Rationale of the study
Language is essential for effective communication, enabling individuals to express thoughts, ideas, and meanings through a structured system of sounds, symbols, and words Its diverse forms facilitate interaction among people, highlighting its crucial role in human connection.
English is a crucial global language, spoken by over sixty percent of the world's population It serves as the primary language in sectors such as trade, banking, education, and information technology Proficiency in English opens up numerous job opportunities, making it an essential skill for effective communication and career advancement.
Language evolves alongside society, reflecting its development through a constantly changing vocabulary that accommodates new ideas and needs This vocabulary serves as a mirror of human character and mentality In my journey of learning English, I recognize the significance of names in word formation With four years of university experience and a keen awareness of English's vital role today, I have chosen to focus my Graduation Paper on lexicology in English for specific purposes, particularly exploring words derived from names Through a comparative study of English and Vietnamese names in Nguyen Nhat Anh's stories, I aim to uncover both similarities and differences.
Therefore, the following study shows English learners not only the characteristics but also the usage of words from names in Anh’s stories.
Aims of the study
My research is aimed at:
Providing English learners some characteristics, classifications of words from names in order to facilitate the effective use of these words
Analyzing the usage of English and Vietnamese names in Nguyen Nhat Anh’s stories basing on the metaphor and simile
Helping the learners avoid dogmatic and misunderstanding in communication and translation, particularly with those in relation to the name usage.
Methods of the study
To enhance English learners' vocabulary and deepen their understanding of words derived from names, I have conducted a descriptive and comparative analysis for my graduation paper This research incorporates various notions and information sourced from Anh's stories, alongside examples drawn from vocabulary, semantic, and linguistic texts, as well as newspapers, magazines, and online resources, all of which provide valuable insights for my study.
Furthermore, my graduation paper also bases on myself experience and my knowledge during the process of learning English.
Scope of the study
Many English learners tend to concentrate heavily on grammatical structures and the meanings of new vocabulary, often overlooking the significance of word origins Understanding the etymology of words can enhance comprehension and retention, enriching the overall learning experience.
Due to time constraints and limited knowledge, my study primarily focuses on metaphorical and simile-based names, specifically examining the names of literary characters and notable figures referenced in Nguyen Nhat Anh's stories.
Hopefully, my study will partly help us have a general overview on words from names and their effective use in such kind of works.
Design of the study
The study composes three parts in which the second part is the most important one
Part I, INTRODUCTION, presents about rationale, aims, methods, scope and design of the study
Part II, DEVELOPMENT, consists three following chapters:
- Chapter one provides an overview of some theoretical concepts such as definition of word, word – meaning, lexical meaning, grammatical meaning, components of word-meaning
- Chapter two presents an investigation on words from names in English
- Chapter three highlights an analysis on words from names in Nguyen Nhat Anh’s stories and their equivalents
Part III, CONCLUSION, summaries all things, mentioned previous parts of the study
Semantic - Word meaning
Word
Language consists of words, phrases, and sentences, where the meaning of a sentence derives from the meanings of its individual components Given the numerous definitions of "word," this article aims to provide a practical definition without complicating the existing discourse, acknowledging the complexities involved in defining such a fundamental linguistic element.
“Words are regarded as the smallest indivisible meaningful units of a language which can operate independently”
The term "independently" raises questions about the nature of sentences and words in communication A sentence cannot stand alone as "independent," as it relies on other sentences to convey a coherent message Conversely, words can be viewed as either standalone forms or as complex expressions that merge form and meaning.
“ Word meaning can be more or less described as a component of the word through which a concept is communicated ”
In 1923, Ogden and Richards introduced a significant concept in semantics known as the semantic triangle, which illustrates the relationship between a symbol or sign (the word), its referent, and the concept that connects them.
In the conceptual view, meaning is understood as an indirect connection between symbols and their referents However, this approach faces several challenges that can be outlined as follows.
Mental concepts are elusive things which are not directly available to introspection
Assuming that meaning is language-based (e.g., belonging in the semantics domain), and that concepts reside outside language (e.g., in the domain of thought), can meaning still be identified with a concept?
How are concepts acquires and do they evolve? That is, how do children “learn” concepts and, once learned, do concepts change or stay the same?
If concepts change in the process as children mature, does meaning then evolve parallel to the evolution of the concept which the expression is related to?
Identifying the meaning of a word in relation to its concept can present significant challenges Firstly, a word may signify a notion that evokes a general idea without directly referencing a specific element of reality Secondly, while notions remain emotionally neutral, meanings often carry emotional weight Lastly, the lack of a consistent one-to-one correspondence between meaning and notion is particularly evident in words that belong to specific stylistic layers.
The reference of a word pertains to the specific object it denotes, while the sense of a word encompasses its additional meanings When discussing reference, we explore the connection between language and the word itself; in contrast, sense focuses on relationships within the language For example, in the sentence "My wife is in the kitchen," "my wife" refers to a person and "kitchen" to a place However, in the sentence "I met him last Sunday," the term "Sunday" lacks a direct reference in this context.
Sense and meaning are often differentiated in linguistics, where meaning refers to the linguistic system and sense pertains to how this meaning is expressed in speech For example, in the sentence, "Men's words are bullets that their enemies take up and make use of against them," the term "bullets" symbolizes strong emotions.
“Grammatical meaning is what unites words with different lexical meaning It is the meaning recurrent in identical sets of different words.”
All the teachers and students are in the class
Mentioning about two words teachers, students, all of them are nouns that they have the same grammatical meaning Take another example:
You are a beautiful and talent girl
All the words beautiful and talent are adjectives They have the grammatical meaning in common but they differ from each other in the lexical meaning
Lexical meaning refers to the specific meaning of each word within a language system, encapsulating concepts and emotions while unifying various forms of the same word.
Teachers and students each carry distinct lexical meanings, yet both terms evoke associations with educational institutions such as schools, universities, and colleges While they share a grammatical structure, their individual meanings coexist, highlighting the importance of both grammatical and lexical significance in language The interplay between these meanings is essential to the overall function and existence of words within the language system.
Lexical meaning is divided into two types They are direct meaning and indirect meaning:
“Direct meaning is the meaning that directly denotes something without comparing it or associating with other thing i.e we do not need a context Direct meaning is also called literal meaning”
Shakespeare in this sentence is the name of a very famous play writer and it refers to himself There is no comparison that exists between it and any others
“Indirect meaning is the meaning that indirectly denotes something in the association with the other things i.e we need contexts Indirect meaning is also called figurative meaning”
Have you ever watched Shakespeare ?
Shakespeare is a renowned playwright celebrated for his significant works, including classics like Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Othello In this context, the term "Shakespeare" pertains to the plays authored by him rather than to the man himself.
He is the head of the class
The term "head" primarily refers to a part of the body, but it can also signify a leader in different contexts In this sense, "head" can be understood as representing the top student in a class, highlighting its indirect meaning as a symbol of excellence and leadership.
We distinguish two major components of word-meaning:
(a) Denotation, which includes: conceptual and referential meanings; denotation exists by virtue of what it refers to
Connotation refers to the pragmatic communicative value that words gain based on their context, including factors such as location, timing, manner of use, speaker, purpose, and overall situation This encompasses various aspects, including stylistic, affective, evaluative, and intensifying elements that shape the meaning of language in communication.
Denotational meaning refers to the explicit definition of words, pointing to specific objects or concepts For instance, the term "bird" denotes a flying animal, while "father," "dad," and "daddy" denote the male parent Additionally, words like "rain" and "shine" denote natural phenomena.
When the referent is a concept, an abstract thing, we have significative denotation and when it is an individual object we have demonstrative denotation
The connotational meaning shows us how things, concepts etc are indicated (denoted) It conveys the speaker’s attitude, emotions and so on
“Father, dad, daddy” as mentioned above, have the same connotational meaning, and so do “face, mug, muzzle” and so on
Connotation may consist of emotive charge (emotion), evaluation, intensity, and stylistic coluoring Stylistic coluoring means that a word may be colloquial, bookish, slangy, etc
Connotation significantly impacts various fields, including advertising, politics, and literature, as synonyms can carry favorable or unfavorable meanings For instance, advertisers often avoid the term "cheap" due to its negative connotation of low quality, opting instead for "inexpensive" to convey a more positive impression.
Some girls dislike being referred to as "birds," while in Vietnamese colleges, students in the "irregular system" prefer the term "open" over "irregular" due to the different connotations associated with these words.
So, connotation can be considered as an additional meaning to denotation
CHAPTER TWO: AN INVESTIGATION ON WORDS FROM
Types of meaning
“Grammatical meaning is what unites words with different lexical meaning It is the meaning recurrent in identical sets of different words.”
All the teachers and students are in the class
Mentioning about two words teachers, students, all of them are nouns that they have the same grammatical meaning Take another example:
You are a beautiful and talent girl
All the words beautiful and talent are adjectives They have the grammatical meaning in common but they differ from each other in the lexical meaning
Lexical meaning refers to the specific meaning that each word holds within a language system It embodies concepts and emotions, uniting various forms of the same word.
Teachers and students each possess distinct lexical meanings, yet both terms evoke associations with educational institutions such as schools, universities, and colleges While they share grammatical similarities, their individual meanings coexist, highlighting the dual nature of language Every word inherently combines both grammatical and lexical meanings, underscoring their vital role in the language system.
Lexical meaning is divided into two types They are direct meaning and indirect meaning:
“Direct meaning is the meaning that directly denotes something without comparing it or associating with other thing i.e we do not need a context Direct meaning is also called literal meaning”
Shakespeare in this sentence is the name of a very famous play writer and it refers to himself There is no comparison that exists between it and any others
“Indirect meaning is the meaning that indirectly denotes something in the association with the other things i.e we need contexts Indirect meaning is also called figurative meaning”
Have you ever watched Shakespeare ?
Shakespeare is a renowned playwright celebrated for his timeless works, including iconic plays like Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Othello In this context, the term "Shakespeare" signifies the literary masterpieces he created rather than the individual himself.
He is the head of the class
The term "head" primarily refers to a part of the body, but it can also signify a leader in different contexts For example, in an academic setting, the phrase "head of the class" can denote the top student, highlighting the word's indirect meaning as a representation of leadership and excellence.
Components of word-meaning
We distinguish two major components of word-meaning:
(a) Denotation, which includes: conceptual and referential meanings; denotation exists by virtue of what it refers to
Connotation refers to the pragmatic communicative value of words, shaped by factors such as context, timing, speaker, purpose, and usage This includes stylistic, affective, evaluative, and intensifying aspects, highlighting how meaning can shift based on different situational variables.
Denotational meaning refers to the explicit definition of words, highlighting what they signify or represent For instance, the term "bird" denotes a flying animal, while "father," "dad," and "daddy" denote a male parent Additionally, words like "rain" and "shine" denote natural phenomena.
When the referent is a concept, an abstract thing, we have significative denotation and when it is an individual object we have demonstrative denotation
The connotational meaning shows us how things, concepts etc are indicated (denoted) It conveys the speaker’s attitude, emotions and so on
“Father, dad, daddy” as mentioned above, have the same connotational meaning, and so do “face, mug, muzzle” and so on
Connotation may consist of emotive charge (emotion), evaluation, intensity, and stylistic coluoring Stylistic coluoring means that a word may be colloquial, bookish, slangy, etc
Connotation significantly influences areas such as advertising, politics, and literature, as synonyms can carry positive or negative implications For instance, advertisers often avoid the term "cheap" due to its unfavorable connotation of low quality, opting for the more appealing term "inexpensive" instead.
Many girls dislike being referred to as "birds," reflecting a broader trend among Vietnamese college students Those in the "irregular system" often favor the term "open" over "irregular" due to the differing connotations associated with each word.
So, connotation can be considered as an additional meaning to denotation
CHAPTER TWO: AN INVESTIGATION ON WORDS FROM
Words can be employed both literally and figuratively, with figures of speech serving as deviations from straightforward expressions These creative language techniques enhance imagery and clarity, appealing to the imagination and facilitating better understanding.
The basic principles on which the most popular figures of speech are based are similarity and association These figures of speech are: metaphor, metonymy and so on
The development of meaning in the figures of speech is called
“transference” It is not accurate to say “transference of meaning” because the meaning is not transferred but the word is transferred from one referent to another (Hoang Tat Truong)
Metaphor
Metaphor is the transference of names based on the association of similarity In other word, metaphor is a hidden comparison
A metaphor, derived from the Greek word for "transference," refers to the process of transferring meaning from one object to another due to their similarities Traditionally, metaphors are understood as implicit comparisons that enrich language and enhance understanding.
It is raining cats and dogs
In the Middle Ages when it rained hard, the cats and dogs got caught in the drainage system So it appeared to be “raining cats and dogs.”
Metaphors arise from the comparison of two objects that share common features, leading to implicit comparisons In cognitive linguistics, a metaphor serves as a cognitive mechanism that maps one experiential domain onto another, allowing the second domain to be understood through the lens of the first Essentially, a metaphor facilitates a conceptual projection where one experiential domain is partially comprehended in terms of another, enhancing our understanding of both domains within a shared experiential context.
A cunning person is commonly referred to as a fox
(Nguyen Hoa: 106) The figure illustrates the process
Or the quick passage of time is expressed, though not a fresh metaphor, by the verb “fly” Consider:
We should tie pay to performance
“Tie” obviously acquires a new meaning, i.e “link”
A rainy day (in save for a rainy day)
Highlight (in highlight the need for something)
Caste (in a case of procurement staffers)
Patient (in love is a patient)
Money (in time is money)
The phrase “John is a snake” does not imply that there is a snake named John or that John is literally a snake; rather, it serves as a metaphorical expression indicating that John is deceitful or dangerous Over time, many English words have evolved to take on such figurative meanings.
According to Hoang Tat Truong, metaphors are a form of transference that can be categorized based on various similarities These include shape, as seen in terms like "head of cabbage" and "teeth of a saw"; position, illustrated by phrases such as "tail of a procession" and "foot of a mountain"; movement, exemplified by "caterpillar of a tank" and "to worm"; function, with expressions like "finger of an instrument" and "key of the mystery"; color, represented by words such as "orange" and "rose"; and size, as in "midget" and "elephantine."
The metaphorical use of terms related to human body parts is prevalent, as these names are often applied to various objects, such as "the nose of a plane," "the head of the school," and "the leg of the table."
Humans initially familiarized themselves with their bodies, naming various parts, and later began to compare these body parts with surrounding objects, identifying shared characteristics This process led to the use of body parts as metaphors in language and expression.
The names of animals are also often transferred to the human beings
A hard working person is a bee or a beaver
There are many expressions based on names of animals
Another subgroup of metaphor comprises proper names transferred to common ones
A jealous person is called Othello
An eloquent speaker is a Cicero
Metaphors may be: i Living (poetic, individual) when a word has an unusual metaphorical sense or the metaphor is created and used by an individual
Beauty is a flower which wrinkles will devour ii Faded (trite) metaphor, i.e metaphor which lost its freshness because of long use and became habitual
Dying capitalism reflects the challenges faced by modern economies, while fruitful effort emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance The concept of "golden youth" highlights the potential and vibrancy of young people today Additionally, the term "dead metaphor" refers to phrases that have lost their original, literal meaning and are now used solely in a figurative sense, illustrating the evolution of language and expression.
The term "ponder" originally signified "to weigh," but its current usage is limited to the idea of thoughtful consideration This evolution supports the theory that many of our words have transformed into dead metaphors.
Metaphor and simile are widely recognized rhetorical figures often discussed together A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two dissimilar entities, explicitly indicating the resemblance through words such as "like" or "as," unlike a metaphor, which implies the comparison without direct wording.
Similes, often recognized by words like "like," "as," or "resembles," are common in everyday speech and typically draw comparisons from nature or familiar objects Examples include phrases such as "You are as pretty as a picture" and "As cold as a dog's nose." While both similes and metaphors serve to create comparisons, similes are characterized by their indirect nature, requiring formal elements of comparison that make them easy to identify.
She is like a fox. Simile
Kennedy & Dana G offer a good list of ways to make a simile E.g.:
My love is like a red, red rose
My love is redder than a rose
She came out smelling like a rose!
Therefore a metaphor may be extended into a simile and a simile may be condensed into a metaphor
Metaphor is a hidden comparison and simile is an “open” comparison.
Metonymy
Metonymy is the transference of name based on the association of contiguity
(Hoang Tat Truong: 83) The name of one thing is changed for that of another to which it is related
There goes my knee (pain in the knee)
Metonymy is extremely widely used in everyday conversation As dealt with in the previous chapter it is also a means of creating new words E.g.:
The Crown is amused (“The Crown” is the Queen)
The White House is furious (“The White House” is the
Names of containers are used instead of the things contained:
Names of parts of the body are used as symbols:
She has a good ear for music
Two heads are better than one
(Hoang Tat Truong: 83) Proper names are used as common names:
The boy eating a sandwich is wearing an expensive cardigan
(Hoang Tat Truong: 83) There is a great number of such words from names: volt, watt, china, sardine, champagne, penicillin, etc
People are always likely to find simple and convenient ways to express themselves:
(Hoang Tat Truong: 84) Names of materials are used instead of the things made of them:
(Hoang Tat Truong: 84) Concrete things are used instead of abstract things:
The White House decided to spend more money on mic exploration
A separate part is used instead of a whole thing and vice versa:
I used to live without a root over my head
An overall view on words from names
"Words derived from names, along with metaphorical and metonymic expressions, represent a fresh perspective in word formation This approach is not only highly productive but also a significant area of study within semantics The abundance of terms originating from proper names highlights the creativity inherent in language and its capacity for word creation."
For clarity, we propose using the term "name motivation" to describe how certain words derive their meanings from notable references For example, the word "jumbo," which originally referred to a massive elephant brought to the United States, has evolved to describe anything unusually large, such as a "jumbo jet plane."
Similarities there are: sandwich, robot, cardigan, diesel, mackintosh, etc
Certain words have their origins in people's names, often honoring individuals who made significant contributions to society These eponymous terms grant a form of immortality to the namesakes, yet their unique spellings can pose challenges for spellers.
Fahrenheit watt pasteurize diesel ampere guy herculean nicotine quixotic saxophone sandwich
Louis Braille Gabriel Fahrenheit James Watt
Louis Pasteur Rudolf Diesel Andre Ampere Guy Fawkes Hercules Jean Nicot Don Quixote Antoine Sax Earl of Sandwich spoonerism silhouette macadam martinet maverick
Chauvinism volt ohm zeppelin dahlia
Reverend William Spooner Etienne de Silhouette John McAdam
Jean Martinet Samuel Maverick Anders Celsius Captain Charles Boycott Nicolas Chauvin
Count Alessandro Volta George Simon Ohm Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin Anders Dahl
(www.academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/as/824.htm)
1.3.1 Words from names based on metonymy
The name of one thing is changed for that of another to which it is related and used for reference
Mercedes is a brand of car, so the above sentence means I don’t like your car, it is based on metonymy
Dickens is a famous writer, so in the example above, Dickens refers to some novels wrote by Dickens
1.3.2 Words from names based on metaphor
The proper names are used to refer to the other things
Othello, a character from Shakespeare’s play, is deeply in love with his beautiful wife; however, his overwhelming jealousy leads him to tragically kill her This intense emotion has left a lasting impression on audiences, and the term "an Othello" has come to symbolize a man consumed by jealousy.
She is a Venus in Asia
Venus, a renowned figure in Greek and Roman mythology, is celebrated as the most beautiful goddess on Mount Olympus Her name signifies not only beauty but also exceptional talent, embodying the ideal of grace and skill.
He is a Grande in my class
Grande is a mean character in L’Avare a pearl in French literature written by Moliere Therefore, his name is synonymous with stingy men
She is a Mona Lisa in my heart
The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is renowned for her enigmatic smile, symbolizing beauty and mystery This iconic artwork has become synonymous with intrigue and elegance, captivating audiences around the world.
He thinks he is an Einstein
Albert Einstein is a talent physicist His name is associated with the property of brilliance The name Einstein has been used metaphorically to imply the characteristic of brilliance
He is a Ronaldo in my team
Ronaldo is a renowned football player, celebrated globally for his exceptional skills His name has become synonymous with talent, often used metaphorically to describe individuals who excel in football.
That you were Romeo you were throwing pebbles
And my daddy said stay away from Juliet
(10) The names Romeo & Juliet are often used metaphorically in music, literature to imply eternal love
CHAPTER THREE: AN ANALYSIS ON WORDS FROM NAMES IN NGUYEN NHAT ANH’ S STORIES
Words from names in Nguyen Nhat Anh’s stories basing on metaphor
In this study, I focus on the metaphorical origins of English names, as previously outlined in chapter one Due to time constraints, my research does not cover names derived from simile or metonymy Additionally, I will compare English names with their Vietnamese counterparts, emphasizing the names of individuals.
In English, names of people are often used metaphorically based on the similar expressions They are names of famous people and names of characters in literature
In English literature, the names of renowned individuals are often employed metaphorically to reflect shared traits or behaviors in others Notable figures such as Marie Curie, Rimbaud, David Copperfield, Maradona, Michael Owen, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Jackie Chan, and Voltaire are referenced in Nguyen Nhat Anh’s works In the long story “Bi mat cua Toc Tien,” the character “Tho” receives commendation through the metaphorical use of “Marie Curie.”
(www.music.vietfun.com/trview.php?ID69&cat)
Marie Skłodowska Curie, a renowned physicist and chemist of Polish origin who later became a French citizen, was a groundbreaking pioneer in radioactivity She made history as the first individual to receive two Nobel Prizes, one in physics and another in chemistry, solidifying her legacy as a symbol of brilliance in the scientific community The mention of Marie Curie's name highlights her exceptional talent and contributions to the field of physics.
In “Nhung co em gai”, Nguyen Nhat Anh appreciated his character:
Mày là nhà thơ Mày là thiên tài, là Rimbaud của Việt Nam
Jean Nicolas Arthur Rimbaud was a renowned French poet associated with the decadent movement, significantly impacting modern literature, music, and art He created his most notable works in his late teens, with Victor Hugo famously calling him "an infant Shakespeare." Remarkably, Rimbaud abandoned creative writing before turning 21 but remained an avid letter-writer throughout his life Known for his libertine lifestyle and restless spirit, he traveled extensively across three continents before succumbing to cancer just shy of his 37th birthday His character's potential for greatness as a poet is metaphorically likened to Rimbaud's, and references to well-known figures like David Copperfield further enrich the narrative.
Vì luôn tin tưởng vào "sáng kiến" của nó, nên khi được hỏi, nó vẫn tỏ ra như một David Copperfield bí mật Bọn chúng cũng không mấy quan tâm để tìm hiểu sự thật.
David Copperfield, renowned as a world-famous American illusionist, was recognized by Forbes in 2006 as the most commercially successful magician in history He has gained significant fame through numerous television specials and guest appearances, captivating audiences with his remarkable illusions, including the disappearance of the Statue of Liberty and his ability to fly and levitate over the Grand Canyon.
David Copperfield is renowned globally as an exceptional illusionist, with his name becoming synonymous with mystery, imagination, and fantasy His performances, often featuring breathtaking illusions, have solidified his status as a legendary figure in the world of magic.
In his narratives, Nguyen Nhat Anh frequently references renowned football players, including legends like Maradona and Michael Owen Notably, he draws comparisons, highlighting the exceptional skills of his characters, suggesting they are just as impressive as Maradona himself.
Nó đá bóng hay lắm! Còn trên tài cả Owen nữa!
Maradona and Michael Owen are very well known for his ability in playing football Hence, Nguyen Nhat Anh used metaphorical method to describe his characters in those series
Nguyen Nhat Anh frequently incorporates the names of renowned figures from various domains, including sports, entertainment, and science, into his characters Notably, he often emphasizes names from the sports world, showcasing their prominence in his storytelling.
Trong hiệp một của trận đấu, Biền đã bị "nốc ao" Sức mạnh của lời nói từ con nhỏ đó không kém gì một cú đấm móc của Muhammad Ali.
(Những chàng trai xấu tính) (www.music.vietfun.com/trview.php?ID34&cat)
Quý ròm, được xem như David Copperfield của trường Tự Do, khiến cho việc bọn Tâm thách thức thi tài ảo thuật với cậu trở nên khôi hài, giống như việc đòi thi đấm bốc với Mike Tyson.
Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion and remains the youngest ever, to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles
Muhammad Ali is also a retired American boxer and three-time World
Muhammad Ali, often hailed as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in boxing history, earned the nickname "The Greatest" through his participation in iconic matches Renowned for his unique fighting style, he famously stated, "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." In the stories of Nguyen Nhat Anh, Ali's name is synonymous with invincible strength, further solidifying his legendary status in the sport.
Nó mộng trở thành diễn viên võ thuật thượng thặng cỡ Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan is a multifaceted Hong Kong talent, known for his work as an actor, action choreographer, filmmaker, comedian, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer, and stunt performer Inspired by his remarkable career, the young boy in the story aspires to become a renowned martial artist like Jackie Chan.
Besides, the writer also used the prominent person in literature such as Voltaire
Hẳn nhiên, tôi khác ông Voltaire Ông nói, còn tôi thì làm
Voltaire, a renowned French Enlightenment writer and philosopher, is celebrated for his sharp wit and strong advocacy for civil liberties, such as freedom of religion and free trade In contrast to Voltaire, the boy in the conversation not only writes poems but also shares them with his girlfriend, highlighting his romantic nature This juxtaposition, along with Anh's clever use of notable literary figures, adds a humorous tone to the narrative.
Nguyen Nhat Anh also expressed his characters by Vietnamese names such as Hoàng Phi Hồng, Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, Lý Bạch, Nguyễn Bính , etc
Anh ném cứ y như trong phim! Còn độc chiêu hơn cả Hoàng Phi Hồng
The term "Hoang Phi Hong" symbolizes the pinnacle of martial arts excellence, as it is widely recognized that Hoang Phi Hong is a legendary martial artist celebrated globally.
When a main character in “Hoa hong xu khac” claimed that: “Tôi có thể tưởng tượng mình là Nguyễn Bính.”
Words from names in Nguyen Nhat Anh’s stories and their
Vietnamese and English names often reflect distinct characteristics, as explored in Chapter Two of my analysis of Nguyen Nhat Anh's stories This examination reveals how names, through metaphor and comparison, signify traits in both languages For instance, the name Thach Sanh symbolizes strength and bravery, illustrated by the quote: "In that beautiful yet sorrowful dream, I am the courageous Thach Sanh, while the distressed princess is none other than Ha Lan."
In Western literature, Hercules is a renowned symbol of strength, frequently featured in various poems and novels Similarly, the character Thach Sanh in Vietnamese literature embodies this same theme of strength, paralleling the significance of Hercules in Greek mythology.
Tam, a central character in the Vietnamese tale "Con định làm cô Tấm trong nhà ta chăng?", shares similarities with Cinderella as both are portrayed as kind-hearted girls facing adversity.
Andersen’s tale Therefore, we can use the name Cinderella synonymously with the name Tam
The name So Khanh in the story: “Anh là đồ Sở Khanh!”
(www.music.vietfun.com/trview.php?ID69&cat)
As you know, has the similar meaning with Don Juan – a lady-killer Their names are associated with unfaithful and deceived characteristics:
“Sau khi bỏ học được một tháng, nó đã gặp một tên Don Juan.”
The secret of Tóc Tiên lies in the author's ability to creatively use various names for his characters, ensuring that readers remain engaged and never feel bored while exploring his stories.
Anh chàng “nổi máu Hoạn Thư” lên rồi
(Bồ câu không đưa thư)
In chapter two, the name Hoan Thu represents women's jealousy, paralleling the character Othello, who embodies male jealousy Consequently, when referring to a jealous individual, the names Hoan Thu or Othello can be effectively used.
Judas in the situation: “Đồ phản bạn! Đồ Judas !” (Phòng trọ ba người)
In Vietnamese literature, betrayal is exemplified by the character Bui Kiem from "Luc Van Tien," who is notorious for betraying his friend.
Their names are synonymous with the betrayal
Understanding the origins of intriguing words is essential for English learners, as language is deeply intertwined with cultural and psychological influences.
Therefore we can seek the origins of words from the symbols in literature or the outstanding figures in our life
Lexicology is crucial in teaching and learning English, particularly as students' proficiency increases and they require a deeper understanding of words derived from names This article focuses on the study of words from names to aid comprehension of both English and Vietnamese naming conventions The research is structured into three chapters: the first chapter, “Theoretical Background,” introduces fundamental concepts of word meaning and semantics, providing a foundational understanding The second chapter, “An Investigation on Words from Names in English,” explores English names through the lenses of metaphor, metonymy, and simile Finally, the third chapter, “An Analysis on Words from Names in Nguyen Nhat Anh’s Stories,” examines English and Vietnamese names using these rhetorical devices, offering insights into their meanings.
This paper reflects months of dedicated effort, yet it acknowledges inherent limitations due to my limited expertise in this field I invite feedback and suggestions from educators and readers interested in this area to enhance the quality of my study.
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