INTRODUCTION
Rationale
English is recognized as a global language essential for effective communication across various fields To achieve proficiency, learners must not only grasp grammar but also build a robust vocabulary Mastering English vocabulary poses challenges due to its complex formation and usage During my studies at university, I focus on comparing the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese, particularly in grammar, lexicology, and phonetics These differences significantly influence metaphorical meanings in literature and idiomatic expressions.
Studying a foreign language involves enhancing key skills such as Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing, but neglecting the rich treasure of idioms and proverbs can hinder progress Mastering English idioms and proverbs fosters flexibility in language use and enriches daily communication with vivid expressions Since idioms reflect cultural nuances, understanding them is crucial for learners to gain insights into the customs and culture of the target nation Despite the importance of idioms, translating their metaphorical meanings between languages poses challenges due to differences in word usage and sentence structure To address these challenges, I aim to conduct a study focusing on the difficulties faced by students in learning English idioms at foreign language faculties and propose potential solutions.
Aims of the study
This study is done with the hope to reach some aims at:
Distinguishing the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms
Helping learners use right idioms in right situations
Helping the leaners solve problems when studying idioms as well as understand the meaning and usage of English idioms.
Scope of the study
Idioms are a valuable aspect of every culture, yet their vast number makes them challenging to master, especially for English learners Understanding idioms is crucial as they reflect the cultural nuances of a nation This article will explore common difficulties students face when learning idioms, emphasizing the importance of idioms in relation to cultural identity Additionally, it will highlight popular English idioms and their Vietnamese equivalents, providing insights into their meanings and usage.
Methods of the study
To enhance the understanding of English idioms and their Vietnamese equivalents, it's essential for learners to recognize the significance of idioms in everyday life The following methods will be employed throughout the learning process to facilitate this understanding.
- Firstly, having discussions with my supervisor and friends
- Secondly, collecting materials from the internet, books, dictionaries and other documents
- Thirdly, analyzing idioms and comparing them with proverbs to find out some differences and similarities between them and the reasons leading to these similarities and dissimilarities
Recognizing the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms sheds light on the challenges Vietnamese learners encounter when mastering English idioms This understanding allows for the development of effective strategies to assist foreign language students in overcoming their difficulties with comprehension and usage of these idiomatic expressions.
Design of the study
For a clear organization, I divide my study into three main parts:
Part I is the “ Introduction” that mentions the reason, the aim, the scope, the method and the design of the study
Part II is entitled “ Development” consisting of three chapters:
Chapter 1: Theoretical background, dealing with the definitions, common features of idioms, the importance of learning English idioms, and students difficulties in learning English idioms
Chapter 2: The differences and similarities between English and
Chapter 3: Some difficulties facing learners of English and some suggested solutions
Part III is the “ Conclusion”, summarizing what have been discussed in the previous parts
DEVELOPMENT
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Idioms are more than just colloquial expressions; they represent a unique form of language rich in cultural information, encompassing aspects such as history, geography, religion, and customs Found in various contexts, including formal writing, slang, and poetry, idioms require a clear understanding of their definition for effective research and analysis.
Idioms are defined by varying criteria, with some scholars focusing on the structural composition, questioning whether idioms consist solely of phrases and word groups or can also include sentences Others highlight the unique and arbitrary meanings of idioms, asserting that their meanings cannot be broken down or synthesized This divergence in perspectives leads to differing opinions on idiomatic definitions, underscoring the necessity for thorough research to grasp the concept of idioms accurately As a result, rather than seeking a singular ideal definition, it is more beneficial to explore multiple definitions for a comprehensive understanding.
Dubrovin (1995) defines "idiom" to be a set of phraseological units whose does not result from the meaning of its components
The definition by Dean Curry (1994) is “the assigning of a new meaning to a group of words which already have their own meaning”
Moon (1998) says that idioms are typically institutionalized, lexico- grammatically fixed and non-compositional expressions
According to Collins (2000), idioms are phrases where the combined meaning differs from the individual meanings of the words, commonly used in everyday language to convey complex ideas and concepts that cannot be expressed with a single word.
An idiom is defined as a conventionalized expression whose meaning cannot be inferred from the meanings of its individual components (Irujo, 1986) Unlike similes and metaphors, idioms possess established meanings that are widely recognized and understood within a language.
(http://pc171115.pc.waseda.ac.jp/ccdl/cl_korea/0515_handout-body.html)
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning is not derived from the literal interpretation of its individual words, but rather understood through common usage.
(http://www.alienartifacts.com/Idiom/encyclopedia.htm)
An idiom is a phrase whose meaning differs from the meanings of its individual words, often carrying a literal interpretation in one context and a distinct idiomatic interpretation in another.
(http://www.idiomconnection.com/whatis.html)
For examples: a “let the cat out of the bag” means “to reveal a secret, to let somebody know a secret”
E.g: We'd planned a surprise party for Donna, but some guy she works with let the cat out of the bag, so now she knows
Keep this a secret and make sure not to reveal it! The phrase "feel like a million dollars" signifies feeling fantastic, both in terms of physical health and mental well-being.
E.g: A quick swim in the morning makes me feel like a million dollars c “beat about the bush” means “to avoid coming to the point, to approach a subject in a round-about manner, instead of coming directly to it”
E.g: Stop beating about the bush and answer my question! d “break the ice” means “to say or do something friendly in order to overcome shyness or to ease tension in a social situation”
E.g: The hardest part about a first date is breaking the ice To break the ice, let's invite our new neighbors to lunch e “to give up” means “to stop doing something”
E.g: If you give up smoking, your health will surely improve a lot Finally, they gave up the search because they were exhausted f “to hold one's horses” means “to stop and wait patiently for someone or something” It comes from a time when people rode horses and would have to hold their horses while waiting for someone or something
E.g: "Hold your horses," I said when my friend started to leave the store
The above explanations and examples are extracted from http://www.englishclub.com/ref/Idioms/index.htm http://www.thefreedictionary.com
In Vietnamese Dictionary, they say about idiom as follow:
Thành ngữ là một nhóm từ quen thuộc, có nghĩa không thể giải thích một cách đơn giản dựa trên nghĩa của từng từ trong đó.
(http://vi.m.wikiquote.org) And according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary:
“An idiom can be defined as a number of words which when taken together, it have a different meaning from the individual meaning of each word”
In fact, this is what can make idioms all more confusing
A learner familiar with the words "get" and "goat" might struggle to grasp the meaning of the phrase "You get my goat." Without context, it's unlikely they would deduce that it translates to "You irritate me."
- literal meaning : someone’s leg is broken and he or she should go to the doctor afterwards to get it fixed
- Idiomatic meaning : do your best and do well Often, actors tell each other to “break the leg” before they go out the stage to perform
Idioms are unique expressions that reflect the culture and ideas of a language, often comprising set phrases and short sentences that are colorful, impactful, and thought-provoking They are not easily understood from the literal meanings of their individual words Broadly, idioms encompass colloquialisms, catchphrases, slang, proverbs, and similar expressions, highlighting their significance in communication.
Idioms vary in length and structure, often displaying irregular or grammatically incorrect forms According to Seidl and McMordie (1978), there are three primary types of idioms.
Idioms are not always grammatical
Since idioms are born out of popular usage, they aren’t always logical, and they don’t always follow traditional grammar patterns
This is because the phrase itself carries the meaning of the idiom, and not the individual words in the phrase, regardless of each word’s grammatical function For example:
This is a life-and-death situation
Something that is life-and-death is extremely important, but that phrase itself is illogical A situation can’t be life and death
Similarly, a phrase like it’s not you, it’s me is technically ungrammatical
Idioms are not complete thoughts
As with any phrase, an idiom itself doesn’t create a complete sentence They require additional context to give them meaning
This idiom is not a complete sentence It’s the idea itself that is the idiom One might make it into a complete sentence by saying:
Don’t beat around the bush
He’s beating around the bush
Idioms whose forms and meanings are both irregular
Idioms can exhibit various structures, including regular, irregular, or grammatically incorrect forms For instance, the phrase "I am good friend with him" demonstrates an irregular grammatical structure The singular subject "I" raises the question of why the correct form isn't "I am a good friend with him."
SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ENGLISH
2.1 Similarities between English and Vietnamese idioms
English- Vietnamese bilingual history is long, including a large number of idioms and proverbs; however, we can see some common features of both two idioms and proverbs
Both idioms and proverbs share key characteristics: they are implicit, often humorous or serious, and rich in meaning These expressions are not only concise but also vivid, providing a unique aesthetic pleasure The differences between English and Vietnamese idioms reflect the distinct cultural traits and historical contexts of each language Rooted in geography, history, religious beliefs, and customs, these idioms are deeply intertwined with their respective cultural traditions, making them an inseparable part of national identity.
Many English and Vietnamese idioms share similar meanings, awareness, and presentation methods, despite retaining unique national characteristics This similarity arises from common human emotions and experiences, which shape our perceptions of objective realities and societal contexts Consequently, the literal and figurative meanings of idioms and proverbs in both languages often align closely or are nearly equivalent.
The cultural significance conveyed by idioms and their literal meanings is often interchangeable, allowing for mutual translation between the two.
(Out of sight, out of mind)
Thirdly, an English and Vietnamese proverb can consist of an idiom For example, the Vietnamese idiom:
Chồng yêu, xỏ chân lỗ mũi consists of the idiom
Xỏ chân lỗ mũi or the idiom
Bình chân như vại in proverb
Cháy nhà hàng xóm, bình chân như vại
2.2 Differences between English and Vietnamese idioms
The differences in the condition society create particular character and culture of each nation; as a result, English and Vietnamese proverbs are quite different from each other
Vietnamese proverbs reflect the unique experiences of agricultural communities, particularly those engaged in wet rice cultivation, by incorporating idioms related to life experiences, weather, and nature.
Tốt giống, tốt má, tốt mạ, tốt lúa
Muốn giàu nuôi trâu cái, muốn lụi bại nuôi bồ câu Đầu năm sương muối, cuối năm gió nồm Chuồn chuồn bay thấp thì mưa
Bay cao thì nắng bay vừa thì râm
It is difficult to find English equivalent idioms because English proverbs mostly reflect rather social relationship than natural one and work experience
Vietnamese idioms vividly express anti-feudalism and class struggle through profound and daring language, effectively denouncing the evils of the upper class while highlighting the conflict between farmers and oppressive landowners, as well as corrupt mandarins.
Quan thấy kiện như kiến thấy mỡ
Ngồi mát ăn bát vàng
Hay làm thì đói, hay nói thì no
Bà tiền bà thóc, bà cóc gì ai
Giàu bán chó, khó bán con
Vô phước bước cửa quan
Tuần hà là cha kẻ cướp
Muốn nói gian làm quan mà nói
On the contrary, anti-feudalism and class struggle spirits in English idoms are quite slight and not drastic
A cat may look at a King
The story of the little cat daring to confront the king highlights the disparity in justice, where the wealthy are treated differently than the less fortunate This reflects the notion that there are two sets of laws: one for the rich and another for the poor Additionally, it emphasizes the principle that those in power, like Caesar's wife, must maintain an image of integrity and be beyond reproach to uphold their authority.
In both English and Vietnamese idioms, the use of metaphor reveals notable differences, as various symbols convey similar ideas, perceptions, and critiques.
For example, the Vietnamese idiom:
Ngưu tầm ngưu, mã tầm mã has a counterpart
Bird of a feather flock together in which English people use symbol is that birds having the same feather flock together.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
3.1 Survey questionnaires on difficulties in learning English idiom at HPU 3.1.1 Participants
Students studies at Hai Phong Private University, aged between 18 to 23 years All these participants are students from different regions in Vietnam
Helping students who improve and prevent from difficulties in learning english idiom
Helping students solve problems when studying idioms as well as understand the meaning and usage of English idioms
It is shown in the column chart all of the students who took part in the survey got used to English as a second language for a long time
As we see, almost students (50%) thought that English is difficult while only about 0% of them thought that English is very easy
The chart illustrates the varying levels of English idiom proficiency among students, with 13.33% identifying their skills as intermediate, 10% as upper-intermediate, and none reaching the advanced level.
Most students dedicate about 30 minutes each day to reading, while only a small percentage, specifically 13.33%, study for an hour or more daily.
As can be seen, students like learning English idioms only about 20%, but it is about 80% when they don’t like learning English idiom
The pie chart depicts the frequency with which students learn English idioms It reveals that only 3% of diligent students consistently engage in learning new vocabulary, while 13% occasionally do so Additionally, 3% of students report never learning new words.
A small percentage of students, only 16.67%, find the learning factors engaging and easy to grasp In contrast, 53.33% of students perceive these factors as average, while the remaining students express that the curriculum and teaching methods are uninteresting and challenging.
3.2 Student’s difficulties when learning English idioms
English is a language abundant in idiomatic expressions, which add variety and humor to both speech and writing Grasping the meanings and contexts of these idioms enhances students' English proficiency Additionally, the appropriate use of idioms in conversation and writing boosts students' confidence and earns respect from their audience, showcasing their rich vocabulary and insightful expressions.
Idiomatic expressions enrich the English language, providing depth and nuance While idioms offer numerous advantages for communication, non-native English learners often encounter challenges in mastering their meanings and usage Understanding these expressions can be difficult, as they often don't translate literally, leading to confusion and potential miscommunication.
3.2.1 The richness and diversity of the English idioms requires a sufficient cultural background knowledge to fully comprehend and master them
Native English speakers frequently use idiomatic expressions, which can be challenging for learners to grasp This often leads to feelings of embarrassment and frustration among students who struggle to understand these phrases.
English idioms are deeply rooted in the culture and daily life of English-speaking nations For learners of the language, mastering these idioms can be challenging, mainly due to a lack of understanding of the cultural context and historical background that shapes their meanings.
Many idioms originate from cherished traditional British pastimes like fighting, sailing, hunting, and gaming These expressions often carry specialized meanings, and some of the words used in them date back two to three hundred years or more, making them somewhat obscure.
Many native speakers may not be aware of the origins of the idioms they use, yet they understand their meanings and know when to apply them in conversation This can lead to challenges for students, who often struggle to use idioms appropriately in various contexts, resulting in misunderstandings Consequently, idioms can be difficult for learners to comprehend and remember.
3.2.2 English idioms can not easily be understood by defining their components
An idiom is an expression whose meaning differs from its literal interpretation, making its significance non-compositional This means that understanding the overall meaning requires recognizing the phrase as a whole, rather than translating it word by word When examining individual words, the phrase may lack grammatical sense, highlighting that idioms convey meaning only as a complete unit.
They can not be understood by defining the separate words We cannot deduce the meaning of the idiom from the individual words
Understanding idioms can be challenging, as their meanings are often not immediately clear However, in context, idioms tend to provide their own explanations, allowing us to infer their significance more easily.
3.2.3 Most of English idioms need to be understood basing on their figurative meanings
Most of English idioms need to be understood basing on their figurative meanings rather than their literal meanings
Idioms use language metaphorically This means that the meaning of an idiom is not the same as the meanings of the individual words in the idiom
If you “go down memory lane”, this idiom means “think about the past” (the metaphorical meaning), not “walk down a street called “Memory Lane” (the literal meaning)
Idioms are fixed groups of words This means that the wording of an idiom can not be changed
You can say “go down memory lane”, but you can't say “go down memory street.”
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode68/langua gepoint.shtml)
3.2.4 English idioms are fixed in their form, both in grammar and vocabulary
Idioms exhibit both lexical and grammatical stability, meaning they maintain a fixed structure Any alterations or rearrangements to their form can result in a complete loss of their intended idiomatic meaning.
Idioms have fixed grammar and vocabulary, and altering them can lead to a loss of meaning For example, the idiom "pull your socks up" conveys the idea of improving one's behavior However, changing it to "pull up your sock" or "pull your stockings up" makes it a literal phrase, stripping it of its idiomatic significance.
With the above difficulties, how to overcome them is still a great question The following suggestions are to help Vietnamese learners in their English studying
3.3.1 Studying English idioms basing on classifying them into categories
Students can enhance their learning of idioms by categorizing them into thematic groups, such as comparisons, body parts, animals, time, clothing, money, weather, and proper names This systematic approach not only simplifies the learning process but also helps learners retain the idioms more effectively and reduces the likelihood of mistakes.
CONCLUSION
Conclusion
Idioms allow individuals to convey their thoughts and emotions in a flexible, precise, and vivid manner Understanding idioms is essential for accurately interpreting their meanings and obtaining information Due to time constraints and limited knowledge, this article focuses on specific theoretical aspects of idioms presented in Chapter I, aiming to provide readers with foundational knowledge to better identify and comprehend them.
This paper explores various sources of idioms, focusing on key issues discussed in Chapter II It delves into the fascinating world of idioms, revealing insights into their usage, cultural significance, and everyday life The study compares English idioms with their Vietnamese equivalents to highlight similarities and challenges in metaphorical expressions While each idiom conveys a specific meaning, some English and Vietnamese idioms share the same interpretation, offering learners intriguing insights into language and culture.
Learning idioms can be challenging for students, leading to confusion in their definitions, memorization, and usage To address these difficulties, Chapter III suggests effective strategies, including memorizing idioms, engaging with various reading materials such as books, magazines, and stories, as well as exploring the cultural contexts of different countries.
This paper focuses on a small selection of English idioms, aiming to enhance the learning experience for students of the language I welcome feedback and suggestions from educators to continually improve the quality of this work.
Suggestions for further study
This paper acknowledges the limitations in exploring all facets of English idioms and their Vietnamese equivalents due to time constraints For a deeper understanding of this intriguing subject, further study is recommended In the future, I aim to continue my research, incorporating factors such as historical and societal influences to gain a more comprehensive perspective on the topic.
1 Nguyễn Thị Thu Hường, (2009) "English idioms, proverbs and saying relating to relationship", Cambridge: Haiphong Private University
2 Vũ Hoàng Thảo, (2010) “The study on techniques to learn English idioms and proverbs”, Cambridge: Haiphong Private University
3 Lê Thị Thanh Trà, (2010) “A study on English food-related idioms and proverbs and equivalents in Vietnamese”, Cambridge: Haiphong Private
4 Unravelling Urdu Idioms (Dubrovin, 1995; Dean Curry, 1994; Moon, 198;
Collins, 2000) from http://www.languageinindia.com/june2009/urduidioms.pdf
5 Irujo (1986) from http://pc171115.pc.waseda.ac.jp/ccdl/cl_korea/0515_handout-body.html
6 McMordie and Seidl (1978) Distinguish three main types of idioms
7 Criteria for Re-defining Idioms (Katamba, 1993; Langacker, 1986) from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249237935_Criteria_for_Re- defining_Idioms_Are_we_Barking_up_the_Wrong_Tree
8 Grant and Bauer (2004) Institutionalization refers to the degree of recognition a particular phrase meets in a speech community
9 Friendrich Seiler (1939) The prominent, articulated, advisory, and free speeches that are current in people’s language
10 Phạm Văn Bình (1996) Tục ngữ, Thành ngữ tiếng Anh
11 Nguyễn Đình Hùng, Thành ngữ, tục ngữ, ca dao Việt Anh thông dụng, NXB Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, 2007
12 http://www.alienartifacts.com/Idiom/encyclopedia.htm
13 http://www.languageinindia.com/june2009/urduidioms.pdf
14 http://www.poetryteachers.com/poetclass/lessons/teachsimiles.html
15 http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode68/languag epoint.shtml
16 http://www.idiomconnection.com/whatis.html
17 https://digilib.k.utb.cz/bitstream/handle/10563/7327/neva%C5%99ilov%C3%A1_2008_bp.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
18 http://www.englishclub.com/ref/Idioms/index.htm
19 http://www.languageinindia.com/june2009/urduidioms.pdf
23 http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode68/languag epoint.shtml
24 http://www.poetryteachers.com/poetclass/lessons/teachsimiles.html
This questionnaire aims to investigate the challenges faced by students at Faculties of Foreign Languages in learning English idioms Your responses will remain confidential and will be utilized solely for research purposes We greatly appreciate your cooperation in this study.
Bảng câu hỏi này được thiết kế để nghiên cứu nguyên nhân gây ra khó khăn trong việc học thành ngữ tiếng Anh của sinh viên khoa Ngoại ngữ Mọi câu trả lời của bạn sẽ được bảo mật hoàn toàn và chỉ được sử dụng cho mục đích nghiên cứu Sự hợp tác của bạn sẽ được đánh giá cao.
Section I: Personal information (Thông tin cá nhân)
Section II: Questions (Câu hỏi)
1) How long has you learned English? (Thời gian học tiếng anh của bạn là bao lâu?) a) Over 10 years (Hơn 10 năm) b) From 5 years to 10 years (Từ 5 đến 10 năm) c) Less than 5 years (It hơn 5 năm) d) Other (Khác)
2) How do you fell when you study English? (Bạn cảm thấy thế nào khi học tiếng anh?) a) Very easy (Rất dễ) b) Easy (Dễ)
38 c) Normal (Bình thường) d) Difficult (Khó) e) Very difficult (Rất khó)
3) What do you think of your English idiom level? (Bạn nghĩ gì về trình độ đọc thành ngữ tiếng Anh của bạn?) a) Elementary (Cơ bản) b) Pre-intermediate (Tiền Trung cấp) c) Intermediate (Trung cấp) d) Upper-intermediate (Trên trung cấp) e) Advanced (Cấp cao)
4) How much time do you spend on studying English idiom daily? ( Hàng ngày bạn dành bao nhiêu thời gian cho việc học thành ngữ tiếng Anh?) a) 30 minutes a day (Mỗi ngày 30 phút) b) An hour a day (Mỗi ngày 1 tiếng) c) Two hours a day (Mỗi ngày 2 tiếng) d) Other:………
5) Do you like learning English idioms? (Bạn có thích học thành ngữ tiếng anh?) a) Yes (Có) b) No (Không)
6) Are you in a habit of learning new words from idioms? (Bạn có thói quen học từ mới từ các thành ngữ?) a) Always (luôn luôn) b) Usually (thường thường) c) Sometimes (Thi thoảng) d) Hardly ever (Hiếm khi) e) Never (Không bao giờ)
7) How do you feel about the teaching method when teaching idioms? (Bạn cảm