INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Human communication encompasses various methods, including gestures and body language In many cultures, a handshake is a traditional greeting that signifies acceptance; declining to shake hands can imply disapproval or animosity Additionally, subtle cues like a nod, wink, furrowed brows, or a raised finger can effectively convey messages in appropriate contexts.
Non-verbal communication refers to the transmission of messages through gestures and bodily movements without the use of words While it can effectively reinforce verbal communication, its capacity to convey a wide range of messages is limited In contrast, verbal communication utilizes language, providing a more explicit, versatile, and expandable method for sharing information.
The origins of language continue to perplex philosophers, raising questions about why and how it emerged While many believe language arose from the necessities of human life, the specifics of its inception remain contentious Jespersen proposed that language developed during humanity's courtship rituals, highlighting a more playful aspect of communication In contrast, another theory suggests that early words were imitations of natural sounds encountered by primitive humans, while some argue that the initial sounds of language stemmed from emotional cries like pain, anger, and joy.
The "natural sounds" hypothesis suggests that the vocalizations produced by individuals engaged in coordinated physical efforts may have been the foundation of human language development.
Language plays a crucial role in human existence, serving as an essential tool for communication across all social classes Regardless of whether individuals are renowned philosophers or everyday workers like tailors and farmers, language facilitates vital connections that contribute to their survival and development This universal need for communication underscores the importance of language in our lives.
English is the most dominant language globally, with over 200 languages spoken today It serves as an official or second language in many countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, and Canada Although the number of native English speakers is smaller than that of Chinese speakers, English is more widely used across all continents This widespread use makes learning English essential for integrating into the modern world Today, English is the leading language in business, science, technology, education, foreign trade, tourism, and communication, fostering collaboration among nations and contributing to a prosperous global community.
Learning English, like any other language, hinges on mastering grammar and expanding vocabulary A solid grasp of grammar, paired with practical experiences, enables learners to communicate fluently From my experience, understanding basic grammar is a crucial milestone in the journey of learning English However, due to the vastness of a language's vocabulary, it is unrealistic for learners to master all essential grammar rules in a short period.
English encompasses various fields of study, and analyzing headlines in brief news articles is particularly fascinating As most global news is presented in English, this can pose a challenge for non-native speakers, especially Vietnamese readers A headline serves as a crucial element at the top of a news piece, summarizing the essence of the content below To effectively engage readers, headlines must be compelling and informative They play a significant role in reflecting the overall topic of the news, allowing readers to quickly assess and select articles that pique their interest.
Therefore, the analysis of headlines in English brief news, which catch the first sight of readers, has become one of the prime concerns of researcher
Despite limited research on the structural characteristics of English headlines in brief news, this study aims to analyze these headlines, making it the focal point of this graduation paper.
Aim of the study
Every research endeavor has specific objectives, and scholars in various fields pursue distinct goals Similarly, this study is driven by particular aims that guide its exploration and findings.
- Analyze general characteristics of English brief news headlines and different types of English brief news headlines together with structural features of headlines in English brief news
- Moreover, some differences in English brief news headlines and Vietnamese equivalents are found out to help English learning have better understanding of English brief news headlines
Despite constraints in time and expertise, some errors are inevitable I hope this study offers readers valuable insights into analyzing the headlines of brief English news articles.
Scope of the study
The topic of English brief news headlines is expansive, encompassing various types beyond the standard format This article highlights key characteristics, types, and structural features of these headlines, with a focus on socio-economic and cultural aspects derived from diverse foreign newspapers and online broadcast sources Additionally, it examines the differences between English brief news headlines and their Vietnamese counterparts.
Method of the study
I do this research from the knowledge and experiences which I gained from my teachers as well as reference books I have read in the process of learning English
I carry out the research by applying the qualitative and contrastive analysis from collection of headlines of brief news
- to describe in a contrastive way features of headlines in English brief news
- Then, to analyze the differences in English brief news headlines and Vietnamese equivalents.
Design of the study
A well-structured table of contents with corresponding page numbers enhances the clarity of a research proposal, allowing readers to quickly locate specific sections and gain a comprehensive overview of the document.
In the “Introduction” are literature review, aims of the study, scope of the study, methods of the study, and the design of the study
In the main part “Development” are four chapters:
- Chapter one: the theories of the study which introduces definition and function of headlines in English brief news
Chapter two delves into the essential characteristics of English brief news headlines, focusing on both lexical and grammatical aspects It categorizes various types of headlines, including descriptive, allusive, and informative headlines Additionally, the chapter examines the structural features of these headlines, analyzing the use of specific words, phrases, tenses, and sentence types in English brief news.
- Chapter three: shows analysis on the differences in English brief news headlines and Vietnamese equivalents
- Chapter four: shows implication of the study for the Vietnamese learners in understanding the English brief news headlines
Part three, the last part is “Conclusion” which summarizes all the presented information.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
What is meant by headlines?
In the information-rich landscape of the 21st century, finding the right data quickly can be challenging due to the overwhelming number of sources available That's where Headline comes in, designed to support you and your business by streamlining access to essential information Often associated with bold, eye-catching text that captures attention, a "headline" serves as a crucial tool for navigating the vast sea of content online.
The notion of headline can be found in many dictionaries of the English language The first definition is taken from Oxford Advanced Leader’s Dictionary:
“a headline is a line of words printed in large letters at the top of a page or an article, esp in a newspaper” (Hornby A S et al, 1999, p.551)
Many linguists seems to be interested in the concept of headline Swan
M proposed that “headlines are the short titles above newspaper articles”
According to McArthur (1992, p.464), the term "headline" likely originates from the nautical context, referring to a rope on a sailing ship that secures a sail to a spar or reinforces the upper edge of a flag.
According to Sinclair J (1998, p 389), a headline is defined as the title of a newspaper story, prominently displayed in large letters at the top, particularly on the front page.
As Claude Abastado (1980, p.149) argues headlines encapsulate not only the content but the orientation, the perspective that the readers should bring to their understanding of the article
[1:1] US Long-Term Jobless Claims Hit Another Record High
( http://www.voanews.com, March 19, 2009)
According to the Oxford Dictionary of Current English: “a headline is a heading at the top of an article or page in a newspaper or magazine indicating the subject of the article”
Galperin (1971) highlights that the unique functional and linguistic characteristics of headlines justify their analysis as a distinct category within journalism The primary role of a headline is to succinctly inform readers about the content of the news.
[1:2] Floods in Namibia Take Heavy Toll
(http://www.voanews.com, March 21, 2009) [1:3] Youth leader says better access to education needed in Southern Sudan
(http://voanews.com , May 24, 2009) [1:4] Japan Pays Foreign Workers to Go Home
( http://www.nytimes.com , April 23, 2009)
A headline serves as the title of a news article or item, primarily aimed at succinctly informing readers about the content of the news.
[1:5] Cuba urges citizens to save water
(http://news.bbc.co.uk, June 5, 2010) [1:6] Hospital planning to axe 400 jobs
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , May 27, 2010)
[1:7] Iran's President calls nuclear deal final opportunity
Headlines have a far-reaching impact, capturing the attention of not only newspaper buyers but also those who see them in public spaces Effective headlines are brief, eye-catching, and memorable, designed to convey information quickly They utilize short, easily readable words to fit into limited space, ensuring they resonate with a broad audience.
We will analyze an example:
[1:8] Four injured in lightning strikes
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , May 27, 2010)
The phrase "lightning strikes" in the headline implies the need for additional context, highlighting not only the four injured individuals but also the broader impact of the event The choice of words emphasizes the victims, suggesting a focus on human suffering despite the lack of details regarding the severity of their injuries This approach conveys the seriousness of the disaster through the reported number of victims In addition to its expressive qualities, the headline serves an informative purpose, effectively summarizing the key aspects of the news.
Functions of the headlines in English brief news
It is necessary to distinguish a headline with the term the headlines At first glance, both terms seem to refer to the same thing with the same sound of
Headlines serve distinct purposes and are utilized in various grammatical forms, each carrying unique meanings To understand their roles better, it is essential to compare the definition of a headline with that of multiple headlines.
A headline is the title of a newspaper story, printed in large letters at the top of the story
The headlines are also the main points of the news which are read on radio or television, e.g “ And now for the main headlines again.”
(Cobuild English Learner‟s Dictionary, Larousse; 1992, p.445)
The distinction between "a headline" and "the headlines" is notable, as the former can be singular or plural, while the latter is always plural with the definite article Additionally, "a headline" refers to a specific title within a news item, whereas "the headlines" encompasses multiple titles collectively.
“a brief summary on TV or radio of the most important items of news” (Hornby A S et al,1999, p.551)
A headline serves as both an independent and integrated element of a news article, closely tied to the overall content and topic It must effectively convey essential information within a limited word count while reflecting the writer's style and perspective Additionally, a well-crafted headline aims to capture the reader's attention and spark curiosity The functions of headlines in English brief news will be explored in greater detail in the following sections.
2 Functions of headlines in English brief news
2.1 The function of introducing the topic of a brief news
Headlines in newspapers attract the highest readership as they are prominently placed at the top of brief news articles They succinctly convey the main content and topic, often encapsulating the essence of the news in just one line A well-crafted headline can significantly influence the success of a news piece, highlighting its importance in capturing reader attention.
A headline succinctly captures the essence of complex news, providing crucial information in just a few words (Ungerer, as cited in Khodabandeh, 2007) Its primary goal is to deliver important news daily while ensuring that access to information remains constant and straightforward.
[1:9] Obama Calls for 'New Beginning' in Message to Iran
( http://www.voanews.com , March 20, 2009)
[1:10] Zuma says South Africa ready 50 days before World Cup kick-off
(http://voanews.com, March 27, 2010) [1:11] Migration threat to Indian economy
(http://news.bbc.co.uk, March 22, 2010)
Thanks to this function, readers can easily choose their favorite brief news after having a quick look at headlines
Individuals seeking economic insights, particularly regarding the stock market, are likely to engage with articles featuring headlines like “How to Cool the Stock Market?” Conversely, those in search of employment opportunities may gravitate towards pieces titled “Finding a Job.”
In the fast-paced world of journalism, where countless brief news articles are published daily, readers often develop a habit of quickly scanning headlines to identify the stories that matter most to them For example, individuals interested in socio-political issues are likely to focus on headlines that reflect these topics.
[1:12] Clinton calls on China to help punish North Korea
(http://voanews.com, May 27, 2010) [1:13] Oil from Sunken Rig threatens Gulf of Mexico Shorelines
(http://voanews.com, May 27, 2010) [1:14] Israel takes control of aid ship
(http://news.bbc.co.uk, June 5, 2010) [1:15] Golden Girl star McClanahan dies
(http://news.bbc.co.uk, June 5, 2010)
Whereas those who are concerned with the fields of education or science often choose that pieces of brief news containing the following headlines:
[1:16] Mars rocks point to wetter past
(http://news.bbc.co.uk, June 5, 2010) [1:17] U.K students face new competition
(http://news.bbc.co.uk, June 5, 2010) [1:18] Advancing education to built the future
(http://news.bbc.co.uk, June 5, 2010)
[1:19] Cambodian schools reopen history’s wounds
(http://voanews.com, May 23, 2009) [1:20] Democracy Activists Look at Digital Opportunities, Challenges
Unsimilarly, the headlines as follows will certainly satisfy the readers who have curiosity about terrorism which is considered a contemporary phenomenon Let‟s consider some headlines for illustration:
[1:21] Obama: US, Russia must fight terrorism together
(http://townhall.com/news, May 8, 2010) [1:22] Two Australians killed in Afghan violence
(http://www.nzherald.co.nz, June 12, 2010) [1:23] 44 dead in Jamaican gunbattles
Travel-lovers, on the other hand, may find it interesting and necessary to focus on these headlines:
[1:24] Business fears over airline sale
(http://news.bbc.co.uk, May 27, 2010) [1:25] Women opting for volunteer vacations
(http://edition.cnn.com, June 8, 2010) [1:26] Behind the wheel of “Road Trip”
(http://edition.cnn.com; May 17, 2009)
Thematic headlines in brief news articles effectively guide readers by signaling the content's focus, allowing them to quickly select news that aligns with their interests and concerns.
2.2 The function of attracting the attention of readers
Headlines play a crucial role in the realm of brief news, as they have only 5-7 seconds to grab a reader's attention With countless journalistic publications released daily, the ability of headlines to capture interest and spark curiosity has become increasingly vital.
Therefore, these features help to make a headline salient so that it can perform its second function successfully
A headline is a line set in a large type to get readers' attention and lead into the body copy
[1:27] Nokia broadens legal row with Apple to include iPad
Brief news headlines attract a larger readership than full articles, as individuals typically skim headlines first to determine the relevance of the content before deciding to read further.
An effective headline not only captures attention but also provides value to the reader, encouraging them to engage with the content It should attract interest, engage the audience, clarify the visual elements, and seamlessly guide readers into the main body of the article.
In today's fast-paced information landscape, headlines must seize a reader's attention within mere seconds To achieve this, journalists often craft headlines that are intentionally ambiguous and intriguing, sparking curiosity and encouraging readers to delve into the full article.
[1:28] Iran's Supreme Leader Dismisses Obama's Appeal
(http://www.voanews.com, March 21, 2009) [1:29] Scientists say global warming affects marine life
Ideally, headlines present a complete selling idea The difficult is that the headline needs to be short and sufficient Also headlines are used to showcase news, as in brief news
[1:30] Italian and Russian leaders discuss energy deals
[1:31] Obama tries to mend fences with American Jews
(http://Top Political News.com, March 24, 2010)
Crafting an engaging headline is essential for capturing reader interest Sensational headlines are frequently used in English brief news, as they effectively draw attention to the reported facts These headlines often provoke curiosity, prompting readers to ask "why." For instance, readers may feel compelled to learn more about whether Arafat's checkup is due to a minor illness or to uncover the reasons behind the tragic murders of a teacher and a 9-year-old girl Such intriguing headlines not only attract readership but also encourage deeper exploration of the stories behind them.
[1:32] Showing “slight illness”, Arafat to get checkup
(http://voanews.com, March 28, 2010) [1:33] Five charged in teacher’s killing
(http://www.reuters.com; May 22, 2008) [1:34] 9-year-old girl found dead under bed
(http://www news.com; June 1, 2008)
Callahan stated that, on average, five times more people read headlines than the body text, with 80 percent of readers only engaging with the headline Therefore, a headline must be captivating enough to spark curiosity and promise valuable information, encouraging readers to delve into the full article Without an enticing headline, the rest of the content risks being overlooked entirely.
Headlines play a crucial role in capturing readers' attention, making them an essential focus for news writers A compelling headline is the first step toward achieving success in delivering concise news.
2.3 The function of conveying the writer’s attitude to the facts reported
FEATURES OF ENGLISH BRIEF NEWS HEADLINES
General characteristics of English brief news headlines
EBNHs often utilize short words to conserve space, prioritizing brevity in their language This practice includes the use of unconventional terms, such as "link" to signify "contact" and "plea" for other meanings, which may not be commonly found in everyday language.
“call for help”), some are used in special senses that they do not often have in ordinary language (e.g bid, meaning “attempt”; back, meaning “support”)
In the realm of EBNHs, vocabulary is selected not merely for brevity but for its dramatic impact; words like "clash" (indicating a violent disagreement) and "blaze" (referring to fire) exemplify this characteristic Thus, the dramatic quality of language emerges as a defining feature in crafting compelling headlines.
[2:1] Philippins deports 2 linked to extremists
[2:2] Jindal’s plea to Obama- resume deep water offshore drilling
(http://freedomist.com,June 3, 2010) [2:3] Authorities await word on latest bid to plug Gulf oil leak
( http://www.mycentraljersey.com ,May 27, 2010) [2:4] Idol Reject Sanjaya finds way to get back in headlines
(http://www.eonline.com,March 25, 2010)
[2:5] Obama, Republicans clash in unusual session
(http://www.reuters.com,January 29, 2010)
A key characteristic of headline vocabulary is the use of abbreviations, which is essential for conserving space in EBNHs Commonly abbreviated terms include names of countries, organizations, political groups, and industrial companies that are familiar to readers, ensuring ease of understanding.
[2:6] U.S jolts Canada 5-3 as Rafalski scores twice
- U.S: The United States of America
( http://www.sportingnews.com ; February 21, 2010)
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , June 5, 2010)
[2:8] FBI adds to wiretap wish list
- FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation
( http://news.cnet.com ,March 12, 2008)
[2:9] EU 'half way to emissions target'
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , June 5, 2010)
Headlines in English brief news often follow rather different grammatical rules from other kinds of writing which will be discussed below:
(a) In the first place, headlines are not always complete sentences
[2:10] High Risk for Venture Capital in Russia
(http://voanews.com, May 27, 2010) [2:11] Report: global economy grows faster
Headlines frequently feature a series of multiple nouns that act as modifiers within a noun phrase, enhancing the clarity and specificity of the title This grammatical structure allows for more detailed and engaging headlines, effectively capturing the reader's attention Examples of such noun phrases illustrate this distinctive rule in headline formation.
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , June 4, 2010)
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , May 27, 2010)
(c) Another features of grammar is that articles and the verb to be in headlines are normally omitted Consider some following headlines:
[2:14] (The) 3 rd bird flu outbreak (is) confirmed on farm
[2:15] Councils (are) urged to open books
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , June 5, 2010)
Brief news headlines often utilize a unique tense system, primarily employing the present progressive tense to convey ongoing changes or developments However, it is common for auxiliary verbs such as "is" or "are" to be omitted in these headlines.
[2:16] Burma (is) trying for nuclear weapon
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , June 5, 2010)
[2:17] Pacific islands (are) not sinking
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , June 5, 2010) EBNHs often use the infinitive form with to which is really a contracted form of the be + infinitive construction to refer to the future
[2:18] Foster's beer and wine (are) to split
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , May 27, 2010)
[2:19] Israel right (is) to intercept the Rachel Corrie
(e) One more notable grammatical characteristic of EBNHs is that passive constructions are composed with no auxiliary verb, just the past particle
[2:20] Some US National Parks (are) threatened by Gulf oil spill
[2:21] Colombian beauty queen (is) arrested in Argentina
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , May 27, 2010)
Types of English brief news headlines
In general, this kind of headlines describe the topic of the brief news and is divided into three sub-types: definite, quotative and sensational
Definite headlines clearly convey the topic of news articles, presenting current events and factual information without bias This allows readers the freedom to interpret and comment on the reported facts Typically, news headlines are complete sentences that provide detailed insights, ensuring that the audience understands the context of the information presented.
[2:22] Apple now bigger than Microsoft
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , May 27, 2010)
[2:23] Clinton says world must respond to sinking of S Korean warship
[2:24] US seeks action over Korea crisis
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , June 5, 2010)
In terms of content, some definite headlines tend to describe events or activities strongly and impressively by using distinctive vocabulary like jolts, tumble, criticize in the following example:
[2:25] Stock market: tracker funds take a tumble
(http://uk.finance.yahoo.com,May 21, 2010) [2:26] Rightist group jolts Sweden's tolerant self-image
(http://www.palmbeachpost.com,June 5, 2010) [2:27] How dare the newspaper criticize Sheriff Jones?
( www.journal-news.com ,May 7, 2010)
Quotative headlines, featuring the sayings of notable figures, are designed to evoke a subjective, precise, and credible impression for readers These quotation-based headlines enhance authenticity, capturing the reader's attention and motivating them to delve deeper into the news to satisfy their curiosity.
[2:28] “Final warning” over UK pollution
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , June 5, 2010)
[2:29] “ Bungling burglars” blow up German bank
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , May 27, 2010)
(c) Sensational headlines are often used to draw the reader‟s attention
Effective headlines inspire curiosity, motivating readers to engage with the subsequent brief news content.
[2:30] Men on run after family shot dead
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , May 27, 2010)
[2:31] Photos reveal stunning perspectives of space
This type of headlines has some kind of referential or figurative relationship to the topic of brief news and is composed of two sub-types: suggestive and comment
Suggestive headlines are vibrant and appealing, crafted through fresh, specific, and imaginative expressions They draw upon a rich variety of sources, including the use of literary devices such as metaphor and metonymy, to enhance their suggestiveness and captivate readers.
(http://www.wordpress.com, June 8, 2009) [2:33] All eyes on me
( http://www.palmbeachpost.com , May 25, 2010)
[2:34] China promises fairness for Korean refugees
( http://www.reuters.com/news , November 12, 2008)
Comment headlines often reflect the author's attitude, emotions, and feelings towards the events they describe To effectively convey these sentiments, evaluative words and intensifiers are commonly employed as key linguistic tools in headline construction.
[2:35] American teen becomes youngest to climb Mount Everest
(http://voanews.com, May 3, 2010) [2:36] Iraqi Airways declared bankrupt
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , June 6, 2010)
This type of approach goes straight to the heart of the matter It states directly the main idea without any attempt to be clever
An example of Robert Bly is the "Pure Silk Blouses - 30 Percent Off"
This example immediately states the selling proposition
Another example is "Free Harry Potter Book" which also directly expresses the benefit or reward offered
Headlines serve as a valuable source of information within various fields, as they convey meaning independently without requiring additional context They rely on the reader's ability to quickly recognize relevant topics, allusions, and issues essential for understanding the content of the news.
[2:37] Anti-government protests spread to Thai provinces
(http://voanews.com, March 27, 2010) [2:38] Fed Cuts Key Interest Rate To Near Zero
[2:39] Disease Threatens Japan’s Beef Trade
(http://www.nytimes.com , June 11, 2010) [2:40] UN calls for greater Human Rights in the Gulf
(http://voanews.com, March 27, 2010) [2:41] Obama Sees Hope for US Economy
(http://www.voanews.com, March 22, 2009)
Analyzing headlines offers the advantage of leveraging widely shared cultural knowledge for comprehension This knowledge not only aids in understanding but also facilitates its dissemination and reinforcement, forging new associations and networks of meaning Additionally, headlines aim to exploit representations for practical impact.
[2:42] Three bomb explode in Pancoran boarding house
The choice of verbs plays a crucial role in conveying information For instance, the use of the intransitive verb "explode" omits an object, leaving readers unaware of what was harmed by the bombs However, the inclusion of the adverbial phrase "in Pancoran boarding house" provides essential context, specifying both the location (Pancoran) and the precise setting (a boarding house) of the incident.
[2:43] Obama invites Israeli PM to talks in
This headline gives clearer information by mentioning who does Obama invite to talk (Obama invites Israeli PM) and where it would be held (in Washington)
[2:44] Court allows Estrada to be detained in hospital
Former Philippine President Joseph Estrada has been granted permission by the court to be detained in a hospital This decision highlights the judicial system's role in determining the conditions of his confinement, emphasizing the court's authority in managing legal matters involving high-profile individuals.
Structural features of headlines in English brief news
Elliptical words in English headlines often signify omitted elements that can be inferred from context According to The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar, ellipsis involves the omission of words from speech or writing, allowing listeners or readers to deduce the missing parts Halliday and Hasan (1976) describe ellipsis as a universal linguistic phenomenon, where certain items are deleted from the text yet remain recoverable through their relationship with the surrounding content By omitting specific linguistic elements, speakers and writers enable their audience to fill in the gaps based on contextual cues.
Therefore, it is widely recognized that ellipsis is an effective way to save room, avoid repetition without causing misunderstanding for readers
Research by Hoheberg (as cited in Khodabandeh & Tahririan, 2007) demonstrates that ten common words—“a, the, and, to, of, in, I, it, is, that”—constitute 25% of the English written language.
[2:45] UN official shot near Najaf
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , September 27, 2009)
[2:46] Gus Dur, Megawati to attend anniversary
In a June 20, 2008 article from The Jakarta Post, it is noted that sentence [2:46] underwent deletion, specifically replacing the conjunction "and" with a comma and omitting the article "an." Additionally, the future tense is simplified to the infinitive form, as seen in "to attend" in the context of Gus Dur and Megawati attending the anniversary This editing choice reflects the need for headlines to be concise and engaging.
Using elliptical words in headlines effectively meets content and layout requirements Commonly omitted words in English headlines include be-auxiliary verbs as main verbs, be-auxiliary verbs indicating future meaning, be-auxiliary verbs in passive constructions, sentence subjects, articles such as "a," "an," and "the," as well as relative clauses.
[2:47] Greek cities hit by fresh rioting
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , August 12, 2008)
This headline is actually incomplete It can be rewritten as:
Greek cities (are) hit by fresh rioting
[2:48] Condemned US killer to face execution by Firing Squad
“be- auxiliary” as main verb
“be- auxiliary” with future meaning
“be- auxiliary” in passive sentences indefinition
Table 1: Omitted elements in English brief news headlines
The ellipsis of the verb "be" is particularly prevalent in headlines, especially those indicating future tense, as it significantly shortens the text and enhances clarity.
According to Quirk (1976), English phrases can be categorized into five types: noun phrases, verb phrases, adjective phrases, adverb phrases, and prepositional phrases The first four types are named after their head words, which can stand alone as the minimal form of each phrase In contrast, a prepositional phrase lacks a head word and consists of two components: a preposition followed by a noun or noun phrase.
[2:49] Geothermal energy summit in Bali
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , May 1, 2010)
[2:50] Australia emissions plan in chaos
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , April 24, 2010)
[2:51] Robot classes at California’s hi-tech school
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , April 24, 2010)
A nominal phrase is primarily formed with a noun or pronoun as the head, accompanied by modifiers, as outlined by Quirk and Greenbaum (1973:27-43) In English, EBNHs are exclusively expressed as noun phrases, distinguishing them from other phrase types The structure of a noun phrase can be effectively illustrated through a diagrammatic representation.
Figure 1: Structural presentation of an English noun phrase
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , June 15, 2009)
[2:53] US student inventor- Entrepreneurs highlight innovation
According to Quirk (1973:151), verb phrases denote actions, events, or states, yet they are less common than noun phrases in English headlines Typically, verb phrases found in headlines are nonfinite, including infinitives, ing-participles, and ed-participles.
( http://www.economist.com , April 20, 2010 )
According to Quirk and Greenbaum (1985), time is a universal concept divided into three categories: past, present, and future Tense reflects the relationship between verb forms and our perception of time, while aspect pertains to how verbal actions are perceived, such as whether they are completed or ongoing.
[2:55] N.Korean leader expected to meet with Chinese President
[2:56] US- based United and Continental airlines announce, creating world’s largest airline
[2:57] Will the bail-out work?
Therefore, tense and aspect are supposed to be the vital factor conveying the content of articles
Simple past and future tense 23 32.8%
Table 2: Tense of English brief news headlines
The table above illustrates the use of verb tense in 70 collected EBNHs
We can see present tense in EBNHs dominate the use of other tenses
[2:58] Pakistan's Top Judge Returns to Work
( http://www.voanews.com , March 24, 2009)
[2:59] Mexico’s President criticizes Arizona’s new immigration law
Headlines reporting past events often use the present tense, reflecting the ongoing relevance of those events While brief news articles typically employ the simple past tense to describe occurrences that have already taken place, the use of the simple present tense emphasizes that the evidence remains a real fact, allowing audiences to perceive and feel the impact in the present.
[2:60] Harry Potter author enters British election campaign
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , May 12, 2010)
[2:61] Israel lifts ban on Apple’s iPad
[2:62] China and Brazil sign trade deal
According to McCarthy (1998:94), headlines are easily understood because readers are familiar with the conventions of the specific register, allowing them to accurately interpret the use of the present tense, despite the shifts in deictic centers implemented by journalists The primary motivation for employing the present tense in headlines is to strengthen the interpersonal function of the text.
[2:63] Australian PM to Visit White House
( http://www.voanews.com, March 24, 2009)
According to Quirk (1973:191) there are four kinds of simple sentence: statement, question, command and exclamation
A statement is a sentence where the subject is consistently present and typically comes before the verb Its primary function is to inform and present facts, making it ideal for concise news articles This characteristic contributes to the prevalence of statement-form headlines.
( http://news.bbc.co.uk, April 23, 2010)
[2:65] Hungarians demand better life elections
( http://voanews.com/english, April 20, 2010)
[2:66] Americans still most confident in Obama on Economy
Question-based headlines are highly effective because they engage readers by prompting them to mentally answer the question posed When the question addresses a specific need, want, or desire, it encourages readers to continue exploring the content.
Crafting an effective question-type headline is essential; it should not merely pose a question but rather engage the reader with relevance and intrigue According to Robert Bly, a well-formulated question can pique the reader's curiosity, compelling them to seek the answer.
A question is a sentence marked by one or more of three ways:
The operator is placed immediately before the subject
One interesting example ([2:67]) of Robert Bly is from Psychology Today
"Do You Close the Bathroom Door Even When You're the Only One Home?"
[2:68] Can We Save the World by 2015?
( http://www.time.com, April 24, 2010) [2:69] Can the world come together to save the planet?
( http://news.bbc.co.uk, May 12, 2010)
The sentence begins with an interrogative word
This category of headlines ask a question that the reader can relate to, that they can empathize with, something they would like answered
[2:70] Who else wants to make a million dollars in the stock market?
( Advertising Headlines that Make You Rich, July 6, 2009) [2:71] Why does the UK need cherry trees?
( http://news.bbc.co.uk, August 23, 2009) [2:72] Why many of the biggest discoveries were accidental?
( http://news.bbc.co.uk, April 20, 2009) [2:73] What stories will dominate in 2010?
(http://www.cnn.com, July 8, 2010) The sentence has rising intonation in spoken English
( http://www.voanews.com, March 28, 2009) [2:75] Most powerful woman in American history?
(newsweek.com, March 19, 2009) 3.4.3 Command headlines
A command is an imperative sentence that instructs readers on specific actions to take Effective command headlines clearly communicate what prospects need to do, with the first word being a strong action verb, as emphasized by Robert Bly Copywriting blends persuasion with a directive approach, guiding readers toward desired actions.
( http://voanews.com, July 15, 2009) [2:77] Save money on your taxes the easy way
( http://headlinetips.com, September 23, 2009) [2:78] Stop wasting time on advertising guesswork
( http://trevorcrookblog.com, May 3, 2010) [2:79] Stop being an advertising victim
An exclamation is a sentence which begins with "what", "how" or without inversion of subject and operator
[2:80] What a noise they are making !
Robert Bly says that a lot of writers deem that one can never come up with a bad headline beginning with the words "how to."
[2:81] How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days !
( http://news.bbc.co.uk, June 29, 2009)
ANALYSIS ON THE DIFFERENCES IN ENGLISH
The use of the verb tenses
1.1 Using the simple present tense
Verbs tenses are crucial in conveying the meaning of headlines, as noted by Mallette (1998) in "The Handbook for Journalists of Central and Eastern Europe." He emphasizes that headlines should be concise and predominantly in the present tense to evoke a sense of immediacy.
Present tense is predominantly utilized in English news headlines, accounting for 67.2% of usage, and is similarly favored in Vietnamese headlines This preference stems from the perception that present tense enhances the immediacy and relevance of news Consequently, even headlines reporting past events are often presented in the present tense in both languages.
English headline: [3:1] Islamic court in Nigeria frees Amina Lawal
(News in Special English, July 17, 2008)
Tòa án Hồi Giáo trả tự do cho Amina Lawal
(News in Special English, July 17, 2008)
English headline: [3:2] Dozens die in western Iran quakes
(news.bbc.co.uk, March 31, 2009)
70 người thiệt mạng trong vụ động đất ở Iran
The recent earthquake in Iran resulted in the tragic loss of seventy lives In English, the event is described using the simple past tense, reflecting the occurrence of this disaster The Vietnamese translation should also incorporate words that indicate past tense to accurately convey the timeline of the events.
The use of the simple present tense instead of the simple past tense in headlines does not significantly hinder readers' comprehension Readers generally understand that news headlines report events as they occur, reinforcing the primary function of news reporting.
English headline: [3:3] Obama announces help for small business
Tổng Thống Obama loan báo kế hoạch hỗ trợ tiểu thương
[3:4] US House Votes heavy tax on bonuses after AIG controversy
Hạ viện Mỹ thông qua dự luật đánh thuế tiền thưởng
English headline: [3:5] Floods in Namibia take heavy toll
Gần 100 người chết vì lũ lụt ở Namibia
To optimize room usage, it is recommended to use the infinitive form instead of "will" or "to be going to" in English headlines that refer to future actions or events.
In Dan luan ngon ngu (2006:237), Nguyen claimed that in Vietnamese eleven adverbs namely “sắp”, “sẽ”,“ từng”, “vừa”, “mới”, “đã”, “rồi”,
“xong”, “ chưa”, “đang” and zero are used to present tenses, among which
“sắp” and “sẽ” are important in distinguishing past, present and future tense
English headline: [3:6] Murdoch’s Fox to open Sydney Studio
Công ty phim Fox của Murdoch sẽ mở xưởng phim ở Sydney
[3:7] World Bank says global economy to shrink 1-2 percent
Ngân hàng Thế giới: Kinh tế toàn cầu sẽ tăng trưởng âm 1-2%
[3:8] S Korea to send advanced warship to monitor N Korea launch
Hàn Quốc sẽ triển khai tàu khu trục đến Biển Nhật Bản
In the above example, without “sẽ” the translation would have been
“Hàn Quốc triển khai tàu khu trục đến Biển Nhật Bản”, causing the misunderstanding that the action had been taken Hence, the adverb “sẽ” is really necessary.
The use of the lexical choice
The vocabulary in EBNHs is characterized by the use of short words to enhance brevity and save space This choice of concise language promotes faster reading speeds and improves comprehension Notably, some of these short words, such as "curb" (meaning "restriction") and "gem(s)," may be less common in everyday language.
Certain words, such as "jewel(s)," are used in specialized contexts that differ from their everyday meanings For example, "doff" means "put off," and "halt" translates to "stop." This specialized usage may pose initial challenges for readers.
Short words are easy for readers to understand and remember, especially for those familiar with them, as they convey clear and fixed meanings These concise terms are commonly used in EBNHs, serving as a distinctive feature of the vocabulary Additionally, their dramatic sound, exemplified by words like "lure" (meaning "tempt") and "blast" (meaning "explosion"), makes them appealing choices.
The impactful nature of short words in EBNHs enhances their appeal and memorability for readers Below, we present a curated list of distinctive words from EBNHs, complete with illustrative examples in the accompanying table.
Rabin and Arafat Seal their accord as
(http://nytimes.com, September 13,2009) back to support
Afghan summit backs Taliban talks
(http://news.bbc.co.uk, June 5, 2010) bar ban, prohibit
Korean Air bars chicken on inbound meals
(http:// cnn.com; January 27, 2009) bid to attempt
Authorities await word on latest bid to plug Gulf oil leak
(http://mycentraljersey.com,May 27, 2010) blast explosion
Deadly blast near Russian theatre
(http://news.bbc.co.uk, May 27, 2010) blaze fire
One died, five injured in Dubai blaze (www.arabianbusiness.com; April 7, 2010) boost encourage, to increase
Fish oil supplements can boost academic achievement
(accessmylibrary.com; May 26, 2008) call for demand for, appeal for
Ethiopia Opposition Leaders call for new vote
(http://voanews.com, May 27, 2010) curb restrict, restriction
BIBD offers solution to curb credit card debt
(news.brunei.fm, March 17, 2010) cut reduce, reduction
BP defers dividend cut decision
(http://news.bbc.co.uk, June 5, 2010) doff put off
Legislator doff trousers for airport protest (http://palmbeachpost.com, March 4, 2009) drive united effort
Again, a drive for peace talks
(http://voanews.com, May 27, 2010) gem(s) jewel(s)
Gem Archer of Oasis tells Jay-Z to "grow up"
(celebrifi.com; September 29, 2008) halt to stop
FDA urged to halt sales of dissolvable tobacco products (www.jointogether.org, April 27, 2010) head leader, to lead
Aid Ships head to Gaza despite Israeli objections
(voanews.com, May 27, 2010) key important vital
A key link in high-tech chain
(New world; April 20, 2008) link connection contact
North Korea cuts some links with South
(voanews.com, May 27, 2010) move step towards Belgium moves closer to banning face-covering Veils
(voanews.com, May 27, 2010) plea call for help
Clegg made last minute plea to Brown two hours before PM quit
(ww.dailymail.co.uk, 16th May 2010) plot plan laid out
Vaccine called U.S plot by Islamic leaders (http://dailymail.co.uk; April 26, 2010) probe investigate investigation
UK's Cumbria killer probed over tax
(http://news.bbc.co.uk, June 5, 2010) quit resign
Hospital security staff have quit the dreaded weed
(www.rochdaleonline.co.uk; March 7,
Target of bloody raid may have left Jamaica
(palmbeachpost.com, May 24, 2010) rally meeting
McCain brings Scott Brown to Tucson for rally
(http://blog.taragana.com; March 6, 2010) riddle mystery
Ismail Ax riddle solved in Virginia tech massacre
Table 3: Distinctive vocabulary with special short words in EBNHs
A notable feature of EBNHs vocabulary is the frequent use of abbreviations, which are commonly found in the names of global and regional organizations, nations, political associations, and both international and national industrial cooperations or companies.
[3:9] UN framework convention on climate change
[3:10] EU to keep Madagascar aid block
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , June 5, 2010)
[3:11] BP begins to funnel off leaking oil
( http://news.bbc.co.uk , June 5, 2010)
Abbreviations are widely recognized by readers due to their frequent use in mass media Typically, these abbreviations simplify long and complex noun phrases into a single word formed from the initial letters of each word For example, using the abbreviations CIA and WTO in headlines reduces the word count significantly, from six and eight words to just four and six words This demonstrates the efficiency of abbreviations in communication.
[3:13] WTO's failure is food industry's loss
( http://www.foodqualitynews.com , June 31, 2008 )
3 Adding some background information in the Vietnamese headlines equivalents
English brief news headlines often omit titles of important individuals, which can lead to a lack of context for the reader In contrast, Vietnamese headlines include these titles to maintain a sense of formality and clarity.
[3:14] Obama met Gorbachev in run-up to Medvedev talks
Tổng thống Mỹ Obama gặp cựu lãnh đạo Liên Xô cũ Gorbachev
(dantri.com.vn, March 23rd 2009)
English headline: [3:15] Obama to visit India in November
(news.bbc.co.uk, June 3, 2010)
Tổng thống Obama sẽ tới thăm Ấn Độ vào tháng 11
( http://www.vietnamplus.vn , June 4, 2010)
English headline: [3:16] Triet to visit Washington this weekend
(news.bbc.co.uk, May 28, 2008)
Chủ tịch nước Nguyễn Minh Triết sẽ tới thăm Mỹ cuối tuần này
(bbc.co.uk/vietnamese, May 29, 2008)
The communicative translation method, as highlighted by Newmark (1988a: 155), is commonly employed in journal translation, prioritizing naturalness and readability This approach enables translators to incorporate relevant information and make necessary adjustments to enhance reader comprehension.
English headline: [3:17] Jerry Yang stands down
( Yahoo co-founder and CEO Jerry Yang will step down as CEO as soon as a successor is found, the embattled Internet company just announced The release
(quoted in full after the jump, along with Yang’s memo to the troops) came shortly after the blog Boomtown broke the news )
(http://www.businessweek.com, Nov 17, 2008)
CEO Jerry Yang của Yahoo từ nhiệm
English headline: [3:18] US release more Guantanamo name
Attorney General Eric Holder announced that certain detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, might be released in the U.S as the Obama administration collaborates with international partners to facilitate the resettlement of some prisoners.
Mỹ công bố danh sách tù nhân nhà tù Guantanamo
The translation utilizes the descriptive equivalence procedure to enhance clarity Guantanamo Bay, recognized primarily for its prison, may be unfamiliar to some target readers; therefore, additional background information is provided to improve understanding.
English headline: [3:19] Will the bail-out work?
As the U.S government intervenes in the financial crisis by planning to acquire up to $700 billion in troubled mortgages, key questions emerge: Will this intervention effectively restore stability, and what will be the financial impact on American taxpayers?
(http://www.nytimes.com, September 21, 2009)
Kế hoạch cứu nguy 700 tỷ đôla: Hiệu quả hay không?
The U.S government intervened on Tuesday to save American International Group Inc (AIG), one of the largest insurance companies globally, by providing an $85 billion bailout funded by taxpayers As part of this agreement, the government will acquire a 79.9 percent ownership stake in AIG and gain the authority to replace senior management.
Chính phủ Mỹ giải cứu AIG
English headlines can sometimes provide insufficient information, posing challenges for readers In contrast, Vietnamese sentences often use phrases that function as either the subject or predicate, allowing for the inclusion of additional details This approach enriches the sentence structure, ensuring it conveys comprehensive information.
When searching for the best places to live, comparing different cities is essential Just as you would test various car models or visit multiple homes before making a significant purchase, evaluating multiple locations can help you make an informed decision about your next home.
Thành phố nào đắt đỏ nhất thế giới?
For the first time in history, over half of the global population is classified as middle-class, driven by rapid growth in emerging economies John Parker captures the vibrant scene as a crowd sways to the rhythm of one of Brazil's most famous samba bands, with hands raised high and mobile-phone cameras capturing the moment.
Lần đầu trong lịch sử, diện trung lưu chiếm nửa thế giới
English headline: [3:23] Examining the candidates
Recovering the omitted articles
In English brief news headlines, articles such as "a," "an," and "the" are often omitted, yet this does not hinder readers' comprehension The form of the noun allows readers to easily determine whether it is singular or plural, ensuring clarity in understanding the headlines.
English headline: [3:26] Bank official shot at Washington National Zoo
(news.bbc.co.uk, May 16, 2008)
Một nhân viên ngân hàng đã bị bắn chết ở vườn thú quốc gia
( http://www.vnn.vn, May 18, 2008) Because “official” is in singular form, there is no doubt that a bank official was shot at Washington National Zoo
Nevertheless, in Vietnamese numeral especially cardinal plays an important role in denoting the number of noun, singular or plural If the cardinal was omitted, the translation would be
“Nhân viên ngân hàng đã bị bắn chết ở vườn thú quốc gia Washington”
The omission might cause misunderstanding for Vietnamese that some officials were shot at Washington National Zoo As a result, omitted articles are recovered and translated into “một” to avoid ambiguity
Một nhân viên ngân hàng đã bị bắn chết ở vườn thú quốc gia Washington
( http://www.vnn.vn, May 18, 2008)
The use of colon
Headlines featuring a colon typically consist of two parts: the first part presents a name, event, or location, while the second part delivers the main content According to Oshima and Hogue (2001: 259), there are five primary uses for colons: to introduce a list, to present a quotation longer than three lines, to denote a subtitle of a book, article, or play, to indicate the time of day, and to open a formal letter In a study of 100 selected headlines, 9.33 percent utilized a colon This punctuation mark enables reporters to convey additional information succinctly, as it eliminates the need for a verb between the two sections of the headline.
(time.com, January 21,2009) [3:28] Clinton: US Stands Shoulder-to-Shoulder With Mexico in Fight
(news.bbc.co.uk, April 28, 2009)
Clinton emphasized that the US would support Mexico in combating drug gangs, paralleling the global response to the flu crisis The effective use of a colon to introduce direct speech and detailed information enhances clarity and prevents misunderstanding.
For this reason, there is an increasing trend of using colon in Vietnamese headlines Many Vietnamese headlines include colon even no colon is used in the source headlines
English headline: [3:30] Half-way from rags to riches
Việt Nam: Nửa chặng đường từ đói nghèo đến giàu mạnh
English headline: [3:31] Asia's other miracle
Việt Nam: Điều thần kỳ mới của Châu Á
(finland.edu.googlepages.com, April 26, 2008)