Rationale
In today's interconnected world, the importance of the English language is increasingly evident, particularly in Vietnam where mastering English has become a key focus for students However, learners often face significant challenges, one of which is grasping the complexities of idioms.
Idioms enhance the richness and vibrancy of a language, allowing learners to communicate more like native speakers For English learners, effective communication, particularly with native speakers, is the ultimate objective Achieving this goal requires a strong understanding of idioms, making their mastery a crucial aspect of studying English.
Color idiomatic expressions are integral to every language, often lacking direct equivalents in others, which can lead to a loss of meaning when translated literally These expressions frequently extend beyond their original meanings, presenting challenges due to their unpredictable interpretations and grammatical structures Additionally, their cultural specificity can complicate the translation process further Therefore, translators must employ suitable strategies when dealing with these expressions, necessitating a thorough recognition, understanding, and analysis before considering translation methods Identifying color idiomatic expressions is crucial, as their meanings are not always literal; thus, a translator must first comprehend the author's intent before attempting to translate these phrases effectively.
My thesis focuses on the use of idioms in English and Vietnamese, specifically examining how both cultures utilize colors in idiomatic expressions This study aims to explore the significance of these expressions in daily communication and highlight their Vietnamese equivalents.
Aims of the study
Idioms play a significant role in the English language, often serving as a simpler means to convey complex ideas or adding creativity to expression Among the vast array of idioms, color-based idioms are particularly prevalent, showcasing the rich and varied ways in which language can be used.
The cultural differences between Vietnamese and English have led to significant variations in their languages, particularly in idioms While understanding idioms is crucial for language learners, many struggle to grasp their meanings due to unfamiliarity with the distinctions and similarities between English and Vietnamese idioms Thus, this study aims to address these challenges and enhance comprehension of idiomatic expressions in both languages.
Help readers to have better understanding about the basic background of idioms, its definition, types and classifications
Clarify the meaning of some English and Vietnamese idioms related to color
Research about the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms.
Methods of the study
Considering all the characteristics, this paper made great use of qualitative method
The researcher employed a qualitative approach to collect non-numerical data from supervisors, experts, and friends, facilitating deeper exploration of the topic Additionally, idioms were sourced from dictionaries and various information outlets to enrich the knowledge base for this paper.
Scope of the study
The author finds English idioms related to colors to be a fascinating topic, as idioms and proverbs represent a cultural treasure for each country Despite their vastness, our understanding of these expressions remains limited Given time constraints and the scope of knowledge, this study specifically focuses on color-related idiomatic expressions and their Vietnamese equivalents.
Design of the study
This study is composed of three main parts:
Part I is the introduction which consists of rationale, aims, study methods, the scope and design of the study
Part II is the development-the main part of this paper which is divided into three chapters :
Chapter one is the literature review
Chapter two shows some English and Vietnamese idioms related to colours
Chapter three indicates similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese color idioms and some suggested solutions
Part III is the conclusion which summarizes what was given in previous parts
PART TWO: DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER I: LITERATURE REVIEW
An overview of idiom
Definition of idiom
Idioms, or idiomatic expressions, are a fascinating aspect of language learning, as their meanings cannot be directly translated These fixed expressions share common characteristics; they cannot be literally translated or significantly altered and are frequently used in everyday conversation by native speakers.
Idioms invite reflection as their meanings often require contemplation Once the essence of an idiom is understood, it prompts deeper consideration of its truth Familiarity with idiomatic expressions enhances your ability to weave them into your English writing and speech, especially when the context is right Sharing these expressions can be both impressive and delightful.
Idioms play a crucial role in language, reflecting the unique worldviews of different linguistic communities (Carine, 2005) Defined by Richards and Schmidt (2002) as expressions that operate as single units, idioms possess meanings that cannot be deduced from their individual components This highlights the complexity and richness of idiomatic expressions in communication.
An idiom is defined as a multiword expression whose meaning cannot be predicted from its individual components (1972, p 122) For instance, while the words "storm" and "teacup" have clear definitions, the idiom "a storm in a teacup" refers to a situation where people become overly upset about something trivial Similarly, understanding the words "to go" and "song" does not clarify the idiom "to go for a song," which means to sell something at a very low price Therefore, idioms must be memorized as complete phrases.
Types of Idioms
Fernando (1996, pp 60-63) distinguishes three different groups of idioms, as follows:
Pure idioms are multiword expressions that operate as a single semantic unit, where the meanings of individual words do not combine to convey the overall meaning For example, the idiom "smell the rat" means "to become suspicious" rather than its literal interpretation of detecting a rodent This complete non-literalness highlights how pure idioms create a new meaning that differs significantly from what the individual words would suggest if taken literally (Fernando, 1996, pp 60-63).
Semi-idioms exhibit a unique characteristic of partial non-literalness, where one component retains its direct meaning For example, phrases like "rain cats and dogs," which signifies "rain heavily," and "blue film," referring to adult movies, exemplify this phenomenon.
The term "obscene film" exemplifies how individual words like "rain" and "film" retain their direct meanings while collectively forming a distinct concept According to Fernando (1996, p 63), this illustrates that idiomatic expressions can convey a unified meaning that differs from the individual definitions of each word involved.
Literal idioms are phrases that can be understood by examining their individual components, as each part retains its direct meaning However, these combinations may occasionally require a figurative interpretation According to Fernando (1996, p 63), literal expressions are frequently regarded as idioms primarily due to their composite structure and fixed nature.
Classifications of idioms
When discussing the semantic features of idioms, it is essential to emphasize their figurative meanings, which are crucial for identifying idiomatic expressions Many individuals attempt to comprehend idioms by translating each component literally into their target language; while this approach can be effective for simpler idioms, it may not always yield accurate interpretations for more complex expressions.
The idiom "rub someone the wrong way" signifies annoying or bothering someone, while "Tan đàn xẻ nghé" refers to a family or group that has become separated However, for more complex idioms, the literal meanings of their components do not reveal their true significance This highlights the importance of understanding the figurative meanings of idioms, a crucial aspect of studying idiomatic expressions in both English and Vietnamese.
The phrase "spread oneself too thin" refers to the act of taking on too many tasks simultaneously, leading to a lack of focus and diminished quality in the outcomes Instead of achieving success in multiple areas, individuals may find that they are unable to excel in any one task This idiom serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritization and the potential pitfalls of overcommitting oneself.
The idiom "Quýt làm cam chịu" cannot be understood through direct translation, as its meaning is unrelated to the words "Quýt" or "cam." This phrase reflects a deeper cultural significance that goes beyond its literal interpretation.
“Cam” The meaning of this idiom is someone did something bad but another person took the blame for him
Idioms serve various semantic purposes, conveying both positive and negative meanings For instance, the phrase "back on one's feet" signifies recovery after illness, while other idioms may express less favorable sentiments.
“ugly day” (an unlucky day) This is totally based on the expressing purpose of the authors
In short, idioms should be understood figuratively and they can perform both negative and positive meanings to show the speaker’s opinion about a specific matter
Idioms are typically fixed expressions that cannot be altered without losing their meaning For instance, the idiom "in black and white," which signifies something is official, illustrates how changing the word order renders the phrase nonsensical.
Changing the idiom "In black and white" alters its meaning, rendering it ineffective Additionally, some idioms, like "A little bird told me," are complete sentences that cannot be converted into passive voice For example, the phrase means "information received from an unnamed source." While the sentence "I know about it because a little bird told me" is correct, transforming it to "I know about it because I was told by a little bird" sounds awkward and unnatural.
Some idioms allow for flexibility, enabling slight modifications without losing their idiomatic meaning While certain components of idioms are fixed, others can be altered to create new idioms with similar or different meanings This technique is frequently utilized in mass media, where the original form of an idiom may be adapted with additional elements for enhanced vividness Such modifications are particularly effective in article writing For example, changing the tense of the verb in “give someone the cold shoulder” maintains its meaning of treating someone unfriendly, while altering “have” in “to have the blues” to “get” results in “to get the blues,” preserving the original sentiment.
Idioms come in various forms and structures, including noun phrases like "pink slip" and "red flag," verb phrases such as "sail under false colors," and adjective phrases like "hot under the collar." It's important to note that idioms can exhibit regular, irregular, or even grammatically incorrect structures For instance, the idiom "be at odds" features a "verb + preposition + adjective" structure, which is typically considered a grammatical mistake in English, as prepositions are not usually followed by adjectives However, this idiom is an accepted exception in the language.
To sum up, when mentioning the syntactic feature of idioms, we need to know three
Idioms are primarily fixed phrases that cannot be altered in structure or converted into passive form without losing their original meaning In certain contexts, such as mass media, it's acceptable to modify idioms slightly while still preserving their intended significance Additionally, idioms can appear in various structures, some of which may not adhere to standard grammatical rules.
Interpreting Idioms
When researching idioms, it's essential to differentiate between idioms and proverbs, as many people often confuse these terms Both idioms and proverbs convey experiences and ethics aimed at guiding younger generations in societal behavior, yet they have distinct differences An idiom is a rhythmic phrase that lacks the completeness of a full sentence and cannot fully convey a concept In contrast, a proverb is a complete sentence that effectively communicates an idea, philosophy, or experience.
Understanding idioms requires a nuanced approach, as their meanings should never be taken literally Translators must first grasp the writer's intended message before attempting to translate idiomatic expressions According to Larson (1984), the initial step in translating idioms is to fully comprehend the meaning of the source language idiom Thus, the key to effective idiom translation lies in distinguishing between literal and intended meanings Mastery of the source language is essential for recognizing and appropriately using idioms.
Baker (1992) highlights two primary challenges in translating idiomatic and fixed expressions: the need for accurate recognition and interpretation of the idiom, and the complexities involved in conveying the multifaceted meanings of these expressions into the target language.
Furthermore, Baker (1992, pp 68-71) deals with the difficulties in translating idioms and establishes the following categories:
An idiom or fixed expression may have no equivalent in the target language
An idiom or fixed expression may have a similar counterpart in the target language, but its context of use may be different
An idiom may be used in the source text in both its literal and idiomatic senses at the same time
The use of idioms in writing varies significantly between source and target languages, influencing their context and frequency of use.
Also, we cannot do any of the following with an idiom:
Change the order of the word
Replace its word with another
Culture and Translation
What is culture?
The question is simple, yet it’s not easy to offer a detailed and pleasing answer
Culture, originating from the Latin word "colere," encompasses the concepts of building, fostering, and cultivating Scholars have offered various definitions, reflecting diverse perspectives Edward Tylor, a notable British anthropologist, described culture in his work "Primitive Culture" (1871) as a complex whole that includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, and other habits acquired by individuals within society Similarly, Geertz (1973) defined culture as a historically transmitted pattern of meanings embodied in symbols, serving as a system of inherited conceptions that facilitate communication and the development of knowledge and attitudes toward life.
Culture can be defined as a collection of widely accepted behaviors, fundamental values, and shared experiences that shape social structures and communication styles within a society It significantly influences individual behavior and etiquette, playing a crucial role in how people interact and connect in their communities.
10 act and respond, the way we produce, send and normally interpret different kinds of information According to many cultural experts, culture has these four basic and noteworthy attributes:
Culture is not a biological or natural inheritance; rather, it is learned and gradually acquired through social interactions Hudson (1980, p.74) supports this idea by defining culture as "socially acquired knowledge."
Secondly, culture does not ever belong to any individuals in particular Absolutely, it’s shared by all members of a community
Culture serves as a "symbolic meaning system" (Geertz, 1973, p 89), with language being a vital component that acts as a key medium for conveying cultural values and meanings.
Last but not least, culture is a “unified system”, which means that the integral parts of it are closely related and linked to one another
Culture encompasses the shared patterns, norms, and behaviors that members of a social group learn and transmit, serving as a unifying force through common ideas and standards (Benedict, 1934) It includes various elements such as beliefs, language, social norms, art, fashion, production methods, culinary practices, religion, and economic systems Undoubtedly, culture is a unique characteristic of human society, playing a crucial role in distinguishing different human groups and setting humans apart from other animals.
What is language?
Language, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is a structured method of human communication, encompassing both spoken and written forms It serves as a vital means for individuals to connect and convey ideas, setting humans apart from other animals and plants The unique ability to create and utilize language is the most distinguishing characteristic of humanity.
Language is widely known as a “communication tool”, helping people to express opinions, thoughts as well as communicate information Language carries out these three crucial functions:
1) Language is the primary vehicle of communication;
2) Language reflects both the personality of the individual and the culture of his history In turn, it helps shape both personality and culture;
3) Language makes possible the growth and transmission of culture, the continuity of societies, and the effective functioning and control of social group
The relationship between culture and language
Language and culture are closely related and dependent on each other Language is formed by culture, while culture is influenced and impacted by language
Language and culture are deeply interconnected, as highlighted by Brown (1994), who stated that "language is a part of a culture and a culture is a part of a language," emphasizing their inseparable nature (p 165) Similarly, Kramsch (2000) noted that "language is the principal means whereby we conduct our social lives," indicating that its use in communication is intricately linked to culture in various complex ways (p 3).
Culture and language are intrinsically linked, with language serving as a vital component of culture and a key means of transmitting cultural knowledge Culture encompasses the entirety of human lifestyles, values, behaviors, and perceptions, significantly influencing the development of language Learning any language—be it a native tongue, second language, or foreign language—often involves the challenge of understanding a new culture, as language acquisition and cultural learning happen simultaneously.
Culture profoundly influences language, which serves as a mirror reflecting the essence of that culture This close interconnection means that differing cultures between two countries will lead to variations in their languages.
Languages, such as English and Vietnamese, exhibit significant differences, yet no culture exists in complete isolation Shared human experiences often lead to common ways of thinking and viewing the world, resulting in important similarities between cultures These universal concepts are reflected in languages, indicating that even between distinct languages like English and Vietnamese, there can be coincidentally similar or identical concepts.
SOME ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE IDIOMS RELATED
English idioms related to colours
Colors play a significant role in our vibrant world, which is why they feature prominently in numerous idiomatic expressions These idioms, stemming from both artistic and popular origins, are commonly used by native English speakers and frequently appear in movies and television shows.
Color idioms convey unique meanings associated with various concepts, with each color carrying its own significance This article explores idioms related to primary colors like black, red, white, green, and gray to highlight their distinct interpretations and cultural implications.
As black as It was as black as night
We could not see anything night
As black as Very black pitch
As black as the ace of spades
The place where goods or money are illegal bought and sold
He bought that gun in the black market
A person who is a disgrace to a family or group
I have always been the black sheep in my family
To take money from someone by threatening
He has blackmailing me been for him or her months with some photos he took
To exclude or ostracize someone, to write someone’s name on a list if they break some rules
I was in debt couple months ago, so I’ve been blacklisted
Good or bad, right or wrong
My boss always thinks he knows everything but he doesn’t realise this situation is not as black and white as he thinks!
A black look An angry expression on somebody’s face
He gave me a black look when he found out that I lost his keys
A dangerous area, usually on a road where accidents often happen
Don’t go any further There is a black spot in front of you
(As) red as a beetroot very red in the face, because you fell angry, embarrassed or hot
I could see my son up on the stage, his little face was as red as a beetroot
in the red in debt
I’ve got three credit card bills to pay off at the moment I hate being in the red
(not to have) a red cent have no money at all He has a red cent He paid too much on acohol
as poppy red red as as a a Bright red
This dress is so beautyful It’s as red as a cherry
I don’t like that shirt because I don’t like anything that as red as blood
(on) red alert prepared for an emergency or something dangerous to happen
When I had a minor heart attack last year, I saw the red alert and realised that I had to quit smoking, and improve my health
red tape complicated official rules that prevent things from being done
I just want to start my own business, but the amount of red tape involved is so frustrating
(to) see red to become very angry He saw red when he lost his car
(As) white as a sheet/ghost
Extremely pale in the face because of fear, illness or shock
Are you alright? You’re as white as a sheet, what’s the matter?
I hope it will be a white X-mas this year
A useless, but very expensive thing or possession
CD player for me, but it’s a white elephant I don’t need it, I don’t even have any CDs!
A small or harmless lie said in order not to hurt somebody
I just wanted to get out of work so I told my boss a little white lie, and said I had a doctor’s appointment
A term used for office workers that traditionally wear white shirts with a collar
We have a lot of vacancies for white-collar workers at the moment, but hardly anyone is applying for them!
To give somebody/get the green light
To give somebody permission to do something, to be allowed to go ahead with the project
We have been given the green the light by the Marketing Executive to go ahead with the new advertising campaign
Green as grass Inexperienced, naive
He can be as green as grass sometimes I don’t think he’s ready to be promoted to a higher position yet
Green finger/thumb skill in gardening
This garden used to look so beautiful when my mum lived here She definitely had a green thumb I wish I did too!
When we were children, my older brother always used to get green with envy if my dad bought something for me and not for him
Be green Sick or immature Are you ok? You look green!
A grey area Something that is not clearly defined, ans there is still debate as to whether it is “back of white”, neither one way or another
Some of the current rules surrounding bedroom tax in the UK seem to be in a grey area, as many residents disagree with its determining factors
Gray matter Describes a group of important cells that are found in the cerebral cortex
Trinh and Quynh are nice but they don't exactly stimulate the old grey matter
The man in grey suits
Men in business or politics who have a lot of powerand influence although the public does not see them or know about them
It is the men in grey suits who will decide what we'll see in politics
To have/grey hair from
To be worried or upset by something
I have got grey hair from work
To give grey To worry or upset someone
She gives her parents grey with all the drugs she’s been using
The grey pound In the UK, the grey pound is an idiom used for the economic power of elderly people
My aunt spends her grey pound to travel around the world.
Vietnamese idioms related to colours
Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì rạng Ở gần cái tốt tất nhiên sẽ trở nên tốt hơn và ngược lại
Đỏ da, thắm thịt Người béo tốt, khoẻ mạnh, da dẻ hồng hào
Đỏ như son Màu đỏ tươi
Đỏ mặt tía tai Rất giận dữ
Trắng như tuyết Rất trắng
Như tờ giấy trắng Ngây thơ, trong sáng
Giấy trắng mực đen Có chứng cứ, bằng chứng rõ ràng, không thể chối cãi được
Đổi trắng thay đen Tráo trở, lật lọng; Tốt xấu, thật giả đảo lộn
Xanh như tàu lá Da mặt tái xanh, bị bệnh
Mặt xanh, nanh vàng Người ốm yếu đến mức xanh xao, vàng vọt
Tóc xanh nanh sắc Còn trẻ tuổi, khoẻ mạnh làm việc gì cũng nhanh gọn
Kẻ đầu bạc tiễn kẻ đầu xanh Người già chưa mất nhưng người trẻ đã qua đời
Lo bạc râu, rầu bạc tóc Tác hại của lo buồn, phiền muộn; quá lo lắng
Xanh như lá, bạc như vôi
Tình yêu có thể sâu sắc và gắn bó, khiến ta cảm thấy không gì có thể chia cắt; nhưng khi bị ruồng rẫy, nó lại trở nên lạnh lùng và xa cách, như những người lạ chưa từng quen biết.
CHAPTER III : SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE IDIOMS OF COLOURS
Similarities between English and Vietnamese idioms of colours
Despite the differences in society, culture, and language between Vietnam and English-speaking countries, there are notable similarities in the perspectives of their people These similarities are evident in various aspects of language, including color idioms This article explores the correlations between color idioms in English and Vietnamese, highlighting the shared cultural insights they reveal.
1/ Color idioms in both languages are used to convey the color tone of something They are used to describe things in a fascinating way and they commonly appear in literary works Here are some examples to clarify this point
- As red as blood - Đỏ như máu
- As black as soot - Đen như bồ hóng
- As black as ink - Đen như mực
- As black as coal - Đen như than
- As white as the driven snow - Trắng như tuyết
- As green as a leaf - Xanh như lá
- As white as paper - Trắng như tờ giấy
As we can see, there are lots of English idioms of comparison which have exact equivalents in Vietnamese language concerning not only meaning but also vocabulary
An excellent example is “as good as gold” which means “Tốt như vàng” In no uncertain terms, such coincident cases somehow make translation a little bit easier
2/ Secondly, there are many particular colors used to express a particular idea Some objects, animals or phenomena sometimes can be found in both nations, both cultures such as the following examples below:
- Be green - Mặt nó xanh như tàu lá
- Green as grass - Nó còn non và xanh lắm
- Silence is golden - Im lặng là vàng
- As pale as ghost - Xanh như tàu lá
Differences between English and Vietnamese idioms of colours
Color idioms vary significantly across languages, reflecting unique cultural distinctions While some colors convey similar meanings in different languages, others lack direct equivalents, highlighting the diverse ways cultures interpret color.
E.g.: Red also reflects the luck in Vietnamese culture whereas the meaning of red in English idioms is not the same
Green- eyed monster used to express the jealousy of a woman
Ghen như Hoạn Thư do not have a color- based term to reflect the same meaning
A small or harmless lie said in order not to hurt somebody
Lời nói dối do not have a color- based term to reflect the same meaning
Once in a blue moon Very rare, rarely Hiếm khi do not have a color- based term to reflect the same meaning
Số thằng Bi đỏ như son means that he is very lucky
Bi’s fate is as red as a rose does not make any sense
Means good looking women are usually unlucky
Pink beauty silver fate does not make any sense
Means though outside they don’t look friendly, inside they’re warm and kind
Green outside red inside does not make any sense
Some difficulties in translating idioms related to colours
Idioms of comparison, while a small part of language, hold significant importance in communication, particularly through the lens of color Colors not only represent themselves but also carry unique cultural connotations that vary across nations This means that different languages and cultures interpret colors differently, leading to varied reactions among people Many individuals aspire to learn English idioms, yet they often face challenges in doing so The author has encountered several difficulties while researching this topic for their graduation paper.
They do not mean what they say The meaning idioms convey is non-compositional
Understanding an idiom requires grasping its meaning as a whole rather than simply combining the definitions of its individual words Analyzing each word separately may lead to confusion, as the phrase might not even be grammatically coherent Therefore, idioms convey their significance only when considered as a complete unit.
It’s difficult to use idioms correctively
Mastering the correct usage of idioms requires years of language experience, as misusing them can reveal a speaker's non-native status This is a setback for many English learners, whose ultimate aim is to achieve fluency that mirrors that of native speakers.
Mastering the meanings of English idioms can be challenging for learners, as using them correctly requires understanding their varying levels of formality These idioms range from informal slang and colloquialisms to those appropriate for formal contexts, making their proper usage essential for effective communication.
Teaching materials are not much available
Many second-language learners struggle with idioms because teaching materials often overlook them or place them in a separate section of vocabulary lists without adequate exercises or support for learning Typically, idioms are introduced in readings or dialogues with definitions or translations in the margins, followed by their inclusion in vocabulary lists However, these methods alone are insufficient for effective learning unless teachers supplement them with additional exercises and practice.
As an English learner, I have been aware of English idioms for quite some time, yet many Vietnamese students, including myself, still struggle to fully grasp their meanings Despite this challenge, the process of learning idioms is an engaging aspect of language study Therefore, it's essential to focus on key points when exploring idioms, particularly those related to colors.
Learn idioms in context, never in isolation
To effectively incorporate idioms into your language skills, it's essential to not only grasp their meanings but also to practice using them in context For instance, engaging in simple conversations that clearly illustrate the idiomatic expressions can enhance understanding and application By presenting idiom examples within relatable scenarios, you can better appreciate their usage and improve your communication skills.
When encountering an idiom in various contexts, such as magazines, newspapers, or books, it's essential to grasp the surrounding context to fully understand its meaning For instance, consider the idiom "as red as a beetroot," illustrated by a scenario where a boss is shouting and screaming until he trips and falls over a table, causing everyone to laugh and making it difficult for one to maintain a straight face This example highlights how context can enhance comprehension of idiomatic expressions.
Whenever you encounter an idiom, jot it down and later look it up in an English learner's dictionary To reinforce your understanding, create a sentence using the idiom; this practice will help you remember its meaning more effectively.
A lot of idioms can be found in songs
To enhance your understanding of lyrics, download them and examine the words closely Focus on identifying idioms, as they convey meanings that cannot be deciphered by translating each word individually; instead, consider them as complete expressions.
To effectively master idioms, it's essential not only to comprehend their meanings but also to apply them in conversation Team up with a partner and create a dialogue that incorporates the chosen idiom, showcasing your understanding and practical usage.
26 Use the idioms you have learnt in everyday life Should you be in a certain situation then don‟t be afraid to use one either in writing or in speaking
As referred in previous parts, according to Jenifer Seidl and W.Mc Mordie in
An idiom is a phrase where the collective meaning differs from the individual meanings of its words According to the Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, idioms function as single units, and their meanings cannot be deduced from the meanings of their separate components Understanding idioms is essential for effective communication in English, as they enrich the language and convey ideas in a unique way.
The Oxford Advanced Learner‟s Dictionary of Current English (Oxford University
Press - 1995) defines idiom as “a phrase or sentence whose meaning is not clear from the meaning of its individual words and which must be learnt as a whole unit.” (1995: page 67)
Mastering idioms is crucial for enhancing language skills, as many students struggle to express their thoughts clearly This often results in a lack of fluency and incomplete essays, primarily because they depend on isolated words, which leads to fragmented or run-on sentences.
To confidently use a foreign language and effectively understand idioms, it's essential for learners eager to improve their English skills to embrace idiomatic expressions However, cultural differences and various challenges can make learning idioms difficult To navigate these obstacles, Chapter III suggests several strategies, including learning idioms in context rather than isolation, maintaining an 'Idioms' diary, exploring idioms through songs, and creating conversations that incorporate idiomatic expressions.
Despite the fact that we may not know about idioms clearly, we cannot deny that learning idioms is a very interesting part when we study languages
Despite my considerable efforts, certain limitations could be detected in this study due to time constraint and other unexpected factors
In the first chapter, the researcher outlines key aspects of idiom theory to equip readers with foundational knowledge, enabling them to better recognize and understand idioms.