Reason for choosing the study
In today's open economy, integration is a vital trend that significantly impacts various fields, including economics, technology, culture, and language Language plays a crucial role in a country's development, serving as a key factor in maintaining national unity and effective governance Proficiency in language is essential not only for professional success but also in everyday life Effective language learning involves understanding both the structural theories and communicative potential of languages, with a focus on linguistic competence, particularly in English and Vietnamese.
Language embodies the rich cultural essence of each country, with metaphors serving as reflections of its customs, values, beliefs, and traditions Understanding these metaphors is crucial for gaining insight into a new culture, enhancing one's appreciation of the community's spiritual life Thus, mastering the metaphors of a language equates to mastering its culture, making it essential for anyone interested in fully grasping the nuances of a country.
Life is often described through various metaphors, such as a journey, a play, or a stage, each reflecting its abstract nature Understanding these metaphors can be challenging, especially since individuals from different cultures interpret them through the lens of their unique languages and experiences Even within the same language, personal life experiences can lead to diverse interpretations of these metaphors Consequently, a rich array of metaphorical expressions emerges, illustrating the complexity of human experiences and perspectives on life.
The author aims to present survey results on the conceptual metaphor of life in English and Vietnamese, offering readers insightful information from both languages through the lens of cognitive linguistics This exploration seeks to introduce fresh perspectives and deepen understanding of metaphors across cultures.
5 can be seen that conceptual metaphor is dominated by the practical experiences, country's customs, cultural and traditional values, belief, etc
The aims of the study are as follows:
To have a brief view of metaphor from traditional view as compared to that in the light of cognitive linguistics so as to help the author understand more about metaphor;
To study how the concept „life‟ is mapped into the concept „journey‟
To study whether the metaphor LIFE IS A JOURNEY exists in both English and Vietnamese;
To offer some suggested activities using life metaphor in teaching and learning English
To fully achieve these aims, the study has to answer the following questions:
What are the representations of the metaphor “Life is a journey” in English and Vietnamese?
Why is life metaphorically understood and talked about in such ways?
What activities can be developed for teaching and learning English?
This study explores the metaphor of life in both English and Vietnamese, specifically focusing on the concept of "Life is a journey" from a cognitive linguistics perspective Given the vastness of metaphors related to life, it is not feasible to address all variations; thus, the research narrows its scope to this particular metaphor.
To achieve the above referred aims, the author uses the following instruments:
- Inductive investigating and analyzing methods
There are three main parts in this graduation thesis
This part deal with the rationale, aims, scope, methods and design of the Study
This part consists of the three chapters:
In the initial chapter of this study, the author provides an overview of key concepts related to metaphor, including the source domain and target domain, while exploring the significance of metaphor within cognitive linguistics.
This chapter outlines the methodology used for data collection in the research, detailing the research questions, setting, instrumentation, and data collection techniques Additionally, it will present and discuss the study's results and findings.
Chapter III: Some suggestions for metaphor Life is a journey in teaching and learning English
This part will suggest some implications for teaching and learning English
This part will summarize what have been presented in the thesis and also offer some suggestions for further research
The references and appendix are placed at the end of the study
Cognition encompasses the psychological processes involved in perception and information processing, enabling individuals to understand and assess their place in the world This mental framework helps people construct a unique perspective of their surroundings, ultimately forming the foundation for human behavior.
Cognition involves the transformation of emotional data into spiritual representations, such as images, concepts, and scenes, as it enters the brain, enabling effective storage in human memory.
According to Maslova (2005), cognition encompasses both knowledge and thought, which are articulated through language, highlighting the intrinsic connection between cognition and linguistics Researchers primarily focus on the relationship between language and human activities, often interpreting human behavior through linguistic expression rather than through socio-cultural contexts.
Cognition involves a comprehensive process that encompasses not only higher-level thoughts and language but also sensory experiences and movements that arise from basic interactions with the world According to Schwars (1992), this means that cognition is intricately linked to both the scientific perception of reality and the more straightforward, often subconscious perceptions that shape human experiences.
Cognition is often defined as computation, which involves processing information represented as symbols and transforming it from one format to another, utilizing various codes and structures (Rickheit, Strohner 1993).
“Concept” has existed since the Middle Ages According to Pierre Abelard
The concept, developed between 1079 and 1142, emphasizes that speech originates within the soul and is inherently subjective Humans consistently direct their thoughts towards another entity, such as a listener or reader, while contemplating their objectives.
8 means simultaneously towards the source of the word – is God Memory and imagination are inseparable characteristics of each concept
The concept of empathy encompasses a synthesis of three aspects of the soul: memory, which connects us to the past; imagination, which allows us to envision the future; and prediction, which informs our understanding of the present.
In contemporary discourse, it is increasingly recognized that the act of creation brings us closer to understanding the divine Cognitive linguistics emphasizes that humans are central to all cultural and linguistic phenomena Human consciousness serves as a bridge between culture and language, while concepts function as a manifestation of the psychological and spiritual dimensions of human awareness.
1.1.2.1 Basic concept and conceptual system
Scope of the study
This study explores the metaphor of life in both English and Vietnamese, specifically focusing on the concept of "Life is a journey" through the lens of cognitive linguistics Given the vastness of the topic, it is not feasible to examine all metaphors of life; thus, the research narrows its scope to this particular metaphor.
Method of the study
To achieve the above referred aims, the author uses the following instruments:
- Inductive investigating and analyzing methods
There are three main parts in this graduation thesis
This part deal with the rationale, aims, scope, methods and design of the Study
This part consists of the three chapters:
In the initial chapter of this study, the author aims to provide a concise overview of metaphors, focusing on key concepts such as source domain and target domain, as well as the role of metaphor in cognitive linguistics.
This chapter outlines the methodology used for data collection in the research, detailing the research questions, setting, instrumentation, and techniques employed Additionally, it will present and analyze the study's results and findings.
Chapter III: Some suggestions for metaphor Life is a journey in teaching and learning English
This part will suggest some implications for teaching and learning English
This part will summarize what have been presented in the thesis and also offer some suggestions for further research
The references and appendix are placed at the end of the study
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Cognition and concept
Cognition encompasses the psychological processes involved in perception and information processing, enabling individuals to understand and assess their place in the world This intricate process shapes a unique worldview, ultimately serving as the foundation for human behavior.
Cognition involves the transformation of emotional data into spiritual representations, such as images, concepts, and scenes, as it enters the brain, allowing for effective storage in human memory.
According to Maslova (2005), cognition encompasses both knowledge and thought, which are articulated through language, establishing a strong connection between cognition and linguistics Researchers primarily focus on the relationship between language and human activities, often interpreting human behavior through language rather than socio-cultural contexts.
Cognition, as described by Schwars in 1992, encompasses a comprehensive process that extends beyond high-level thoughts and language to include sensory experiences and movements that arise from direct interactions with the world This definition highlights that cognition involves both the scientific perception of reality and the more basic, often unconscious perceptions that shape human experiences.
Cognition is often described as a computational process, involving the transformation of information represented as symbols into various forms, codes, and structures (Rickheit, Strohner 1993).
“Concept” has existed since the Middle Ages According to Pierre Abelard
The concept, developed between 1079 and 1142, emphasizes that speech originates within the soul, highlighting its inherently subjective nature Humans consistently engage with another entity, whether a listener or reader, as they contemplate their objectives.
8 means simultaneously towards the source of the word – is God Memory and imagination are inseparable characteristics of each concept
The concept revolves around empathy and encompasses a synthesis of three aspects of the soul: memory, which connects us to the past; imagination, which allows us to envision the future; and prediction, which helps us understand the present.
In contemporary thought, the belief that human actions bring us closer to divine understanding is increasingly challenged Cognitive linguistics emphasizes that humans are central to all cultural and linguistic phenomena, with human consciousness serving as a crucial intermediary between culture and language Consequently, concepts are seen as reflections of the psychological and spiritual dimensions of human awareness.
1.1.2.1 Basic concept and conceptual system
To establish a conceptual system, it is essential to recognize certain foundational concepts from which all other ideas can be derived These basic concepts serve to structure a conceptual space and act as benchmarks for categorization They encompass objective concepts along with their components, movements, actions, spatial dimensions, temporal aspects, and properties The integration of these concepts within the human mind forms what is known as a conceptual system.
The cognitive linguists suggested different classification of concept based on their different perceptions
The first classification, there are 3 groups of concepts:
- Group of concept under personal history, events, organizations, nations Under each concept is a certain cognitive sense, information, the value of culture- history
- Group of concept under landmarks
- Group of concept under scope of spiritual life and emotions of human, such as faith, love, knowledge, soul, spirit, Christianity, fate, hope, dream, etc
V.А Маslova (Маслова 2005) divided into 9 kinds:
- world - space, time, number, country, misty morning, winter night etc;
- the nature and the natural phenomenon: water, fire, trees, flowers, etc;
- concept of human: the new Russian, intellectual, genius, ignorant, insane, guests, etc;
- the concept of morality: conscience, shame, guilt, truth, truth, sincerity etc;
- the concept of social relations: freedom, will, friendship, war, etc;
- the concept of emotions: happiness, joy, etc;
- the concept of scientific knowledge: philosophy, literaturistic, mathematics etc;
- the concept of art: architecture, painting, music, dancing, etc
Conceptualization is a crucial cognitive process that involves interpreting information to form concepts and conceptual structures within the human brain Each instance of conceptualization serves as a problem-solving example, highlighting deductive reasoning and various logical operations.
Conceptual metaphor
Metaphor is a prevalent feature in language that captivates scholars across various disciplines, including linguistics, psychology, and literature A contemporary perspective influencing metaphor research is cognitive linguistics, which views metaphor as a fundamental mode of thought within language communities This approach emphasizes a network of interconnected metaphors that individuals utilize for cognitive processing and understanding.
Metaphor is often regarded as a significant figure of speech, serving as a rhetorical and stylistic device in literature to create aesthetic effects According to Lakoff and Johnson, metaphors are perceived as elements of extraordinary language rather than ordinary communication.
Metaphor is defined as a symbolic representation of one object based on similarities, whether realistic or imaginary, to another object According to Do, H.C in Do, T.N., this definition highlights the diverse interpretations of metaphor in literature and language.
“A” and the object called “B” of which the name is transferred to “A”
According to Nguyen, H., a metaphor involves transferring meaning from one object to another by highlighting their similarities He elaborates that when a speaker identifies common features between two objects, they may refer to the second object using the name of the first, effectively creating a metaphorical connection.
Dinh,T.L in Do,T.N introduces a similar view that “metaphor is the transference of meaning from one object to another based on similarity between these two objects”
In essence, a metaphor is a concealed comparison that involves substituting the name of one entity for another This linguistic tool is employed by writers to achieve specific effects in their work, enhancing the overall impact of their writing.
• Metaphor is the main mechanism through which we understand abstract concepts and perform abstract thinking
• There are many objects including the simplest and ordinary objects, the profound scientific theory which can be understood only through metaphor
• Essence of metaphor is conceptual rather than linguistic
• The language metaphor is expressed on the surface of conceptual metaphor
• Although most of system our conceptual metaphor, but understanding metaphors based on the non-metaphorical understanding
• Metaphor allows us to understand abstract object or non-structured object through more specific object or at least through the object was more structured
• Metaphor mapped through concept domains: source domain and target domain
Asymmetric and division mapping in metaphorical concepts highlights that metaphors do not encapsulate every aspect of the source concept When we describe a concept using metaphors, it signifies that the arrangement is partial and can be expanded through a clearly defined method.
• Mapping is a process of gathering information from the entities in the source domain to target domain
• Mapping metaphor on the principle of one direction: image diagram of source domain is mapped to the target domain, not reverse
• The mapping is not guessing and based in human body, in practical experiences and in knowledge
• There are two kinds of mapping: concept mapping and image mapping with immutable principle
• Most of system of conceptual metaphor are unconscious, automatic and easy to use, does not require much effort
• Conceptual metaphor is not based on similar comparisons
• Metaphor mapping changes over universal level: some are universal, others are widespread, and others are controlled by the culture
Metaphor in literature serves as an extension of everyday thought processes, transcending conventional modes of thinking It bridges the gap between standard reasoning and the realms of imaginative and rhetorical language.
1.2.3 Metaphor in the light of cognitive linguistics
Cognitive linguistics, alongside cognitive psychology, represents a significant shift in understanding metaphors, viewing them as integral to human thought It posits that each metaphorical expression reflects deeper conceptual metaphors that shape our understanding Thus, metaphors are not only linguistic constructs but also fundamental components of cognitive processes.
Linguistic metaphors work in tandem to form conceptual metaphors, which can be categorized into two types: conventional metaphors and novel metaphors Additionally, metaphors are classified based on their hierarchical relationships into conceptual and linguistic metaphors Key concepts associated with metaphors include mapping, domain, and conceptualization This article will explore these fundamental concepts in detail.
A conventional metaphor is a figure of speech that users often employ without recognizing its metaphorical nature Over time, what may have started as a novel metaphor can become commonplace and lose its original impact Additionally, conventional metaphors can sometimes overlap with dead metaphors, which are phrases that have lost their figurative meaning through extensive use.
Some following metaphors of Kovecses:
+ I defended my idea (in metaphor of argument is war)
+ We’ll have to go our separate ways (in conceptual metaphor of love is a journey)
+ We have to construct a new theory (in conceptual metaphor of theory is a building)
Interim metaphors are crafted to convey specific meanings within particular contexts While they still rely on common language concepts, these metaphors are employed in unique situations to express new ideas that the speaker intends to communicate.
Linguistic metaphor refers to the use of language expressions where a term or word is substituted to represent different concepts While many linguistic metaphors may appear distinct on the surface, they are interconnected through a deeper conceptual framework.
Conceptual metaphors are rooted in human experiences and serve to bridge the understanding between specific and abstract domains In this framework, the specific domain is referred to as the source domain, while the more abstract domain is known as the target domain Notable examples studied by Lakoff and Johnson include metaphors such as "Life is a journey" and "Love is a journey," illustrating how familiar concepts can help us comprehend complex ideas.
There are two main roles for the conceptual domains posited in conceptual metaphors:
Source domain: the conceptual domain from which we draw metaphorical expressions
Target domain : the conceptual domain which we try to understand
Mapping refers to the systematic correspondences between elements of the source and target domains, where many target concepts are derived from source domains rather than being preexisting Understanding a conceptual metaphor involves recognizing the set of mappings associated with a specific source-target pairing This concept of mapping is also applicable in describing analogical reasoning and inferences.
A key principle of the conceptual metaphor theory is that metaphors are fundamentally a matter of thought rather than just language This means that metaphors are rooted in concrete conceptual domains, giving rise to a network of related metaphorical expressions in language Additionally, the mappings of these conceptual metaphors are influenced by image schemas, which are pre-linguistic frameworks that relate to fundamental aspects of human experience, such as space, time, and movement.
DEVELOPMENT
Concept of Life
According to website www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com, Life is the ability to breathe, grow, reproduce, etc which people, animals and plants have before they die
Life is a complex and abstract concept that encompasses the experiences of various living beings from birth to death It is often viewed through the lens of processes and events involving participants, highlighting the transient nature of existence From a Buddhist perspective, life is seen as a temporary state defined by the cycle of birth and death Ultimately, life represents the journey of creatures throughout their lifetime.
Concept of Journey
The term "journey" refers to the distance traveled from one location to another, as defined by the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary It encompasses the act of traveling, particularly over long distances.
A journey, as defined by the Vietnamese dictionary, refers to a long and distant trip characterized by key elements such as a starting point, destination, itinerary, means of travel, and potential obstacles This framework is derived from personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of following a specific direction while navigating from the starting point to the destination Throughout the journey, travelers may face disorientation or encounter challenges in complex situations.
Mapping of Life into a journey
The concept of a journey encompasses various properties, including goals, travelers, starting points, destinations, paths, means, processes, and progress Similarly, the concept of life shares these same characteristics, highlighting the parallels between the two.
The metaphor of life as a journey is a universal concept found across cultures, rooted in the shared experience of navigating through life This journey consists of a starting point, a defined itinerary, encountered obstacles, and a final destination As individuals progress from their starting point to their destination, they must follow a specific direction, with the time taken to reach their goal dependent on the distance to cover The ultimate goal—be it in life or work—represents the destination, and successfully achieving this goal signifies the completion of the journey Along the way, travelers may face disorientation and various challenges, highlighting the complexities of their experiences.
The concept of life can be viewed as a journey, a fundamental metaphor identified by Lakoff and Turner (1989), which illustrates the mapping between the source domain of a journey and the target domain of life.
(1) A person who lives in the world as a traveler;
(2) The goal of the traveller is the destination;
(3) The means for achieving the goal is the route;
(4) The difficulties in life are obstacles on the journey;
(5) The tour guides is advisors on the journey;
(6) The advancement of travellers is travelled distance from starting point;
(7) The choices in life are the crossroads;
Representations of the metaphor Life is a journey
Life is metaphorically expressed as a Journey, so LIFE IS A JOURNEY is a metaphorical concept and the representations of the metaphor are metaphorical
17 expressions The metaphor of LIFE IS A JOURNEY is found in various expressions
Life is akin to a journey, characterized by a starting point, various destinations, obstacles, twists, and an eventual conclusion Travelers often rely on guides or companions for support as they navigate their paths Throughout this journey, individuals maintain a clear focus on their goals while experiencing a range of emotions influenced by the diverse routes they take.
(1) Life is a journey, with problems to solve, lessons to learn, but most of all, experiences to enjoy
(2) Cuộc sống không phải là một cuộc chạy đua, nó là một hành trình mà bạn có thể tận hưởng và từng bước khám phá
Life is a journey shaped by the choices we make regarding the paths we follow, our reflections on the past, and our aspirations for the future Ultimately, we have the power to define our destination, select the roads we travel, and determine our happiness upon arrival.
(4) Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations
(Oliver Goldsmith) The metaphor LIFE IS A JOURNEY can be found in linguistic expressions in both English and Vietnamese under the following categories:
* Beginning of life – Starting point of a journey
* Goals of life – Destination of a journey
* Problems in life – Obstacles in a journey
* Flow of life – Direction of a journey
* The end of life – The end of a journey
2.4.1 Beginning of life – Starting point of journey
As we know, the journey of life begins with birth When a baby is born, we say:
(5) “Let’s welcome the new arrival”
The baby is the new arrival And when a baby is born, he/she is the starting point of happiness in his/her family
(6) Đứa con đầu lòng của họ vừa mới chào đời
(7) Đầu lòng hai ả Tố Nga
Thúy Kiều là chị, em là Thúy Vân
(Truyện Kiều – Nguyễn Du) And if you want to congratulate somebody who had a baby, you can say:
(8) “Congratulations on your new arrival.”
2.4.2 Goals of life –Destination of a journey
Travelers must always identify their destinations, as every journey, whether long or short, fast or slow, ultimately leads to a specific endpoint Likewise, individuals should set clear goals in life While people have the freedom to explore various paths and experiences, the most crucial aspect is to successfully achieve their personal objectives.
(9) After the period of hard training, she reached the world record
(10) Anh ấy đã nỗ lực hết sức để đạt được mục tiêu lớn lao của cuộc đời
(11) Dẫu xuôi về phương Bắc
Dẫu ngược về phương Nam
Nơi nào em cũng nhớ
Hướng về anh một phương
(12) After difficulties and challenges, he reached success
2.4.3 Problems in life – Obstacles in a journey
Travelers encounter various types of roads during their journeys, each with its unique characteristics, including land, sand, rock, concrete, and asphalt roads While some may walk on smooth paths, others face bumpy terrains Despite these differences, all roads share a common trait: none are completely straight Similarly, the journey of human life is marked by twists and turns, reflecting the diverse experiences we all face.
19 journey No one can get success without once experiencing difficulties, stumble in life
The difficulties in life corresponds to the obstacles in a journey:
(13) My life is on the rocks
(14) Đi đường mới biết gian lao
Núi cao rồi lại núi cao trập trùng
Núi cao lên đến tận cùng
Thu vào tầm mắt muôn trùng nước non
(“Đi đường” – Hồ Chí Minh)
(15) Nước non lận đận một mình
Thân cò lên thác xuống ghềnh bấy nay
(16) Lên non mới biết non cao
Nuôi con mới biết công lao mẫu từ
In both travel and life, individuals can find themselves immobilized by unexpected obstacles, such as traffic jams or muddy paths Similarly, people may face challenges stemming from their own mistakes, broken promises, or lost opportunities, leaving them feeling trapped and confused This metaphor illustrates the feeling of being stuck in life, where solutions seem elusive and escape feels impossible.
(29) Cuộc đời tôi đang đi vào bế tắc
(30) I can’t go on way or another way
2.4.4 Flow of life – Direction of a journey
Life is full of challenges, akin to navigating rough and potholed roads As we journey forward, we often face confusing forks that leave us uncertain about our direction At times, it may feel as though we are not making any progress or moving towards our goals.
(19) My life feels like it has no direction
(20) Tôi không xác định được hướng đi đúng cho cuộc đời mình
(21) Bao nhiêu năm rồi còn mãi ra đi Đi đâu loanh quanh cho đời mỏi mệt
(”Một cõi đi về” - Trịnh Công Sơn)
(“Tiến thoái lưỡng nan” – Trịnh Công Sơn)
(23) Ngả đời năm bảy lối
Travelers face numerous options on their journeys, requiring them to select specific paths to reach their destinations This mirrors the choices we make in life regarding morality, love, marriage, and careers, akin to choosing a road at a crossroads However, there are times when we encounter challenging decisions with two potential paths, leaving us uncertain about our ultimate destination.
(24) My life is a dead – end street
(26) Giữa đường đứt gánh tương tư
(28) Tôi đang lầm đường lạc lối
Sometimes, travellers change their turn suddenly And our life may changes very suddenly
(31) Những ngã rẽ đôi khi/ Trải thảm nhung rực rỡ Đôi khi trắc trở những/ Toan tính chẳng thể lường
(32) My life took a sudden turn (for the better or for the worse)
(33) My life took me a sharp turn
(34) Thật là một sự thay đổi ngoài sức tưởng tượng của tôi
Certainly, all of us really want to find directions That means we can find purposes and find meaning for our lives
(35) I’m gonna give my life some direction
Life's journey is often reflected in the paths we choose, much like footprints on a road For instance, if you follow in your mother's footsteps by pursuing the same career as her, such as becoming a teacher, it highlights the influence of family legacy on our professional choices.
(36) I followed in my mother’s footsteps
(37) Những đứa con trong gia đình họ đều theo bước bố mẹ nó để làm kinh doanh
Meeting someone significantly younger can evoke feelings of aging and nostalgia, often leading to a sense of being "over the hill." This encounter serves as a reminder of the passage of time and can prompt reflection on one's own life journey.
“over the hill” as “old” Besides, “over the hill” also means not up to date with the most recent changes, with the most recent technology in life
2.4.5 The end of life – the end of journey
Life is a long journey And the journey starts when we were born, and will end when we die Completing long journey (life) that is thing every one must do
Life is often likened to a journey, culminating in a final destination that symbolizes death After a long journey, travelers inevitably feel fatigued and seek rest, highlighting that, despite numerous stops along the way, every journey must eventually conclude This end signifies not only the conclusion of a physical journey but can also represent the end of a life chapter, emphasizing the transient nature of our experiences.
(38) This is the end of the life of her
(39) Ông ấy đã đi đến nơi cuối cùng của cuộc đời
(40) Mệt quá đôi chân này/ Tìm đến chiếc ghế nghỉ ngơi
Mệt quá thân ta này/ Nằm xuống với đất muôn đời
(Ngẫu nhiên – Trịnh Công Sơn)
(41) Everything Dies That is the law of life-the bitter unchangeable law
(42) Life is happiness and unhappiness Life is day and night, life is life and death You have to be aware of both
Discussion of findings
Life is often metaphorically depicted as a journey in both English and Vietnamese, highlighting its purpose, progress, and challenges This metaphor effectively illustrates the abstract concept of life, making it more relatable and understandable.
“life” map into other concrete domain “journey”, the source-to-target mapping in the metaphor in both languages can be summarized as followed
THE SOURCE DOMAIN THE TARGET DOMAIN
Conditions on trip Degree of hardships
The metaphor "LIFE IS A JOURNEY" is similarly interpreted in both languages, emphasizing the movement of people to represent life's experiences Life is often visualized as paths, roads, and turns, with favorable aspects depicted as smooth, wide roads, while challenges are illustrated by rough terrain and obstacles This consistent mapping from the source domain to the target domain highlights a shared understanding of life’s journey among both cultures.
According to the representations of the metaphor LIFE IS A JOURNEY, many of them are similar:
- at a crossroads - ở ngã ba đường
- be stuck – bị bế tắc
- dead- end street – ngõ cụt
- not going anywhere (go on way or another way) – chẳng biết đi đâu về đâu
- the end of line – cuối đường
- footstepts – nối gót, tiếp bước
The differences between Vietnamese and English can be attributed to cultural influences shaped by their respective environments Vietnam's tropical climate and rugged terrain have historically led to land-based travel, where people navigated hills, mountains, and streams, giving rise to unique terms like “chông gai” (thorns) and “thác ghềnh” (falls and rocks) In contrast, English, influenced by a more developed industrial landscape, incorporates modern transportation methods, resulting in a lack of equivalent terminology.
Vietnamese culture has a deep connection to rivers, with many people feeling a strong bond to the waterways of their birthplace The term "source" is often used to refer to the origin of a river, symbolizing one's roots and background This connection reflects a heartfelt desire among Vietnamese individuals to return to their homeland, where their journey began.
24 born Although they travel every where in the life journey, Vietnamese always think of their root at the end of their life
(43) Có những ai xa đời quay về lại
Về lại nơi cuối trời
(“Phôi pha” – Trịnh Công Sơn)
(44) Dù ai đi ngược về xuôi
Nhớ ngày Giỗ Tổ mồng mười tháng ba
(45) Chiều chiều ra đứng ngõ sau
Trông về quê mẹ ruột đau chín chiều
(46) Ngày mai tôi xa rồi
Biết bao giờ trở lại Ôi thành phố tôi yêu
(“Gửi lại thành phố nắng” – Xuân Quỳnh)
There are not expressions "về nguồn" as Vietnamese in English, but they have different expressions which are based on images of “homeland” or
The geographical and ecological conditions of each region shape distinct cultural values and habits within communities In Western cultures, there is a prevalent belief that God accompanies individuals throughout their life journeys In England, Christianity significantly influences the spiritual lives of the people, fostering the belief that death leads to heaven, where God remains a constant presence during their journey.
(47) When you look closely to the path you have travel on, you will realise that God was always with you, directing every step you took
(48) God strengthen and brighten your paths
(49) God seeks to walk with you along the journey
(50) May God guide you on the new travel path