INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Every nation boasts a unique culture, with the cultural identity of its ethnic groups shaping the distinct customs, personalities, and histories that define each country Folklore, in particular, serves as a vital cultural treasure, encapsulating the essence of a society Over time, proverbs and idioms have emerged as significant components of this cultural fabric Both Vietnamese and English languages feature a myriad of idioms and proverbs that resonate with everyday life, encompassing themes related to nature, plants, people, and even small creatures like insects My research focuses on insects for several compelling reasons.
Vietnam, as an agricultural nation, relies heavily on both beneficial and harmful insects, making their understanding crucial for farmers Those with extensive agricultural experience are adept at interpreting the nuances of this ecosystem Utilizing vivid imagery through idioms and proverbs serves as an effective method for learning about these important relationships in agriculture.
In Britain, despite the dominance of industry in the modern state, agriculture continues to significantly influence the culture and language, evident in the abundance of proverbs and idioms related to nature These expressions often feature specific insects and reflect human characteristics, crafted in memorable rhymes for easy recall Throughout history, these idioms and proverbs have been passed down through generations, maintaining their relevance in contemporary society.
Idioms and proverbs play a significant role in both spoken and informal written English, much like in Vietnamese, making them enjoyable and essential to learn In everyday conversations and professional settings, these expressions enhance communication Additionally, they are frequently utilized in newspapers, where writers aim to create engaging and dynamic headlines and articles.
The captivating subject of idioms has drawn significant attention from researchers and students alike, including young children who find value in their lessons about life and human behavior Through exploring idioms, I have gained insightful knowledge about the cultural nuances of both English and Vietnamese societies, enriching my understanding and preparing me for future experiences.
Scope of the study
Idioms and proverbs represent a complex and extensive element of language, making it challenging for my graduating paper to encompass all insect-related expressions This study specifically highlights common insects, including bees, fleas, bugs, butterflies, ants, flies, worms, beetles, gnats, crickets, and grasshoppers.
Aims of the study
Idioms and proverbs present a significant challenge for both foreign English learners and native speakers, as many struggle to understand and use them correctly Recognizing the importance of idioms and proverbs in reflecting the attitudes and behaviors of speakers, I emphasize their proper usage While spelling errors may be overlooked in communication, incorrect idioms or proverbs can lead to confusion and misunderstanding Consequently, my research focuses on enhancing the understanding and application of these linguistic expressions.
- Collecting and classifying some idioms and proverbs which are usually used in Vietnamese and English language
- Finding out some similarities and differences between these two cultures
- Helping the learners or someone interested in idioms and proverbs to use them in a correct way
To effectively learn English and Vietnamese idioms and proverbs related to common insect names, it is essential to recognize the significant roles these expressions play in daily life The following methods will be employed in the study process to enhance understanding and retention.
- Material analysis: reading reference books to find and collect needed information Other hand, collecting the specific examples for study
- Consultations: having discussion with the supervisor, experts and friends
- Comparison and contrast: selecting, comparing and contrasting examples in English idioms and proverbs and Vietnamese ones in order to find the most similarities and differences
This article is well-structured into three main sections, making it easy to navigate and understand The first section, the Introduction, includes five subsections: Rationale, Scope of the Study, Aims of the Study, Methods of the Study, and Design of the Study The second part features three additional chapters focused on "Language and Culture."
This article provides a comprehensive exploration of idioms and proverbs within the context of language and culture, as outlined in Chapter 1, Theoretical Background It defines idioms and proverbs and highlights their common features Chapter 2 focuses on idioms and proverbs associated with insect names in both English and Vietnamese, examining ten specific insects: Bees, Fleas, Butterflies, Ants, Flies, Bugs, Worms, Beetles, Gnats, Crickets, and Grasshoppers Chapter 3 addresses challenges faced by English learners regarding these expressions and offers suggested solutions The article concludes with a summary of the key findings and insights presented throughout the study.
Design of the study
This article is structured into three main sections for easy navigation and understanding Part I, the Introduction, includes five subsections: Rationale, Scope of the Study, Aims of the Study, Methods of the Study, and Design of the Study Part II features three additional chapters focusing on "Language and Culture."
This article provides a comprehensive overview of idioms and proverbs, highlighting their definitions, common features, and their connection to language and culture in Chapter 1 Chapter 2 focuses on idioms and proverbs related to the names of ten typical insects in both English and Vietnamese, including bees, fleas, butterflies, ants, flies, bugs, worms, beetles, gnats, crickets, and grasshoppers Chapter 3 addresses challenges faced by English learners regarding idioms and proverbs, offering suggested solutions The article concludes with a summary of the key findings and insights presented throughout.
DEVELOPMENT
Theoretical background 1 Language and culture
Language has been the subject of extensive study across various perspectives, from ancient Greek philosophers who explored its proper use and purpose to modern scholars who examine its production and perception To fully grasp the concept of language, it is essential to address the fundamental question: "What is language?"
Ferdinand de Saussure was the first to describe language as a social phenomenon, arguing that historical descriptions alone are insufficient for understanding this complex entity He emphasized the importance of studying language through its common users, who, despite lacking theoretical knowledge, are competent speakers Saussure proposed that language use reflects the contemporary structure, allowing for synchronic analysis—examining language at a specific point in time—alongside diachronic analysis, which focuses on historical linguistic forms He distinguished between the use of language, termed "parole," and the underlying knowledge of linguistic structure, referred to as "langue."
A behaviorist perspective on language emphasizes the observation of linguistic behavior and interaction among people, rather than focusing on linguistic universals This approach suggests that linguistic data is best gathered through observing how individuals communicate Additionally, it posits that the meaning of sentences is not directly observable and should be analyzed through introspective judgments Consequently, linguists who adhere to this view define language as the complete set of utterances that can be produced within a speech community.
Noam Chomsky's third approach to language posits that language functions as a mental organ He observed similarities among various languages that cannot be attributed to environmental influences or chance, suggesting the existence of a unique cognitive ability inherent in the human brain.
Language is defined through generative grammar, which consists of a finite set of rules that allow users to create an infinite number of expressions Proponents of this approach argue that the focus should be on Universal Grammar, the innate mental framework that enables human speech, rather than on specific languages themselves.
Some scholars argue that language is an abstract entity that exists outside of space and time, challenging Chomsky's theories Proponents of this view suggest that analyzing the most effective abstract models of language can significantly benefit the entire field of linguistics.
(http://www.tlumaczenia-angielski.info/ /language.html)
Basing on the Oxford Advanced Learner's dictionary, we have a definition about language like:
"Language is the system of communication in speech and writing that is used by people of a particular country or area"
(Oxford Advanced Learner's dictionary, 1948, the 7th edition, page 862)
Language is a uniquely human ability that allows for the acquisition and use of complex communication systems, serving as a vital tool for interaction It facilitates communication through both speaking and writing styles, with each language belonging to a specific social community Despite some languages being less developed or lacking a written form due to historical factors, they remain remarkable tools for conveying ideas and transmitting human culture.
Culture is a complex concept that encompasses the beliefs, values, customs, and practices shared by a group of people It plays a crucial role in shaping individual identities and fostering a sense of belonging within society Understanding the meaning of culture is essential, as it influences our interactions, traditions, and perspectives, ultimately enriching our lives and communities.
Culture is a fundamental aspect of every society, representing learned behaviors and lifestyles that unite individuals It plays a crucial role in the cohesion of a community, as it encompasses the collective music, food, art, and literature However, these elements are merely the manifestations of culture, rather than its complete definition.
The concept of culture was first articulated by the English anthropologist Edward B Tylor in his 1871 book, "Primitive Culture." Tylor defined culture as a comprehensive system that encompasses knowledge, beliefs, art, law, morals, customs, and all other skills and habits acquired by individuals as members of society.
Besides, many other scholars have defined "what culture is" According to Kluckhohn, C., & Kelly, W.H (1945) The concept of culture In R Linton (Ed.) The Science of
In "Man in the World Culture," the authors define culture as a comprehensive set of historically developed frameworks for living, encompassing both explicit and implicit elements These frameworks, which can be rational, irrational, or non-rational, serve as potential guides for human behavior at any given time.
Basing on Parson, T (1949) Essays in Sociological Theory Glencoe, IL, (page 8)
Culture encompasses the behavioral patterns and human creations that are transmitted from one generation to the next, independent of biological inheritance.
According to Banks and McGee (1989), contemporary social scientists define culture as the symbolic and intangible elements of human societies rather than their physical artifacts The core of a culture lies in how its members interpret and perceive these elements, including values, symbols, and perspectives, which differentiate one group from another in modern societies Within a culture, individuals typically share similar interpretations of symbols, artifacts, and behaviors, emphasizing the importance of meaning over material objects.
(http://www.carla.umn.edu/culture/definitions.html)
According to Nguyen Quang in "Intercultural Communication," culture is defined as a shared background encompassing national, ethnic, and religious elements, shaped by common language, communication styles, customs, beliefs, attitudes, and values This definition emphasizes that culture extends beyond art, music, and food, focusing instead on the often hidden patterns of human interaction and shared perspectives within a community Much like an iceberg, where the majority remains submerged, the unseen aspects of culture significantly influence individual behavior and interpersonal interactions, leading to potential cross-cultural misunderstandings.
Culture is acquired through family and environment rather than being innate at birth It lacks biological ties, as individuals can adopt the culture of their surroundings, even if it differs from their birthplace Additionally, many people choose to adhere to the beliefs and traditions of their own culture, despite not fully embracing all its ideologies.
Some idioms and proverbs relating to names of insect species 1 Idioms and proverbs relating to bees
1 Idioms and proverbs relating to bees
Bees, closely related to wasps and ants, are vital flying insects renowned for their essential role in pollination and the production of honey and beeswax With nearly 20,000 known species across several families, the actual number may be even higher These important insects significantly benefit humans, animals, and plants by providing nourishing honey and beeswax, while also playing a crucial role in sustaining both crops and wild plants through their pollination activities.
In addition, this insect species is a hardworking one in the wild world There are many kinds of them such as the honeybee, the worker, the Queen, and so on
To talk about their busy feature, there is a very famous idiom which go like:
The idiom illustrates the diligent nature of bees, particularly the hardworking worker bees that labor tirelessly both day and night Their dedicated efforts contribute to the production of the exquisite honey that people enjoy, highlighting the importance of their industriousness in the natural world.
The native speakers use this idiom, which indicate the bee, to relate the human
E.g.: She's as busy as a bee, always going to meetings and organizing parties
In such case, the speaker wants to show off the characteristics of she, the industrious and clever woman, the busy woman indeed
In Vietnamese culture, the idiom "chăm chỉ như ong," which translates to "hardworking as a bee," highlights the diligent nature of bees and is commonly used to praise individuals for their industriousness This expression is prevalent not only in literature but also in everyday conversations, reflecting the Vietnamese appreciation for hard work and dedication.
Bees are known for their strong sense of unity, often living together in hives located in trees or underground, and they tend to relocate with their Queen This characteristic has led to expressions like "as busy as a bee hive" or "hive of activities" in English, likening the bustling atmosphere of a marketplace to that of a hive due to the crowded and noisy environment Similarly, Vietnamese phrases such as "đông như kiến cỏ" and "như ong vỡ tổ" convey the same idea of busy, chaotic activity.
Hornets are not only hardworking but also extremely aggressive, making them one of the most dangerous bee species The idioms "as mad as a hornet" and "as angry as a wasp" highlight their fierce nature Hornets can grow up to 5.5 cm in length and, like many social wasps, can mobilize their entire nest to defend themselves, posing a significant threat to humans Their stings are more painful than those of typical wasps due to their venom, which is highly toxic and can even kill large animals like buffaloes It’s wise to keep your distance from these formidable insects to avoid provoking them.
The term "hornet men" in English culture refers to individuals who are quick to anger and can become volatile when provoked When these individuals lose control, they pose a significant threat to others, highlighting the dangers of unchecked emotions.
E.g.: He was as mad as a hornet when he heard what she said about him
In Vietnamese culture, the expression "nổi cơn tam bành" describes an intense state of anger, akin to being as mad as a hornet When someone experiences this level of fury, they often threaten others and create distance between themselves and those around them.
The Vietnamese idiom "nuôi ong tay áo" translates to nurturing harmful individuals unknowingly, leading to eventual negative consequences While the meaning is widely understood, the imagery of the bee it evokes is debated Many interpret it as feeding a bee in one's sleeve, anticipating a sting in return However, this interpretation may be misleading, as "ong tay áo" refers to a specific species of black bee that builds nests resembling the shape of a sleeve, thus giving rise to the idiom's name.
Unlike beneficial bees, wasps are often associated with bad luck when they build nests in homes The Vietnamese idiom "nuôi ong tay áo" reflects this belief, suggesting that raising bees can bring misfortune Similarly, the British expression "set the wolf to keep the sheep" conveys a comparable sentiment about inviting trouble or danger into one's life.
Both English and Vietnamese idioms draw parallels between human behavior and the characteristics of bees, highlighting the significance of bees' mannerisms in conveying meaning However, cultural differences lead to distinct expressions in each language.
2 Idioms and proverbs relating to fleas
Fleas are wingless insects known for their specialized mouthparts that allow them to pierce skin and consume blood, primarily from mammals and birds, particularly dogs As external parasites, they rely on hematophagy for survival With their long legs, fleas are remarkable jumpers, making them one of the most agile creatures in the wild.
In English culture, the idiom "as happy as a flea in a doghouse" symbolizes extreme happiness, illustrating how a flea thrives in its cozy environment Nestled comfortably under the dog, the flea enjoys a perfect situation, allowing it to jump, feed, and even dance with joy.
To refer to someone "as happy as a flea in a doghouse" means that they are very happy and contented
E.g.: One man who won the lottery as happy as a flea in a doghouse
Vietnamese culture embodies happiness with expressions like "vui như hội" and "vui như Tết," reflecting the significance of festivals and the Lunar New Year These celebrations are considered the happiest and most important times for the Vietnamese, who dedicate three months each year to nationwide festivities During Tet, regardless of their location, all Vietnamese people feel a strong desire to return home, highlighting the holiday's deep cultural importance.
One another idiom, which also uses the symbol of the fleas to expresses the good- natured characteristic, is very popular in English culture: "not hurt/ harm a flea"
E.g.: Ted would never hurt a flea, and he would not hit anyone as you claim
This idiom refers to a man who has never harmed anyone, not even the tiniest creature like a flea Similarly, in Vietnamese culture, there are expressions such as "hiền như bụt" and "hiền như cục bột," which convey the same meaning "Bụt" refers to the Buddha, a central figure in Buddhism, symbolizing kindness and compassion, as he is regarded as the epitome of goodness.
Vietnamese spirits Due to the effects of his good behavior, he becomes the standard of every good thing in society
The British idiom "skin a flea for its hide" describes a very stingy person who is unwilling to spend money while expecting to receive much in return This saying highlights the characteristics of someone who is excessively frugal and selfish in their dealings.
Related problems faced by English learners and suggested solution 1 Some difficulties in studying idioms and proverbs
1 Some difficulties in studying idioms and proverbs
Many individuals aspire to learn English idioms and proverbs, yet they often encounter various challenges Throughout my research on these topics, I have faced several difficulties that hindered my progress.
Firstly, because of different geography, the differences between the cultures of two country is unavoidable, especially the idiom and proverb system
Secondly, idiom, proverb, saying, quotation, slang and so on are similar to each other, thus identifying idiom and proverb among them is not an easy job
Many idioms and proverbs are challenging to interpret accurately due to their divergence from the literal meanings of the individual words However, understanding these expressions becomes easier when they are placed in context, as knowing the specific situation can provide valuable clues to their meanings.
Fourthly, the main difficulties is that learners do not know the levels of styles, that is, whether an idiom or proverb can be used in informal situation or not
Lastly, when translating English idioms or proverbs, it is not easy to for Vietnamese equivalent suitable to the nuance of meaning of English idioms and proverbs
With the above difficulties, how to overcome them is still a great question The following tips are referred to help Vietnamese learners in their English studying:
To effectively understand idioms and proverbs from both Vietnam and England, learners must first familiarize themselves with the cultural beliefs, regional customs, and habits of each country This foundational knowledge enables them to make informed comparisons and interpretations of these expressions Finally, verifying their meanings in reputable sources, such as the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary by Sally Wehmeier, is essential for accurate comprehension.
In 2005, Oxford University Press published a significant resource on Vietnamese-English idioms, proverbs, and folk sayings, while Nguyễn Đình Hùng's 2007 collection from Youth Publisher in Ho Chi Minh City further explores these cultural expressions Additionally, Phạm Văn Vĩnh's 2003 work on comparative proverbs, published in Hanoi, contributes to the understanding of these linguistic treasures.
Secondly, the learners should study the features of idioms and proverbs carefully and distinguish them from other kinds of set expression to identify the idiom and proverb better
Thirdly, the learners can analyze the meaning of all components and the relationships among the components or study the meaning in the context or can ask native speaker
Fourthly, it is advisable not to make frequent use of slang expression because it is easy to sound strange
When selecting English idioms and proverbs, learners should be mindful that some have multiple equivalents, while others lack direct Vietnamese translations In such cases, it's essential to either paraphrase these expressions or seek out similar alternatives to convey the intended meaning effectively.