Introduction
Rationale
English is a globally dominant language, crucial for societal and technological advancement, serving as an effective communication tool As an English major, I focus on the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese languages and cultures These differences encompass grammar, lexicology, translation, and phonetics However, notable similarities also exist, particularly in metaphorical meanings found in literature and idiomatic expressions.
The study of English idioms extends beyond literature, playing a crucial role in everyday language A thorough understanding of idioms is essential for English learners, as it enhances vocabulary and aids in comprehending new and original expressions encountered in daily communication.
Idioms are invaluable treasures of national languages, serving as keys to understanding a country's customs and culture This realization motivates me to study idioms related to people's descriptions, as they have profoundly impacted me While idioms exist in most languages, their usage varies significantly, and each language has its own unique system, making it challenging to translate metaphorical meanings directly.
Idioms enrich language learning by revealing its beauty and cultural nuances, enhancing both understanding and usage This article aims to deepen learners' knowledge of English idioms and proverbs, particularly those related to describing people, which serves as a key motivation for this research.
Scope of the study
In the course of research, the author discovers that English idioms, proverbs, and expressions related to describing people are a fascinating topic These idioms and proverbs represent a cultural treasure, yet our understanding of them remains limited Given time constraints and the scope of knowledge, this study will concentrate specifically on idioms that describe people's appearances, moods, and character traits.
Aims of the study
Idioms pose a significant challenge for both foreign English learners and even native speakers, who often use them without fully understanding their meanings While native speakers may appreciate the idioms reflecting the attitudes and behaviors of the speakers, they can struggle to comprehend the intended message when non-native speakers make grammatical or pronunciation errors This can lead to misunderstandings and unengaging conversations Consequently, my study focuses on exploring these dynamics to enhance communication effectiveness.
Clarifying meanings of English idioms expressing
Helping the learners use right idioms in right situations
This article explores the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms used to describe people, highlighting how these expressions reflect the cultural and societal values of each country By comparing these idioms, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the nuances in language and the diverse perspectives on human behavior in both cultures.
Methods of the study
To enhance the understanding of English idioms related to describing people and their Vietnamese equivalents, we employ various methods in the learning process This approach aims to highlight the significance of idioms in everyday life, allowing learners to appreciate their cultural and linguistic relevance.
The first is to having discussion with the supervisor, experts and friends
Besides, idioms were collected from dictionary and other sources of information to get valuable knowledge for this paper
Finally, the author will analyze and compare these idioms.
Design of the study
This paper gives a clear and brief organization including three main parts that contribute to an easy understanding and practical benefits gained for readers:
Chapter 1: Theoretical background on English idioms; some definitions of idioms, how idioms versus compounds, proverbs
Chapter 2: English idioms describing people In this chapter, some certain idioms are analyzed according to people’s appearance, people’s moods and people’s characters
Chapter 3: Some difficulties for learners of English in studying idioms describing people, suggested solutions and exercises for practice
- Conclusion which summaries and restates the issues mentioned through three chapters above.
Development
General theoretical background on
Understanding the history and usage of idioms is essential before delving into their meanings, particularly those related to describing people Idioms serve as unique linguistic units that enrich everyday communication in every language.
If English isn't your native language, it's normal to feel confused when encountering idiomatic expressions Understanding these phrases will not only provide valuable insights but also enhance your proficiency in English.
Idioms provide valuable advice on improving interactions and lifestyle choices, enhancing their depth and significance through their cryptic nature For instance, using the idiom "put the cart before the horse" can convey the concept of innovative thinking more effectively than simply suggesting to "think innovatively."
Idioms often necessitate a moment of reflection to grasp their meanings fully Once the essence of an idiom is understood, it prompts deeper contemplation of the truth it conveys As you become more acquainted with idiomatic expressions, you'll find it easier to weave them into your English writing and speech when appropriate These expressions are not only impressive but also enjoyable to share.
Idioms honestly and exactly reflect history, experience, spiritual value, religious opinion of people
Idioms are not merely colloquial expressions; they represent a unique form of language rich in cultural significance, encompassing elements such as history, geography, religion, and customs These linguistic constructs can be found in various contexts, including formal writing, slang, and poetry, highlighting their versatility and depth in conveying meaning.
To effectively research idioms, it is essential to first grasp their definition, which is often a complex topic Scholars differ in their approaches; some focus on the structural components of idioms, questioning whether they consist solely of phrases or if they can also include words and sentences Others highlight the arbitrary nature of idiom meanings, emphasizing that these meanings cannot be dissected or simplified Given the varying perspectives on idiom definitions, thorough research is necessary to achieve a clear understanding.
Although we are unlikely to give an ideal definition to the idioms, but we should give a better definition of idioms before the research
An idiom is a fixed expression widely recognized by native speakers, and it cannot be created arbitrarily These expressions employ language in a metaphorical, non-literal manner, conveying meanings that go beyond their individual words.
Idioms are phrases that do not mean exactly what they say They have
"hidden" meanings, like the idiom "to let the cat out of the bag" really means
“to tell a secret” Idioms are like sayings
An idioms is a group of words in current usage having a meaning that is not deducible from those of the individual words
The idiom "couch potato" refers to a person who spends excessive hours sitting on a sofa watching television, while "big shot" describes an important or influential individual Understanding these idioms is essential, as their meanings may not be clear without prior knowledge.
According to online dictionary Wikipedia:
“An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not compositional – that is whose meaning does not follow from the meaning of which it is composed”
Idioms are also defined as:
“Idiom is a set expression of two or more words that means something other than the literal meanings of its individual words”
(Oxford advanced learner’s dictionary:2000:564) Eg: Give a clown your finger and he will take your hand
Idioms are unique phrases and expressions that reflect the culture, beliefs, and ideas of a language, making them vivid and impactful They are not easily understood through their literal meanings, as their significance often lies in their cultural context In a broader sense, idioms encompass colloquialisms, catchphrases, slang, and proverbs, contributing to the richness of language.
2 Some common features of idioms
There are many different definitions of idioms; however, we will find some similarities between them:
An idiom is a multiword expression where its individual components can be inflected similarly to single words in a phrase This inflection typically mirrors the pattern of the idiom's literal counterpart, maintaining structural coherence.
Eg: jump down one’s throat
An idiom behaves as a single semantic unit
+) It tends to have some measures of internal cohesion such that it can often be replaced by a literal counterpart that is made up of a single word
Eg: walk all over someone = frighten
+) It resists interruption by other words whether they are semantically compatible or not
+) It resists reordering of its component parts
An idiom features a unique syntactic structure where only specific lexemes can combine to create its meaning Replacing any word within this idiomatic expression with a synonym from the same lexical category will disrupt its intended meaning.
It is anomalous syntactic It has unusual grammatical structure
Semantically, idioms have two layers of meaning To decipher an idiom, you must recognize and understand the meaning of both layers :
Literal meaning: the initial, basic meaning of the idioms, based on the words used and what they mean in a literal sense
Idiomatic meaning: the underlying message, lesson or device offered by the idiom; the meaning of the overall expression, in a broader sense
Ex: put the cart before the horse
The idiom may seem ordinary at first, but its advice is illogical, as it implies placing horses behind carts instead of in front, which contradicts the proper order of things.
Idiomatic meaning: reverse the natural order of things Try something new
In our daily communication and literature, idioms play a significant role, yet their classifications often remain unclear Tim Nicolas from Essex University, in his work "Idioms: Structural and Psychological Perspectives" (1995), suggests that idioms can be categorized based on their sentence structure.
Verb + bare singular noun phrase
Verb + non definite plural noun phrase
Support-type verb + non definite noun phrase
A compound word, often referred to simply as a "compound," is formed by combining at least two root morphemes The elements that make up a compound can include simple words, derived words, or even other compound words.
E.g: grapefruit juice schoolteacher sister-in-law lady-killer
Compounds are sequences of two are more words arranged in a grammatical construction and acting as a unit in a sentence
An idiom is (usually) a type of compound that has a meaning that may not relate to the meanings of its individual words It is a figure of speech
Compound words have many kinds, but classification according to the meaning, compounds have two types:
Non- idiomatic compounds (motivated): the meaning of the whole word is easily deduced from the meanings of the components
Idiomatic compounds (non- motivated): the meaning of the whole word is not the total, sum of meanings of the components
Idiomatic expressions can be found in both compounds and non-compound forms, with some compounds carrying idiomatic meanings While not all idiomatic usages are compounds, certain compounds serve as idioms These compounds often convey an underlying tone or sarcasm, making them popular in newspapers for critiquing government actions and political leaders.
The structural analysis of all the idiomatic compounds shows the following grammatical combinations while forming idiomatic expression
Although idioms and proverbs are used very much in life but there are many differences and similarities which we can distinct them
English idioms describing people
Some difficulties faced by Vietnamese learners of English in studying idioms relating to people description
1 Some difficulties in studying idioms relating to people description
Many individuals aspire to master English idioms, yet they often encounter significant challenges The author has faced several obstacles while researching this graduation paper, highlighting the complexities involved in learning and understanding idiomatic expressions.
Idioms often pose challenges in understanding their meanings, as they typically do not align with the literal definitions of the individual words However, their meanings can be inferred when heard in context, particularly when the situation in which they are used is clear.
One of the primary challenges learners face is understanding the appropriate level of style for different contexts, particularly in distinguishing between formal and informal situations In formal settings, such as when conversing with unfamiliar individuals or in public occasions, it is crucial to select words with greater care, avoiding slang expressions This highlights that the same idea can be conveyed in various ways by adjusting the level of style used.
Translating English idioms into Vietnamese presents challenges due to the difficulty in finding suitable equivalents that capture the nuances of meaning An idiom may convey both literal and figurative meanings simultaneously, making it essential for the target language's idiom to align closely with the source language in both form and meaning Without this correspondence, the idiomatic expression may lose its intended impact during translation.
Based on my experience, the most effective method for mastering idioms is to memorize them and use them in appropriate contexts Additionally, reading books, newspapers, and magazines offers an engaging way to learn idioms while gaining insights into English culture, society, and its people.
And with above difficulties, how to overcome them is still a great question The following suggestions are mentioned to help Vietnamese learners in their English studying:
Firstly, the learners can analyze the meaning of all components or study the meaning in the context or ask the native speakers
To enhance communication in English, it's best to avoid excessive slang, as it can come across as odd Instead, using neutral idioms is recommended However, understanding when an idiom is appropriate requires practice, which can be achieved through diligent reading of English literature that features idiomatic expressions Learners should pay close attention to contextual examples to grasp their usage effectively.
When learning English idioms, it's important for learners to be cautious, as some idioms have multiple Vietnamese equivalents Choosing idioms that overly reflect the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture can disrupt the coherence of English style Additionally, certain English idioms lack direct Vietnamese counterparts; in such cases, translations should maintain the appropriate nuances of meaning.
Exercise 1: Choose the best answer to fill the blank:
1 It was such a sad movie that I…
A faced the music C got cold feet
B cried on my heart out D was in over my head
2 I cut my own hair because the hairdresser costs…
A pull one’s leg C an arm and a leg
B break a leg D an old hand
3 …I'm sure someone will find your kitten
A My lips are sealed C Stick your neck out
B See eye to eye D Keep your chin up
4 I love cotton candy I have a sweet…
5 I am just…your legs I didn't really dye my hair blue
6 On the weekends I like to drink wine and…
A get a head start C let my hair down
B get off my chest D keep an eye on
7 Let's get together in my…of the woods for once
8.We're going away for the week Can you keep…on our house?
9 It makes my…when people don't clear their snowy sidewalks
10 I wish I knew his phone number by…
Exercise 2: Matching idioms in column A with suitable meanings in column B:
1 Old head on young shoulders a Mentioning people who is very clean- lambed and well- ordered
2 Down in the mouth b The idiom describe someone who look unhappy, discouraged or depressed
3 Neck and neck c Means that you are listening very attentively
4 A fresh pair of eyes d This expression is used to refer to a child or young person who thinks and expresses themselves like an older more-experienced person
5 Spick and span e This idioms says that so it is impossible to say who will win in a competition
6 All ears f A small thing but irritating flaw that spoils the whole thing
7 A fly in ointment g This expression a person who is brought in to examine something carefully
Idioms are essential in both literature and everyday communication, enriching poems, stories, novels, and newspapers while enhancing the way we express ourselves in daily conversations.
Idioms enable individuals to express their thoughts and feelings in a flexible and vivid manner, making it essential to understand their meanings for effective communication Due to time constraints and knowledge limitations, this article only covers certain theoretical aspects of idioms to provide readers with a foundational understanding The focus is primarily on culinary-themed idioms presented in Chapter II, which highlights the rich cultural context and usage of these expressions Additionally, the study explores English idioms related to describing people, revealing similarities and challenges in metaphorical usage, while noting that many idioms can convey the same meaning, adding an intriguing dimension for learners.
Learning idioms can be challenging for students, leading to confusion in their definition, memorization, and usage To address these difficulties, Chapter III offers effective strategies such as memorization techniques, engaging with diverse reading materials like books and magazines, exploring stories and images, and studying the cultural context of each country.
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the significance of idioms in the English language, serving as a valuable resource for those interested in English and its culture It is hoped that this work will inspire further exploration of related topics.
1 Đinh Kim Quốc Bảo (2000)-500 modern English colloquialisms – Nhà xuất bản văn hoá thông tin
2 Đinh Kim Quốc Bảo (2000)-500 English idiomatic expressions in current use-Nhà xuất bản văn hoá thông tin
3 Phạm Văn Bính-English idioms dictionary (1999 - Hai Phong publishing house
4 Jon Wright- Idioms organizer (2000) – HoChi Minh publishing house
5 Nguyễn Lực- Vietnamese idioms 2000 – Sience and society publishing house
1 http://www.learn-english-today.com/idioms
5 http://www.forum.easeli.com
8 http://www.whats-your-sign.com
9 http://www.school-for-champions.com
I Appendic 1: English idions relating to people description
In over your head If you are in over your head, you are involved in something that is too difficult for you to handle
Ex: "I accepted to organize the festival, but I quickly realized that I was in over my head."
All ears To say that you are all ears means that you are listening very attentively
Ex: "Of course I want to know - I'm all ears!"
Eagle eyes Someone who has eagle eyes sees or notices things more easily than others
Ex: "Tony will help us find it - he's got eagle eyes!"
Over my dead body This expression is used when you absolutely refuse to allow someone to do something
Ex: "Mum, can I get my nose pierced?" "Over my dead body!"
Up in arms If you are up in arms about something, you are very angry
Ex: "The population was up in arms over the demolition of the old theatre."
Bag of bones To say that someone is a bag of bones means that they are extremely thin
Ex: "When he came home from the war he was a bag of bones."
Change of heart If someone has a change of heart, they change their attitude or feelings, especially towards greater friendliness or cooperation
Ex: "He was against charity, but he had a change of heart when he saw the plight of the homeless."
Heart of stone Someone who has a heart of stone is a cold person who shows others no understanding, sympathy or pity
Ex: "She's not the person to go to if you've got problems - she's got a heart of stone!"
From hand to mouth If you live from hand to mouth, you don't have enough money to save Whatever you earn is spent on food and other essentials
Ex: "Most families in that poor area live from hand to mouth."
The bee's knees If you say that someone or something is the bee's knees, you think they are exceptionally good
Ex: "Julie thinks she's the bee's knees" means that Julie has a high opinion of herself!
Sea legs A person who has sea legs is used to walking on a moving ship, or has the ability to adjust to a new situation
Ex: "It takes a while in a new job to find your sea legs."
A bad egg To refer to someone as a bad egg means that they cannot be trusted
Ex: "I don't want my son to be friends with Bobby
Big cheese This expression refers to a person who has a lot of power and influence in an organization
Ex:"Tom's father is a big cheese in the oil industry."
Being "as cool as a cucumber" describes someone who remains calm and composed in any situation Such individuals are optimistic, viewing life through a positive lens, and they handle challenges without becoming anxious or flustered Their unruffled demeanor reflects a sense of tranquility that others often admire.
Eager beaver The term eager beaver refers to a person who is hardworking and enthusiastic, sometimes considered overzealous
As fresh as a daisy Someone who is as fresh as a daisy is lively and attractive, in a clean and fresh way
Ex: "I met Molly the other day She looked as fresh as a daisy!"
Sour grapes To say that someone's attitude is "sour grapes" means that they are making complaints or accusations because they are jealous
High and mighty Someone who is high and mighty behaves in a haughty manner, as if they were superior to others
Ex: "Don't you get all high and mighty!" said my grandmother to my cousin
"Everyone helps with the housework in this house."
Holier-than-thou This expression is used to describe the attitude of people who consider themselves to be more virtuous or morally superior to others
Ex: "I can't stand the holier-than-thou attitude of some candidates."
A dark horse If you refer to a person as a "dark horse", you mean that they are secretive, or that little is known about them
Mouse potato This term refers to a person who spends a lot of time in front of the computer
Doubting Thomas A doubting Thomas is a person who will not believe something without proof, or without seeing it for themselves
Down at heel A person who is down-at-heel is someone whose appearance is untidy or neglected because of lack of money
Ex:"The down-at-heel student I first met became a successful writer."
Eyes like a hawk If you've got eyes like a hawk, you've got good eyesight and notice every detail
Ex: "Of course Dad will notice the scratch on his car - he's got eyes like a hawk! "
II Appendic 2: Keys to exercies