and liver in both English and Vietnamese.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Overview of Idioms
The term "idiom" varies in definition across different sources, reflecting the perspectives of various authors or groups Idioms are considered a vibrant and intriguing element of the English language, prevalent in both formal and informal contexts, whether spoken or written Here are some of the most widely recognized definitions of idioms.
The Longman Dictionary of English Idioms (1979) defines: An idiom is a group of words with a special different meaning from the meanings of the separate words
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English (1995), an idiom is defined as a phrase or sentence whose meaning cannot be deduced from the meanings of its individual words and must be understood as a complete unit.
According to the Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, an idiom is defined as an expression that operates as a single unit, with a meaning that cannot be deduced from the individual components (2010:270).
Collins COBUILD Dictionary of Idioms, 2 nd ed (2002:5) Glasgow: Harper Collins explains: An idiom is a special kind of phrase It is a group of words which
10 have a different meaning when used together from the one it would have if the meaning of each word were taken individually
According to Manser (1997), idioms are established multi-word expressions whose meanings cannot be deduced from the individual words that compose them.
According to the Chambers English Dictionary of Idioms (1996:5), the term "idiom" encompasses a wide variety of words and phrases, making it challenging to define Traditionally, an idiom is understood as a specific type of expression that conveys meaning beyond its literal interpretation.
“a group of words which has a different meaning from the sum of its parts”
Idioms serve as a refreshing element in the evolution of Vietnamese literature, and they are clearly defined in most literature textbooks and idiom references, where they are described as phrases with fixed meanings.
Thành ngữ là tập hợp từ cố định, thường được sử dụng trong ngôn ngữ, mà nghĩa của nó không thể giải thích một cách đơn giản dựa trên nghĩa của các từ cấu thành Những thành ngữ này thường tạo thành những câu nói hoàn chỉnh và độc lập với từ ngữ hay hình ảnh mà chúng sử dụng.
(According to Wikiquote and Vietnamese Literature Textbook 7)
An idiom is a fixed expression whose meaning cannot be determined by analyzing the individual words that compose it While there are numerous definitions of idioms, they all share the commonality that their meanings are not directly derived from the meanings of their components For the purpose of this study, we define an idiom as a phrase that retains a unique meaning that is not evident from its individual words.
English and Vietnamese idioms possess distinct characteristics that contribute to their uniqueness across various literary genres To fully grasp the meaning of idioms, whether in general or specifically, it is essential to examine their features from both syntactic and semantic perspectives.
An "idiom" is a complex unit of language, making it challenging to define its characteristics and classify idioms by their structures Many authors opt to categorize idioms based on the number of words that comprise them.
The number of words English idiom examples Vietnamese idiom examples
3 words Eat one‟s liver, spill your guts Bụng bảo dạ, bụng nát dạ, gan thỏ đế
4 words A heart of gold Cồn cào ruột gan, quyết chí bền gan
5 words Have butterflies in one‟s stomach Nghĩ thối ruột thối gan
6 words From the bottom of one‟s heart Miệng thơn thớt, dạ ớt ngâm
Lo nát gan, bàn nát chí
Idioms exhibit distinct syntactic characteristics that make them easily identifiable; specifically, the order of words within an idiom is fixed and cannot be altered Changing the arrangement of words in an idiom results in a loss of meaning, highlighting the importance of word order in preserving the idiomatic expression's integrity.
It is clearly seen from one of the above idioms Take the well - known phrase
The idiom "from the bottom of one's heart" signifies deep sincerity and love in one's actions towards others If the words are rearranged, such as "from bottom the of heart one’s" or "bottom heart from the of one’s," the phrase loses its meaning and cannot be considered an idiom Importantly, the number of words in an idiom remains constant.
In an idiom, each component is essential and cannot be removed or altered, as this would change its meaning For instance, in the idiom "spill the beans," the word "spill" is crucial; removing it would render the phrase meaningless.
The idiom "to spill one's gut" loses its original meaning of confessing or telling the truth if the phrase is altered Similarly, adding an extra word to the idiom disrupts its intended message This highlights that no word can be substituted within an idiom without changing its significance.
Word substitution is not allowed when forming idioms, as it alters their meaning For example, the idiom "a heart of gold" signifies someone's kindness and is often used for praise, as in "She has a heart of gold." Changing "heart" to "shoulder" or "gold" to "silver" or "diamond" would eliminate the idiom's recognized meaning.
The relationship of Language and Culture
According to Brock (1970), culture encompasses the beliefs and expectations that shape how individuals communicate and behave, making them feel like strangers when away from home This set of norms becomes ingrained through social learning, influencing one's identity and interactions.
Culture is defined as an organic system of material and spiritual values, shaped and accumulated by human beings through practical activities This process occurs in the interaction between individuals and their social and natural environments.
2.2.2.The inseparable Relationship between Language and Culture
Undoubtedly, language and culture has dialectical relationship Inseparable from culture, language performs 3 functions, including expressing, embodying and symbolizing cultural reality, from Claire Kramsch‟s point of view
In "Vietnam - Language and Cultural Issues," Professor Tran Ngoc Them posits that language is fundamental to the development of culture He argues that just as language and labor together shape humanity, they also serve as the foundation for every cultural expression.
Language and culture are inherently interconnected, with each influencing and reflecting the other Cultural elements are embedded within every aspect of language, shaping its use in everyday life Conversely, language can be understood through the lens of cultural contexts and events, highlighting the inseparable bond between the two.
2.2.3 The Relationship between Idioms and Culture
Language is a unique cultural product of humanity, as emphasized by linguist E.D Sapir, who asserts that it should be viewed as a cultural phenomenon rather than merely a functional tool or concept.
Language and culture are intrinsically linked, as evidenced by L.R Palmer's assertion that their histories are intertwined, complementing and cooperating with one another In Nguyen Van Chien's Vietnamese work "Tiến tới xác lập vốn từ tựng văn hóa Việt," it is emphasized that language is fundamentally a cultural phenomenon While culture serves broader external functions, language operates within a more specific scope yet possesses a deeper resonance Despite their differences, culture and language are mutually inclusive, reflecting the richness of human experience.
Language and culture are intrinsically linked, with language serving as a vital medium for conveying, preserving, and reflecting the unique aspects of a culture In turn, the cultural characteristics of a nation significantly shape the development and evolution of its language.
To illustrate this inseparable relationship, according to Trinh Thi Thanh Hue
The authors of the books "So sánh hàm nghĩa văn hóa các từ chỉ động vật tiếng Hán và tiếng Việt" and "Tiến tới xác lập vốn từ vựng văn hóa Việt" emphasize the distinction between cultural and standard lexicons While standard lexicons convey common meanings, cultural lexicons provide deeper insights into cultural messages, reflecting both physical and spiritual aspects of culture.
METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE
Research design
The research design aims to establish guidelines for systematic data collection to explore the diversity of idioms related to the heart, liver, gut, and stomach in both English and Vietnamese This study also seeks to uncover the cultural characteristics that are reflected in these idioms.
Research methodology
This study analyzes and compares the syntactic, semantic, and cultural characteristics of idioms related to the heart, liver, gut, and stomach in English and their Vietnamese equivalents To meet the study's objectives, a statistical method was employed to gather a wide range of idioms from credible sources, including books, stories, novels, dictionaries, and online platforms, followed by their categorization.
Besides, the analysis method is used to analyze the syntactic, semantic and cultural features of the listed idioms
The comparative-contrastive method plays a crucial role in analyzing the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms related to heart, liver, gut, and stomach, particularly from a cultural perspective.
Data collection
In terms of phisiology, heart is a very important organ, which is responsible for making sure that blood is supplied to every part of the body According to
The heart, as defined by Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, is the vital organ located in the chest that circulates blood throughout the body, typically positioned on the left side in humans When the heart fails to function correctly, life ceases, which is why the term "heart" symbolizes something of utmost importance Additionally, the heart is often associated with the center of emotions and feelings, particularly those related to love, as reflected in expressions like "a heavy heart."
Besides, liver is a large organ in the body that cleans the blood and produces bile Gut is the digestive organ through which food passes when it leaves
The term "stomach" not only refers to the organ in the body responsible for digestion but also symbolizes the courage and determination required to tackle difficult or unpleasant tasks In this figurative sense, having "guts" means possessing the bravery to confront challenges head-on.
From those definitions of heart, liver, gut and stomach including literal and figurative meanings, all idioms related to heart, liver, gut and stomach are called
“idioms containing heart, liver, gut and stomach” or “idioms of heart, liver, gut and stomach”, such as “ aching heart”, “ chopped liver”, “ bust a gut”, “ can’t stomach”,
“ lú gan lú ruột” , “ bà chúa đứt tay bằng ăn mày sổ ruột”, “bụng bồ kết”…
The researcher gathered data from various sources, including dictionaries, books, and online websites, focusing on idioms related to the heart, liver, gut, and stomach After identifying these idioms, the researcher categorized them based on their literal and figurative meanings To facilitate efficient analysis, all idioms were organized in alphabetical order.
Data analysis
After collecting 206 idioms including 88 English idioms and 118 Vietnamese ones of heart, liver, gut and stomach from various sources, they are categorized into two main aspects: syntactic and semantic ones
Syntactically, the data are classified based on the different structural categories, such as noun phrases, verb phrases, adjective phrases and prepositional phrases
Semantically, the classification is carried out on the basis of typical semantic and pragmatic features of idioms of heart, liver, gut and stomach in both languages
The steps of data analysis will be involved:
- Collecting idioms containing heart, liver, gut and stomach in both languages from a variety of sources
- Analyzing the syntactic features of idioms containing heart, liver, gut and stomach in English and Vietnamese
- Analyzing the semantic features of idioms containing heart, liver, gut and stomach in English and Vietnamese
- Identifying the similarities and differences between the two languages containing heart, liver, gut and stomach with regard to syntactic and semantic features
- Analyzing the cultural features of idioms containing heart, liver, gut and stomach in English and Vietnamese
- Suggesting some implications for teaching and learning this popular kind of idioms in English and Vietnamese as a foreign language.
Reliability and validity
The data was selected from English, American and Vietnamese linguistic and grammatical books and dictionaries which are reliable
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Idioms in the form of phrase structures
4.1.1.1 Idioms in the form of Verb phrase patterns
Have a heart, have the gut, break one‟s heart, eat one‟s liver, turn someone‟ stomach
Verb + Noun/ Noun phrase + Preposition
Get to the heart of
Strike at the heart of
Chôn vào dạ Ăn như con tằm lại rút ruột ra
Verb + (Noun/ Noun phrase) + Preposition + Noun
Put one‟s hands on one‟s heart
Get butterflies in one‟ stomach
Suy bụng ta ra bụng người Sống để bụng chết mang theo Verb + Noun/ Noun phrase + Verb + Noun/ Noun phrase
Xé ruột xé gan Thay lòng đổi dạ Thắt gan thắt ruột Thi gan đọ sức
4.1.1.2 Idioms in the form of Noun phrase patterns
Bleeding heart, aching heart, heavy heart, a misery gut
Mát gan mát ruột, nát ruột nát gan, nóng ruột nóng gan, bầm gan tím ruột, vui lòng hả dạ
Gan cóc tía Miệng hùm gan sứa
Ruột đau như cắt Ruột đau như sát muối Ruột nóng như cào Noun + Adi + Noun + Adj
From the bottom of one‟s heart
Idioms in the form of sentence structures
Apart from phrase forms, sentence is a typical structure to create an idiom but with low - frequence of appearance Here are some most common idiom formed in a sentence
Eyes are bigger than one‟s stomach Bà chúa đứt tay bằng ăn mày sổ ruột
Bà chúa phải gai bằng thuyền chài sổ ruột
Semantic features of idioms containing heart, liver, gut and stomach in
To fully grasp the cultural significance of idioms, it is essential to categorize them into distinct categories Each category carries its own symbolic meaning, allowing individuals to easily understand the meanings of idioms.
For idioms containing words that denote heart, liver, gut and stomach in both English and Vietnames, there are several scopes as below
In Vietnamese, numerous idioms vividly illustrate people's appearances, frequently incorporating the words "bụng" and "gan." These expressions effectively capture an individual's outlook, conveying both positive and negative connotations.
Bụng ỏng đít eo, mình đồng dạ sắt
Throughout history, the wisdom of humanity has been encapsulated in numerous idioms, particularly in Vietnamese culture, where terms like "liver" (gan) and "stomach" (bụng, dạ) play a central role These expressions reflect deep knowledge and practical experiences from ancient times, highlighting the significance of emotions and intellect in human interactions.
The term "gut" refers to the internal organs, but in English, it specifically highlights a component associated with wisdom, as seen in the idiom "by heart," which means to memorize something thoroughly This connection emphasizes the deeper understanding of the phrase through various examples.
Name of body parts English Idioms Vietnames Idioms
Lo rối ruột Nghĩ thối ruột thối gan Stomach
Bụng bảo dạ Bụng nát dạ Đi guốc trong bụng Suy bụng ta ra bụng người Trẻ người non dạ
4.2.2.2 Idioms expressing ability to remember what happened in the past
Name of body parts English Idioms Vietnames Idioms
Heart ( Tim, tâm) By heart Khắc cốt ghi tâm
Sống để bụng - chết mang theo Chôn vào dạ
4.2.3 Idioms expressing people’s emotions and adttitudes
4.2.3.1 Idioms expressing people’s mood, emotions
Name of body parts English Idioms Vietnames Idioms
Bầm gan lộn ruột, bầm gan sôi máu, và bầm gan tím ruột là những biểu hiện của sự khó chịu trong cơ thể Căm gan tím ruột và cháy ruột bầm gan thường đi kèm với cảm giác tức đầy ruột Tình trạng tức lộn ruột hay tức nổ ruột có thể gây ra cảm giác khó chịu, trong khi đầy gan đầy ruột lại thể hiện tình trạng căng thẳng trong cơ thể Cuối cùng, cháy lòng cháy ruột và lộn cả ruột là những dấu hiệu cho thấy cần chú ý đến sức khỏe tiêu hóa.
Name of body parts English Idioms Vietnames Idioms
Heart (tim, tâm) break (someone`s) heart
(làm ai đau khổ, thất vọng)
A sinnking of one‟s heart (buồn chán)
Aching heart (đau khổ, bất hạnh) die of a broken heart (chết vì buồn rầu, đau khổ)
Đau như cắt ruột, chết cả ruột, đứt ruột đứt gan, và đứt ruột cháy gan là những cảm xúc mạnh mẽ thể hiện nỗi đau sâu sắc Não gan não ruột, nát gan nát ruột, và nát ruột nát gan diễn tả sự tổn thương tinh thần và thể chất Khi gan rầu ruột héo, nao lòng rối trí, lòng đau như cắt và lòng đau như rau cắt, tất cả đều phản ánh nỗi buồn và sự khổ sở không thể diễn tả bằng lời.
Stomach (Bụng) Vuốt bụng thở dài
Name of body parts English Idioms Vietnames Idioms
Heart heart stands still (rất sợ, lo lắng) have something at heart (lo lắng, đề phòng cái gì) take (something) to heart (lo lắng bởi cái gì)
Cháy ruột cháy gan Nóng lòng sốt ruột Nóng ruột nóng gan
Lo nát gan, bàn nát chí Ruột nóng như cào Stomach (bụng, dạ) butterflies in one`s stomach (bồn chồi, hồi hộp trước khi làm gì)
Name of body parts English Idioms Vietnames Idioms
Gut (ruột) hate sb‟s guts (ghét cay ghét đắng ai) a misery guts: kẻ khốn khổ
(luôn phàn nàn và không vui)
Stomach (bụng, dạ) can't stomach (someone or something) (ghét ai đó) turn one's stomach ( làm cho ai chán ghét, khó chịu) sick to one‟s stomach (ghê tởm)
Idioms show people’s pleasure and happiness
Name of body parts English Idioms Vietnames Idioms
Trong cuộc sống, có những điều gần gũi với trái tim mỗi người, khiến họ cảm thấy thích thú và quan tâm hơn Khi làm điều gì đó tốt đẹp cho người khác, nó không chỉ khiến họ vui vẻ mà cũng mang lại niềm hạnh phúc cho chính mình Những hành động làm vui lòng người khác có thể làm ấm lòng và gladden trái tim của họ Khi đối mặt với khó khăn, việc giữ vững niềm tin và phấn khởi sẽ giúp chúng ta vượt qua mọi thử thách.
Mát gan mát ruột Mát lòng mát ruột Mát lòng mát dạ Vui lòng hả dạ Như nở từng khúc ruột
Stomach (bụng, dạ) Như mở cờ trong bụng
Name of body parts English Idioms Vietnames Idioms
Heart sob one‟s heart out (Khóc than thảm thiết với nhiều xúc động)
Gut (ruột) Não gan não ruột
4.2.3.2 Idioms expressing people’s determination and courage
When someone has their heart set on something, it reflects a strong determination to achieve a goal Conversely, to find it in one's heart to do something signifies a willingness to act with resolve and purpose However, one may also experience moments of doubt and lose heart, leading to a sense of discouragement In some situations, individuals may feel they do not have the heart to pursue a particular action, indicating a lack of courage or motivation Understanding these emotional nuances is essential, just as recognizing the importance of the liver in our overall health.
Dạ ngọc gan vàng Gan đá dạ sắt Lòng gan dạ đá Lòng lim dạ sắt Gan tóc tía Sờn lòng nản chí Nản lòng nhụt chí Stomach
(bụng, dạ) have the stomach for (something) (có can đảm làm gì) not have the stomach for (something)
= have no stomach for something (không có can đảm làm gì)
Idioms expressing positive characteristics: Generosity, kindness, loyalty
Expressions related to the heart often convey deep emotions and kindness "From the bottom of one's heart" signifies genuine sincerity, while "having a big heart" reflects generosity and openness To "have a heart" indicates compassion and empathy, and "a heart of gold" describes someone with a truly kind nature When someone has "a soft spot in their heart" for someone or something, it reveals their affection and tenderness The phrase "heart is in the right place" underscores a person's good intentions, and "heart to heart" implies a candid and sincere conversation Finally, when someone gives their all "with all one's heart and soul," it emphasizes their complete commitment and dedication.
Gut (ruột) Lòng son dạ sắt
Hết lòng hết dạ Một lòng một dạ Gan sắt lòng son
Idioms expressing negative characteristics: Unloyalty, unfriendliness, heartlessness, wickedness
Heart have a heart of stone (lạnh lùng, sắt đá)
Gut (Ruột) Một dạ hai lòng
Dạ cá lòng chim Miệng thơn thớt, dạ ớt ngâm Stomach
(bụng, dạ) to be of a proud stomach (tự cao tự đại, tự kiêu)
Bụng chua miệng ngọt Bụng gian miệng thẳng Miệng bồ tát, bụng dao găm Miệng nam mô, bụng bồ dao găm
Similarities and differences in syntactic and semantic features of idioms
This study highlights the similarities between English and Vietnamese idioms, revealing common syntactic structures such as verb phrases, noun phrases, and adjective phrases.
English and Vietnamese idioms featuring heart, liver, gut, and stomach often follow the structures of Verb + Prep.P and Verb + (Noun/Noun phrase) + Preposition + Noun These phrases reflect deep emotional and physiological connections, illustrating how language embodies cultural perceptions of feelings and intuition Understanding these idiomatic expressions enhances cross-cultural communication and enriches the appreciation of language nuances.
Secondly, both languages share the similar patterns in the form of noun phrases: (Article) + Adjective + Noun; Noun + Noun; Noun/ Noun phrase + Preposition;
Thirdly, both English and Vietnamese idioms have some examples of adjective phrases and prepositional phrases
English and Vietnamese idioms share similar semantic features, often describing human appearance, emotions, and characteristics Words like heart, liver, gut, and stomach (tâm, gan, ruột, bụng, dạ) symbolize essential aspects of life Metaphorically, these body parts hold significant importance for a person's existence, making them prevalent in idioms that reflect the core of human spiritual life.
Both English and Vietnamese languages utilize metaphors in idiomatic expressions, enhancing readers' understanding of figurative meanings by highlighting shared characteristics between people and objects For instance, the phrase "if your heart sinks" does not literally translate to "trái tim chìm," but instead conveys a sense of deep depression or discouragement in response to certain stimuli Another example is the Vietnamese idiom "gan vàng dạ sắt," which similarly employs metaphorical language to express complex emotions and states of being.
“dạ sắt gan vàng”, it doesn‟t point the material (vàng, sắt) to create “gan, dạ” , it points someone who always has strong will and never flinches from difficulties
Similes play a crucial role in the meaning transfer of English and Vietnamese idioms that involve the heart, liver, gut, and stomach They create comparisons between two entities based on shared qualities, utilizing comparative terms such as "as," "like," and "than" in English, and "như" and "không bằng" in Vietnamese For instance, the English idiom "eyes are bigger than one's stomach" translates to "no bụng đói con mắt" in Vietnamese, while expressions like "ruột đau như cắt" and "ruột đau như sát muối" illustrate similar emotional experiences.
Differences are inherent between any two languages, and English and Vietnamese idioms are no exception These idioms vary significantly in both syntactic and semantic aspects, highlighting the unique characteristics of each language.
Languages utilize specific structures to create idioms, with each language showcasing unique idiomatic expressions English and Vietnamese, for instance, exhibit distinct idiomatic forms that reflect their cultural nuances, highlighting the unique points found within each language.
The study revealed an absence of English idioms in the Verb + Noun/Noun Phrase and Verb + Noun/Noun Phrase + Verb + Noun/Noun Phrase patterns, as well as in the Adjective + Noun + Adjective + Noun and Noun + Adjective + Noun + Adjective structures Similarly, no Vietnamese idioms were found in the Verb + Noun/Noun Phrase and Verb + Noun/Noun Phrase + Preposition patterns, nor in the (Article) + Past Participle + Noun structure of Noun Phrases.
Culture encompasses the unique elements that distinguish one country from another, highlighting the significant differences in cultural traditions, backgrounds, customs, religious beliefs, and geographical environments between English and Vietnamese people.
Firstly, it seems that the words in a Vietnamese idiom are changeable such as
The phenomenon of symmetry in idioms is a distinctive feature of Vietnamese language, evident in phrases like "mát gan mát ruột" and "nóng ruột nóng gan." Unlike English idioms that reference the heart, liver, gut, or stomach, Vietnamese expressions often reflect a belief in the world being shaped by symmetrical principles This cultural perspective influences the way emotions and physical sensations are articulated, showcasing the unique linguistic characteristics of Vietnamese idiomatic expressions.
Vietnamese in daily life as well as in literature, especially folk songs, idioms and proverbs
A comparison of English and Vietnamese idioms reveals distinct cultural expressions of emotions and wisdom In Vietnamese, feelings and attitudes are often linked to internal organs such as the liver, gut, and stomach, indicating a deep connection between physicality and emotional experience Conversely, English idioms predominantly associate these concepts with the heart, which symbolizes passion and the essence of vitality This contrast highlights the differing cultural perspectives on how emotions and wisdom are embodied and understood in each language.
Cultural characteristics of English and Vietnamese idioms containing heart, liver, gut and stomach
Some cutural characteristics of the English and Vietnamese culture and language are revealed through the above analysis
Nguyễn Thị Bích Hà highlights the deep connection between Vietnamese farmers and their relationship with food, stating that their thoughts are often tied to concerns about hunger and food scarcity This preoccupation transforms the "stomach" into a central theme in their consciousness, influencing their perceptions of life from the concrete to the abstract The challenges faced by the Vietnamese people, including natural disasters and invasions, have further shaped this agricultural culture Consequently, their expressions of happiness and sadness are intricately linked to the "stomach," with phrases reflecting joy and sorrow, such as "vui lòng hả dạ" and "xé ruột xá gan," illustrating how deeply emotions are entwined with physical sensations.
Vietnam, a nation with a rich and tumultuous history, has endured invasions from various countries, including China, France, and America, over the centuries Despite these challenges, the Vietnamese people have maintained a strong national spirit, striving for freedom and economic progress This resilience is reflected in numerous Vietnamese idioms that embody determination and courage, such as "gan bằng sắt," "gan chai phổi đá," "gan đá dạ sắt," "lòng gan dạ đá," and "quyết chí bền gan."
England is a highly industrialized country where individual freedom and independence are highly valued, and intruding into others' affairs is generally frowned upon This cultural norm is reflected in idioms that emphasize personal ownership, such as "one's heart" and "one's stomach," illustrating deep personal connections and feelings In contrast, Vietnamese culture emphasizes unity and community spirit, with individuals often keeping their emotions private to maintain harmony Feelings are frequently expressed through references to internal organs like the liver and stomach, highlighting a different approach to emotional expression.
Implications for teaching and learning idioms containing heart, gut,
Idioms are fixed multi-word expressions whose meanings cannot be inferred from the literal interpretations of their individual words, making them challenging for second language learners Consequently, studying idioms related to the heart, gut, stomach, and liver is crucial for effective teaching and learning.
At first, learners can be more aware of the figurative usage of English and Vietnamese idioms related to heart, gut, stomach and liver
Next, as there is a close relationship between culture and idioms, idioms are strongly influenced by culture So, it is more difficult for language learners to
To effectively interpret figurative phrases, learners must grasp the literal meanings of individual words Educators should enhance students' understanding of the relevant cultural and historical contexts, enabling them to more easily deduce the meanings of new idioms.
To effectively disambiguate idiomatic phrases related to heart, gut, stomach, and liver, language learners must first recognize the syntactic and semantic similarities and differences among these idioms Teachers should encourage students to incorporate these expressions into their daily conversations as frequently as possible, helping them develop skills that mirror those of native speakers.
CONCLUSION 1 Concluding remarks
Limitations of the thesis and further study
This thesis explores the syntactic, semantic, and stylistic characteristics of English and Vietnamese idioms associated with the heart, gut, stomach, and liver Despite thorough research efforts, the study faces limitations, including a sample size of only 206 idioms due to time constraints and limited reference materials Additionally, the majority of the samples were sourced from dictionaries, books, and various websites.
In short, there are many things that need considering and investigating more thoroughly Therefore, any comments or extra contribution are warmly welcome for the completion of the research.
Suggestions for further study
This study explores the cultural similarities and differences in idiomatic expressions related to the heart, gut, stomach, and liver in English and Vietnamese However, the analysis is limited by time and knowledge, resulting in a general comparison that lacks depth To enhance understanding, further research is recommended to provide more comprehensive insights into these idiomatic expressions.
A study on the translation of English idioms containing words denoting to heart, gut, stomach and liver
A study on English culture through idioms containing words denoting to heart, gut, stomach and liver
Moreover, other studies on idioms relating to medicine, tools, household items… could be useful for both language teaching and learning
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WEBSITES: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/ https://www.ldoceonline.com/ https://www.thefreedictionary.com/ https://ahdictionary.com/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-second-brain/
APPENDIX 1 ENGLISH IDIOMS CONTAINING WORDS DENOTING
HEART, GUT, STOMACH AND LIVER
1 Aching heart (đau khổ, bất hạnh)
2 A sinnking of one‟s heart (buồn chán)
3 after one`s own heart ( cùng sở thích)
4 at heart ( tận đáy lòng)
6 bleeding heart (đồng cảm với ai)
7 break (someone`s) heart (làm ai đau khổ, thất vọng)
8 bare one‟s heart/soul (bộc lộ những tình cảm sâu kín của mình)
9 cross one`s heart and hope to die (xin thề, thật lòng)
10 die of a broken heart (chết vì buồn rầu, đau khổ)
11 dear to sb‟s heart (thích thú, quan tâm đến ai)
12 do (someone's) heart good (khiến ai trở nên vui vẻ)
13 eat one`s heart out (đau khổ, buồn bã; ghen tỵ thèm thuồng)
14 find it in one's heart to (do something) (quyết tâm, kiên quyết)
15 follow one's heart (hành động theo tình cảm)
16 from the bottom of one`s heart (từ đáy lòng, thật tâm)
17 get to the heart of (something) (đi vào phần cốt lõi của cái gì)
18 give one‟s heart to somebody/something (yêu ai, phải lòng ai)
19 gladden somebody‟s heart (vui vẻ, vui lòng)
20 harden one‟s heart (không bảy tỏ tình cảm ra ngoài)
21 have a big heart (hào hiệp, phóng khoáng, rộng lượng)
22 have a change of heart (sự thay đổi trong thái độ, tình cảm)
23 have a heart (rộng lượng, cảm thông, nhân từ)
24 have a heart of gold (từ tâm, có trái tim vàng)
25 have a heart of stone (lạnh lùng, sắt đá)
26 have a heart-to-heart talk with (someone) (tình cảm, thân mật)
27 have a soft spot in one's heart for (someone or something) (có lòng thương cảm, nhân ái)
28 have one`s heart set on (something) (quyết tâm làm gì)
29 heart and soul (Nhiệt huyết, tràn đầy sinh lực)
30 heart bleeds for (someone) (thương xót cho ai)
31 heart goes out to (someone) (có lòng trắc ẩn với ai)
32 heart is (dead) set against (something) (Cực lực phản đối)
33 heart is in one's mouth (sợ chết khiếp)
34 heart is in the right place (Tốt bụng, có thiện ý)
35 heart is not in (something) (không đặt tình cảm vào cái gì)
36 heart is set on (something)
37 heart misses/skips a beat (quá sợ hãi)
38 heart stands still (rất sợ, lo lắng)
39 heart to heart (thẳng thắn, chân thành)
40 heavy heart (lòng trĩu lặng đau buồn)
41 have one‟s heart in one‟s boots (hụt hẫng, hoảng sợ)
42 have something at heart (lo lắng, đề phòng cái gì)
43 in one's heart of hearts (trong cảm xúc thầm kín của mình)
44 in good heart (trạng thái tinh thần tốt)
47 lose heart (ngã lòng, nản chí)
48 near to (someone's) heart (thích thú, quan tâm tới ai)
49 not have the heart to do (something) (không đủ can đảm để làm gì đó)
50 open one`s heart to (someone) (thổ lộ tâm tình với ai)
51 one‟s heart sinks (cảm thấy buồn chán)
52 pour one's heart out (to someone) (trải lòng với ai đó)
53 search one`s heart/soul (suy nghĩ cẩn thận về tình cảm của mình)
54 set one's heart against (something) (phản đối làm gì)
55 set one's heart on (something) (quyết tâm làm gì)
56 sick at heart (thất vọng, sầu não, sợ hãi)
57 sob one‟s heart out (Khóc than thảm thiết với nhiều xúc động)
58 strike fear into somebody/something heart (khiến ai cảm thấy sợ hãi)
59 strike at the heart of (something) (thay đổi gốc rễ, làm đảo lộn, hủy hoại giá trị)
60 take heart (trở lên phấn khởi, tin tưởng)
61 take (something) to heart (lo lắng bởi cái gì)
62 to one's heart's content (tùy thích)
63 warm the cockles of (someone's) heart (làm ai ấm lòng, hả dạ)
64 way to (someone's) heart (đường đến trái tim, cách lấy lòng, chinh phục)
65 wear one`s heart on one`s sleeve (cho thấy tình cảm, đặc biệt là tình yêu với ai)
66 win (someone's) heart (chiếm được tình cảm của ai)
67 with all one`s heart (and soul) (chân thành, hết lòng hết dạ)
68 young at heart (tâm hồn trẻ trung)
69 (Mr/Miss) Lonely Heart (người cần tình yêu, tình bạn, sự cảm thông)
1 a loose liver (người sống truỵ lạc, người sống phóng túng bừa bãi)
2 a good liver (người sống có đạo đức)
4 white (lily) liver = lily-livered (hèn nhát)
1 a misery guts: kẻ khốn khổ (luôn phàn nàn và không vui)
2 blood and guts ( nhiều bạo lực)
3 go with one‟s gut ( tin vào trực giác của mình)
4 have the guts to do something (có can đảm để làm gì)
5 hate sb‟s guts (ghét cay ghét đắng ai)
6 to sweat one's guts out (kiệt sức vì làm việc quá nặng nhọc)
1 can't stomach (someone or something) (ghét ai đó)
2 eyes are bigger than one's stomach (no bụng đói con mắt)
3 butterflies in one`s stomach (bồn chồi, hồi hộp trước khi làm gì)
4 hard to stomach (someone or something) (không thể chấp nhận được việc được cho là không đúng)
5 have the stomach for (something) (có can đảm làm gì)
6 not have the stomach for (something) = have no stomach for something (không có can đảm làm gì)
7 to put stomach in someone (làm cho ai có tinh thần)
8 to be of a proud stomach (tự cao tự đại, tự kiêu)
9 turn one's stomach ( làm cho ai chán ghét, khó chịu)
APPENDIX 2 VIETNAMESE IDIOMS CONTAINING WORDS DENOTING
HEART, GUT, STOMACH AND LIVER
I IDIOMS CONTAINING “HEART” (TIM, TÂM)
3 Hữu hằng sản, vô hằng tâm
5 Hữu hằng tâm, vô hằng sản
II IDIOMS CONTAINING “LIVER” (GAN)
2 Nghĩ thối ruột thối gan
12 Lo nát gan, bàn nát chí
37 Thi gan với cóc tía
III IDIOMS CONTAINING “GUT” (RUỘT, LÒNG)
3 Bà chúa đứt tay bằng ăn mày sổ ruột
4 Bà chúa phải gai bằng thuyền chài sổ ruột
5 Nghĩ thối ruột thối gan
14 Như nở từng khúc ruột
18 Ruột tằm bối rối = Ruột tằm đòi đoạn
20 Ruột đau như sát muối
23 Ruột rát (xát như bào)
32 Lòng đau như cắt = lòng đau như dao cắt
IV IDIOMS CONTAINING “STOMACH” (BỤNG, DẠ)
4 Như mở cờ trong bụng
7 Miệng bồ tát, bụng dao găm
8 Miệng nam mô, bụng bồ dao găm