Définition
Research on this topic is limited, and definitions provided by various authors often differ or even contradict each other To illustrate the diversity of perspectives, we will present definitions from different sources A widely recognized definition, which is also the simplest, comes from a well-known resource for French learners This definition describes the expression or idiomatic phrase as a combination of words that conveys a specific meaning beyond the literal interpretation.
According to Élévée de l'École (1997), a lexicon is defined not only by simple and complex words but also by conventional and fixed phrases These expressions play a crucial role in language, as they contribute to the richness and depth of communication Understanding these locutions is essential for grasping the nuances of a language and enhancing one's linguistic proficiency.
In this article, we explore the definitions from two well-known linguistic reference works: the "Dictionnaire de Linguistique et des Sciences du Langage" (1994) and the "Dictionnaire de Linguistique de Larousse" (1973) The 1994 dictionary defines "figement" as the process through which a group of words becomes fixed, indicating a significant aspect of language structure and usage.
The term "libres" refers to expressions whose components are inseparable According to the Larousse Dictionary of Linguistics (1973), a fixed expression is defined as a syntagma whose elements cannot be dissociated For instance, compound words like "account report" and "potato" exemplify this concept These definitions are among the most comprehensive available, highlighting the intricate relationship between language elements.
In summary, the commonality among all the discussed dictionaries is their unique approach to defining terms It is evident that the definitions vary significantly and address different aspects of the language.
Terminological confusion exists not only among dictionaries but also among authors Since the 20th century, various researchers have proposed different terms for fixed expressions from diverse theoretical perspectives We will present the definitions provided by certain authors to illustrate this situation.
In his 1967 article titled "Syntagme et Synthôme," French linguist E e e l e ll le e e ’A introduced the term "synthôme" to refer to linguistic units that exhibit syntactic behavior identical to that of monemes, while also being semantically identifiable More concisely, this term denotes a minimal syntactic equivalent This definition aligns with the semantic understanding of the phenomenon as outlined in the Petit Robert dictionary.
Secondly, we would like to discuss the term "complex lexeme" introduced by Bernard Pottier in his work "General Linguistics" (1974) According to the author, this term refers to a sequence undergoing lexicalization to varying degrees, which can be fixed, such as in phrases like "seahorse" or "to make a niche."
7 du temps au temps, … e e éf ’e -à-fait valable comme il e le f e e e l éq e e ’e ez f
In his 1996 work "Les expressions figées en français, noms composés et autres locutions," Gaston Gross noted that the phenomenon of fixed expressions is a continuous process that gradually increases in significance.
In reflecting on the aforementioned denominations, we conclude that fixed expressions (EF) are generally characterized by a morphological, syntactic, and lexical structure that cannot be altered or replaced Examples of such fixed expressions include "having bread on the board," "putting the cart before the horse," "a dog looks well at a bishop," and "the floor of the cows." Thus, the phenomenon of fixed expressions in French is both continuous and irregular, representing a rich lexical source within the language.
Based on this definition, the characteristics of idiomatic expressions (IEs) can be summarized in three key aspects: the non-compositionality of meaning, non-modifiability, and non-bleachability In the following section, we will explore these characteristics of IEs in greater detail.
Caractéristiques
Among the studies on the characteristics of EF (Executive Functions), Gaston Gross's research from 1996 is widely regarded as the most relevant and appreciated by many researchers in the field of language science He identifies six key properties that define EF, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding these cognitive functions.
Le blocage des propriétés transformationnelles
La non-actualisation des éléments
Le blocage des paradigmes synonymiques
In defining the characteristics, or properties, of fixed expressions (EF), Gross successfully examined them from lexical, syntactic, and semantic perspectives In the following section, we will conduct a deeper analysis of the properties of EF, providing examples to address the question: how can one identify a fixed expression? To enhance readability, we will utilize a single example to analyze all six properties.
According to this property, a fixed expression is a sequence of several words where each word is independent For instance, in standard French, the phrase "couper les ponts" consists of two independent words: "couper" and "pont," each maintaining its own meaning This illustrates the concept of autonomy within fixed expressions.
Semantic opacity occurs when the meaning of a phrase cannot be deduced from the meanings of its individual components For example, in the phrase "the little girl crosses the bridge," the meanings of "little," "girl," "cross," and "bridge" do not reveal the full significance of the expression Similarly, the idiom "burning bridges" illustrates this concept, as its meaning cannot be inferred from the individual words "burn" and "bridge." This demonstrates that certain phrases possess meanings that are not directly linked to the literal definitions of their components.
9 reliant deux points sộparộs par une dộpression ou par un obstacle ằ) Ainsi, la phrase ô il a coupộ les ponts avec sa petite amie ằ elố e ’ e le e - compositionnelle
1.2.3 Le blocage des propriétés transformationnelles
In traditional expressions, it is possible to alter the syntactic structure without changing its meaning, such as converting from active voice to passive voice or vice versa For instance, the sentence "The police arrested the thief" can be rewritten as "The thief was arrested by the police," while still retaining its original meaning.
On the contrary, in a fixed expression, syntactic transformations are impossible For instance, in the example "Oh, he has burned bridges with his girlfriend," it cannot be rewritten as "Oh, the bridges have been burned with his girlfriend," as the rewritten sentence conveys a different meaning, or even nonsensical.
1.2.4 La non-actualisation des éléments e e é é q e q ’ e e f e e élé e ’ e expression figộe Dốs lors, on ne peut pas ộcrire ô il a coupộ ces ponts avec sa petite amie ằ ou ô il a coupộ le pont avec sa petite amie ằ ou ô il a coupộ un pont avec sa petite amie ằ E b ef el f e q e l’e e f ộe e j e ble
1.2.5 Le blocage des paradigmes synonymiques
In a fixed expression, not only can the elements not be altered, but they also cannot be replaced with synonyms For instance, while the synonyms for the verb "to cut" include "to slice," "to sever," and "to section," one cannot substitute these in the phrase "He has cut ties with his girlfriend." Thus, phrases like "He has sliced ties with his girlfriend" or "He has severed ties with his girlfriend" would be incorrect.
It is impossible to insert additional elements into a fixed expression For example, one cannot say, "He brutally severed ties with his girlfriend" or "He severed the old ties with his girlfriend."
An expression is considered frozen if it exhibits six specific characteristics: semantic stability, resistance to transformational properties, and non-actualization of its elements In conclusion, this section has successfully identified these characteristics, which play a crucial role in allowing us to explore related concepts in the subsequent sections.
st nct on entre l’EF et la collocat on
EF and LL correspond to two linguistic units, with some linguists considering EF as semi-idiomatic expressions To distinguish between them, we will provide a general overview of collocation It is important to note that collocation is a broad linguistic phenomenon, and its various aspects cannot be adequately and comprehensively addressed without an independent study Therefore, in this work, we do not aim to provide our own definition of collocation or conduct an in-depth study on the subject.
Collocation refers to the way certain words are often used together in a language There are various definitions of collocation, and in this article, we will explore these definitions to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the concept.
11 ll ’ b e e l e l l le e e l e ressources textuelles et lexicales (CNRTL) Selon ce dernier, la collocation est ô l’e l ' e e el e e d'autres, toutes variantes morphologiques confondues, et sans ộgard à la classe grammaticale ằ
In their article "Presentation: Collocation, Corpus, Dictionaries" from the quarterly review "Langue française" (Issue 145), F.J Hausmann and P Blumenthal define collocation as a phraseological combination They emphasize that collocations are semantically autonomous, meaning they can be chosen independently of their context Additionally, they introduce the concept of collocative elements, which are selected based on their relationship to the base word.
Enfin, nous allons citer Heid (1994 : 228) Selon lui, les collocations sont une combinaison ’e e e e le è e ( e l é e e be je f e be) é l e e le e l’ é e de (ou est restreint par) l’ e 1
Based on the definitions provided, we can define collocation as a phrasal combination, such as "unplug the converter," "cut the valve," or "cancel a request," where specific terms like "converter," "valve," and "request" are used together in a meaningful way.
The article discusses the concept of a base word that is definable, translatable, and compensable without its collocative The collocative is a word that the speaker selects based on the base word This flexibility allows the speaker to freely choose the appropriate collocative to enhance meaning and context.
1 “[…] ll e b f e l w le e e ( f e e b je e adverb), realizing two concepts where the choice of one of them depends on (or restricted by) the other” (Heid, 1994 : 228)
Après avoir travaillé sur la définition de la collocation, nous tenons maintenant à présenter ses caractéristiques
Dans cette partie, nous allons nous appuyer sur les travaux de Hausmann (1979,
1985, 1988) et de Heid et Freibott (1991) pour mettre en évidence les caractéristiques de la collocation dans la description monolingue et contrastive
In this article, we will explore the characteristics of collocation based on three key components of its definition: the combination of lexemes, polar combinations, and the conventional nature of collocations, all aimed at enhancing readability.
En termes de combinaison de lexèmes, nous excluons les combinaisons de nom, de verbes ou de prépositions et ne nous basons que sur les quatre types suivants :
- Substantif – Verbe Ex : adopter la loi (juridique)
- Substantif – Adjectif Ex : énergie renouvelable (environnement)
- Verbe – Adverbe Ex : accepter immédiatement
In terms of polar combinations, it is essential to highlight the significant role of the two lexemes in determining their combinability For instance, in legal terminology, one would say "render a judgment" rather than "give back a judgment," "express a judgment," or "issue a judgment." This aspect of collocation can also be examined from semantic and lexical perspectives As previously mentioned, collocation consists of a base lexeme (referred to as lexeme B) and a collocative (termed lexeme C) Therefore, to convey a specific content aimed at defining lexeme B, the selection of this lexeme will influence the choice among various lexemes C1, C2, and so on.
C n D l’e e le q e e e e le l eur qui choisit lexème
13 jugement ’ l ll é e e e e be e : rendre, émettre, redonner, exprimer é e l’ e e e e é ’ e j premier degré
Collocations are lexicalized expressions that native speakers perceive as semi-finished products of their language They are not random occurrences in text but rather reflect the structured nature of language Additionally, collocations possess a characteristic that varies among linguistic micro-communities, as well as within specific industries or professional groups This is evidenced by the distinct terminologies used in different sectors, such as the language of law enforcement compared to that of merchants.
In contrastive description, Heid and Freibott argue that collocation equivalents are not predictable in translation This suggests that a term does not necessarily need to be translated directly Instead, only the base of the term will be translated independently of the collocation, highlighting that the base determines the collocates it combines with.
En somme, nous venons ’ l ser de faỗon trốs brốve la notion de la collocation e e démontrer les différences entre la collocation et l’EF
2.2 Distinction entre l’EF et la collocation
Between the terms "syntagm" and "collocation," the latter is considered more relevant in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) There is often confusion surrounding these two concepts Research highlights the importance of distinguishing between them to enhance language learning and comprehension.
In this section, we will explore the differences between collocations and free expressions (EF) in terms of semantics, syntax, and lexical aspects Collocations, such as "ô nid d’ange," maintain their meaning through the combination of their components, while free expressions, like "ô faible murmure," preserve the base meaning of "murmure." The concept of semantic opacity in EF indicates that the individual meanings of the components do not contribute to the overall meaning For instance, the collocation "ô adopter la loi" allows for modifications and the addition of elements, such as "ô adopter une nouvelle loi," whereas the expression "ô rester entre quatre murs" cannot be altered without changing its meaning This distinction highlights the flexibility of collocations compared to the rigidity of free expressions.
Sur le plan lexical, comme nous avons indiqué ci-dessus, la collocation est ée ’e e e e le è e e e f e be moins b e e elle e l’EF le EF le f e e e ’
st nct on entre l’EF et le syntagme
groupe nominal, verbal ou adje l … j q ’ e e e ô Ce n'est pas au vieux singe qu'on apprend à faire la grimace ằ
J q ’ e e é e les ffé e e e e l ll e l’EF Dans ce qui suit e l’EF ’ e autre unité syntaxique qui est le syntagme
3 Dist nct on entre l’EF et le syntagme
Outre la collocation, on confond aussi le syntagme avec l’EF Face à cette e ’ e f e le ffé e e e e e e é linguistiques ’ b l e é e e ’ b e e è e l b le la notion du syntagme
In general linguistics, a phrase is defined as a group of words that functions as a single unit It plays a significant role in language science, and while the terminology surrounding phrases varies, it remains less complex Since the 20th century, numerous experts and researchers have sought to provide a suitable definition for this term.
In 1916, Ferdinand de Saussure, in his work "Course in General Linguistics," defined the syntagma as any combination within the spoken chain, such as "human life" or "the little cat." According to this linguist, the syntagma plays a crucial role in understanding language structure and meaning.
Le syntagme ô se compose donc toujours de deux ou plusieurs unitộs consộcutives [ ]
The concept of a syntagma extends beyond individual words to encompass groups of words and complex units of various dimensions and types, including compound words, derivatives, sentence components, and entire sentences.
Over sixty years ago, in 1979, A Martinet introduced a new definition for the term "syntagm" in his work "Grammaire fonctionnelle du français." According to Martinet, the term refers to any combination of monemes.
16 e l e e M e le è e e l’ é f e élé e e e e être un mot simple, un radical, un affixe Ainsi selon cet auteur, un monème a une forme et un sens
Le point commun de e e e e q ’ l b é le e le l syntaxique Mais ces deux versions restent relativement très générales et ne portent pas encore sur les plans précis
In structural linguistics, the term "syntagm" refers to linguistic elements that form a unit within a hierarchical organization in a sentence Grammatically, a syntagm is categorized into five types based on the nature of its elements: nominal, verbal, adjectival, adverbial, and prepositional For instance, "the little girl" is a nominal syntagm centered around the noun "girl," while "to fall to the ground" is a verbal syntagm composed of the verb "to fall" and its complements.
In summary, a syntagma is a lexical combination or simply a group of words or morphemes that convey meaning and fulfill a syntactic function within a sentence For instance, from the two syntagmas mentioned earlier, one can create a complete sentence such as "The little girl falls to the ground."
3.2 st nct on entre l’EF et le syntagme
The discussion of the differences between the two linguistic limits is now possible, drawing on the six properties of the EF proposed by Gross.
There are undeniable similarities between certain expressions in French, which can lead to confusion among learners, especially those who are not specialized in the language These expressions consist of sequences of words that are each independent and recognized by the dictionary For instance, the phrase "rester entre quatre murs" illustrates this concept, as both expressions are made up of words that can stand alone This indicates that the essence of these expressions lies in their polylexicality Additionally, both types of lexical combinations can be employed to construct sentences.
The al q e le e e l’e e f ée share the common characteristic of being polylexical, but they differ in five key properties: semantic opacity, blocking of transformational properties, non-actualization of elements, blocking of synonymous paradigms, and non-insertion.
The meaning of certain phrases can often be derived from the individual words that compose them, while others may convey the opposite meaning For instance, the phrase "to run the gauntlet" does not align with the meanings of its components, as "to run" suggests speed and "gauntlet" implies a constant state of being on the move In contrast, the phrase "to run a deer" allows for an easy deduction of its meaning by examining the individual definitions of the words involved.
En matière de blocage des propriétés transf elle ’e é e t que le e e è e e e é é e l e b e e e le q ’
The sentence "Louis strikes the thief" can be transformed into "The thief is struck by Louis" while retaining the original meaning This illustrates the concept of a verbal phrase.
In terms of non-updating elements, unlike EF, the subject matter revolves around Louis striking a thief, whether it be a singular instance or multiple occurrences.
In the context of blocking synonymous paradigms, certain phrases can limit the use of synonyms For instance, in the phrase "to leave the house," the synonyms for "house" include "building," "apartment," and "housing." Consequently, one could say "to leave the building" or "to leave the apartment," adhering to the established patterns of synonym usage.
The phrase "the car of my friend" can refer to various contexts, such as "the new car of my friend," "the car of my former friend," or "the car of my unfortunate friend." This illustrates the flexibility of language and how additional details can change the meaning of a statement.
En bref, nous constatons que les diffộrences entre les unitộs ô syntagme ằ et ô expression figộe ằ e e e ộ q e ộ e e e ’elle e q ’ l ’e f le e le e ợ e.
Conclusion du chapitre
In this chapter, we established the theoretical framework for our research by drawing on the theoretical works of various linguists In light of their theories, we arrived at a comprehensive understanding of the subject, focusing on its morphological and syntactic structure.
The lexical field cannot be altered or replaced We outlined six characteristics of fixed expressions (EF): polylexicality, semantic opacity, blocking of transformational properties, non-actualization of elements, blocking of synonym paradigms, and impossibility of substitution Additionally, we highlighted the close syntactic relationships of collocations and syntagms To clarify any confusion, we demonstrated that fixed expressions are distinct from collocations and syntagms, with the former being a phraseological combination and the latter a lexical combination We hope this theoretical section will aid translators and interpreters in understanding the concepts of collocation and syntagm better In the following chapter, we will analyze a corpus of legal texts within the context of fixed expressions.
Prộsentation des mộthodes de franỗais du droit utilisộes par le Dộpartement
1.1 Module de franỗais du droit
The French law module, part of the Droit program, was introduced in the Department's curriculum planning last year for second-year students, to be taught in the fourth semester This mandatory module consists of 120 hours, with classes held three times a week for five hours each session, aimed at preparing students for subsequent translation modules lasting three semesters The course includes an examination to assess students' legal vocabulary and knowledge, with the objective of providing foundational understanding in this specialized field.
In the new educational program, French for law is taught in the Additional Knowledge module 2, which includes law and international relations This course is offered in the fifth semester and lasts for 105 hours, comprising 15 hours of theoretical instruction, 30 hours of practical training, and 60 hours of self-study The main objective is to prepare students to effectively communicate in legal contexts, with a focus on translation skills.
Ancienne étudiante l’U l e e œ e e e e Département, nous avons plus de connaissances sur les méthodes utilisées au cours de l’ e programme e l f e e le ’e q permettons de le e é e ée l’ e e e pour constituer notre corpus
1.2 es một odes de franỗa s du dro t ut l sộes l’
Dans cette section, nous allons présenter successivement en détail les deux méthodes suivantes :
ô Le franỗais du droit : Affaires – Europe – Administration – Justice – Travail – Contrats ằ de J.L PENFORNIS Pour faciliter la lecture, nous ll l f e e e l’ ele ô Le franỗais du droit ằ
ô Le franỗais juridique : Droit – Administration – Affaires ằ de Michel SOIGNET Le titre simple que nous utilisons pour ce manuel est ô Le franỗais juridique ằ
The method "Le français du droit" is authored by J.L Penfornis and was published in 2001 by Cle International This resource is designed for various fields, including business and tourism, and is complemented by other works such as "Communication progressive du français des affaires" and "Business French: An Intermediate Approach." Most of Penfornis's publications are available through Cle International, which specializes in French as a foreign language The method comprises six main themes, providing a structured approach to learning French in legal contexts.
- Le cadre et la vie juridique
- Les acteurs de la justice
- Droits et biens des personnes juridiques
Each theme includes three or four distinct sections that begin with an introduction to the essential concepts and corresponding vocabulary The sections then offer exercises related to the topic Finally, they present one or more documents of various types, such as legal texts, court decisions, articles, and announcements, accompanied by diverse activities that enhance understanding of legal communication At the end of each theme, there is a knowledge assessment to test students' vocabulary in French legal terminology The method also provides transcriptions of oral documents, additional exercises, and a glossary of essential concepts in the final pages.
The book "Le français juridique," authored by Michel Soignet and published by Hachette in 2003, is designed for learners who are already active in their professional lives and possess a B1 level of French according to the Common European Framework of Reference Michel Soignet is recognized for his specialized methods in French for law and diplomacy, with notable works including the series "Objectif diplomatie" and "France – Euro – Express." The method comprises ten comprehensive units that cater to the specific needs of legal professionals.
- Domaines et sources du droit
- Les personnes juridiques : droits, obligations, biens, responsabilités
- Vie et mort des entreprises et des sociétés
- Les relations entre les entreprises et les pouvoirs publics
Based on the identified needs and objectives, the units can be offered to students in either a linear or modular format Each unit consists of four stages, featuring written and oral documents that serve as the foundation for activities focused on reading and listening comprehension, as well as exercises related to legal vocabulary and administrative language At the end of each unit, a summary page allows learners to review and reinforce their acquired knowledge Additionally, the course includes transcriptions of recordings, answer keys for exercises, and a glossary in the final pages of the legal French materials.
Ces deux mộthodes sont utilisộes pour le cours de franỗais juridique dans plusieurs universitộs et instituts de franỗais langue ộtrangốre dans le monde Elles permettent e e ’ e f ỗ e e ộe e ’e ợ e f e f e à
The French language is essential for law students, with "Le français du droit" serving as the primary textbook in class, while "Le français juridique" is preferred for home study This approach aligns with the needs of students and the objectives set by the department.
In summary, the manuals by J.-L PENFORNIS and M SOIGNET encompass nearly all professional concepts related to the legal field, essential for our students They introduce numerous terms and vocabulary necessary for effective communication in legal contexts, thereby enhancing students' language skills in preparation for their future careers in law Additionally, these resources address new terminology and fixed expressions that are the focus of this research, highlighting the challenges encountered in this area.
As previously mentioned, there are numerous obstacles that hinder understanding in our department, primarily because staff are trained in the French language rather than in law Consequently, they have not participated in any training that would provide them with the specialized knowledge necessary to grasp various concepts discussed in the curriculum Without an equivalent in Vietnamese, they struggle to comprehend the technical terms, which ultimately affects their ability to understand and retain the information.
The short duration of the sessions, limited to four hours, along with the overall three-month module, poses significant challenges for students During this period, they must not only grasp a new scientific subject but also master the legal vocabulary introduced in the course Unfortunately, this timeframe is insufficient for them to fully understand the material and find accurate Vietnamese equivalents for the new terms.
Despite these challenges, another significant obstacle hinders the development of effective communication After studying the manuals and consulting various dictionaries, it becomes evident that understanding expressions in general French is crucial As discussed in the first chapter of our research, it is impossible to deduce the meaning of expressions without a solid knowledge of the subject matter In these manuals, we identified a total of 32 expressions, which are categorized into two groups.
- Groupe 1 : EF utilisộes à la fois dans le franỗais du droit et dans le franỗais général (voir tableau 2, annexe)
- Groupe 2 : EF utilisộes uniquement dans le franỗais du droit (voir tableau
Afin de démontrer les difficultés provoquées par les EF pour les apprenants, dans la section suivante, nous allons étudier certains cas typiques parmi ces 32 EF trouvées
Etudes de cas d’EF
sur le plan morphologique ainsi que syntaxique avant de terminer le chapitre avec un classement des EF
Pour cette section, nous avons choisi ’ l e les EF suivantes étant donné q ’elle e e l éf q ’ é é (l l le l é l’ é é q e le bl e e é é f elle l - actualisation des élément le bl e e e q e e l’ b l é ’ e ) q e éj é e ée le e théorique :
A è l’é e e EF ée -dessus, nous avons deux remarques
Première remarque e e q ’elle e e l même morphologie Alor e e q ’ l formes principales qui sont le groupe nominal (GN), le groupe verbal (GV) et le groupe prépositionnel (GP)
(10) Nous allons analyser maintenant leur structure de faỗon plus dộtaillộe
● EF sous la forme : N1 + Prép +N2 ó le N2 est complément déterminatif du N1
Entrent dans cette catộgorie les EF telles que les EF ô Ordre du jour ằ et ô Bouche à oreille ằ
● EF dont la forme est : N+ Adj
Par exemple : les EF ô Bulletin blanc ằ, ô Assemblộe nationale ằ et ô Raison sociale ằ
The concept of "non-lieu" is crucial in our discussion, particularly in the context of closed sessions and the allocation of shares To clarify for students who may read this thesis, it is important to understand that "non-lieu" refers to a situation where a case is dismissed or deemed irrelevant This distinction is vital for grasping the implications of our findings.
L’ l e l q e e e e ’EF e q ’elle f ée l composition des deux noms différents liés ou non liés par une préposition soit par le e e ’ e ’ je f
’EF est un GV ll l e e e e é ll ’EF f e ’ D s cette catộgorie nous trouvons ô brỷler un feu rouge ằ et ô entrer en vigueur ằ Pour analyser la morpho- e e e e ’EF l l e é e
● L’e e brỷler un feu rouge ằ se compose des unitộs suivantes :
Verbe (V) + GN [Déterminant + Nom + Adj de couleur]
● Voici la structure de ô entrer en vigueur ằ : ép + Nom
The syntactic structure of economic expressions is more complex, as they consist of a verb and a noun group or a verb and a noun connected by a preposition In contrast, the economic expressions studied in our previous work are simpler than those found in legal texts.
The example of "L’e e en vertu de ằ" is the only instance of GP among the typical cases we selected This expression is frequently utilized in legal and political contexts Its structure is relatively straightforward: it follows the format of verb + noun + preposition.
L’e e e e e é e e e e e une autre préposition Dans la phrase, elle est suivie par un nom ou un GN sans é e f e e ’ e e ée
The second observation regarding the structure of these EF is that the cohesion among the component units is strong and undeniable This cohesion allows for the modification of these EF without altering their meaning For instance, consider the following expressions:
ô Assemblộe nationale ằ Pour cette EF, on ne peut ni changer ni remplacer ou dộplacer un de ses ộlộments On ne peut pas dire ô rộunion
30 nationale ằ, ô assemblộe du pays ằ ou ô assemblộe ộtatique ằ sans affecter e e b l e l f le e l’EF
l’EF ô entrer en vigueur ằ, on ne peut pas ộcrire ô aller en vigueur ằ ou ô entrer dans la vigueurằ sans changer de faỗon absolue la signification originale
The situation is the same when filing a complaint against someone It cannot be rewritten as "to give a complaint against someone," "to file a complaint with someone," or "to bring an accusation against someone."
Cela démontre bien que les EF dans notre corpus disposent ’une des propriétés é f q e ’ e EF q e b ées dans le premier chapitre
Al e e e e é e e e e é e e l e l q e e q e ’EF e q e e e e dans la partie suivante notre recherche sur le plan syntaxique
In the first chapter (Characteristics of EF), it is impossible to derive the meaning of EF from the individual words that comprise them This property is clearly illustrated in the ten cases we have selected.
The expression combines the verb "to burn" and the noun "a red light," with "light" referring to the phenomenon of combustion that emits heat or light According to the Petit Robert dictionary (2015 edition), "to burn" signifies the act of combustion, highlighting the relationship between fire and its illuminating properties.
31 l’ e le ộ e ô un ằ e l’ je f e le ô rouge ằ, nous avons le
Running a red light literally means to engage in a combustion that emits heat or light, specifically the color red In legal terms, this refers to the act of burning through a red traffic signal, also known as a traffic light or simply "light" in French-speaking regions of Canada This rule is universally applicable across all countries Thus, the phrase "burning a red light" in French translates to "griller un feu rouge." In the context of legal French, it is recognized as an important aspect of traffic law.
Running a red light is classified as a third-degree offense, which includes traffic violations that can directly endanger individuals This means that failing to stop when the traffic light turns red is considered a serious infraction that poses a risk to public safety.
A e l e q e le e e l’e e brỷler un feu rouge ằ ’e pas la somme de la signification des mots qui la composent : brûler et un feu rouge Nous l q l e é e ’ l e pour les cas suivants
The meaning of the words in the expression refers to the regular arrangement and clarity that the Sun spreads over the Earth Literally translated, this expression signifies a consistent flow of light that the Sun distributes across the land.
2 PASTURE, M ô Que risquez-vous si vous brỷlez un feu rouge ? ằ Consultộ sur : https://gocar.be/fr/actu-auto/legal/que-risquez-vous-si-vous-brulez-un-feu-rouge
32 l’e e ô ordre du jour ằ dộsigne la liste ordonnộe de sujets à aborder, examiner, discuter ou voter au cours de la séance, de l e j l ’ e é ’ e assemblée délibérante
Prenons comme exemple la phrase ô … l l’A e e l e l’ le 9 e l l 10 j lle 196 l’ordre du jour qui précise chacune des questions soumises à dộlibộration (Dộcret 67-223 du 17-3-1967 art 9) ằ 3
D e e e l’EF f e e l e e le je e qui précise chacune des questions soumises à dộlibộration ằ
The term "National Assembly" refers to a key component of the legislative framework, playing a crucial role in the functioning of the Parliament Understanding the significance of this institution is essential, as it embodies the democratic principles and representation within the governance structure The National Assembly serves as a vital platform for deliberation and decision-making, reflecting the will of the people and contributing to the overall legislative process.
A e f ỗ q b e l’A e blộe le e le ’ e réu ’ ’ e l q e le q le e éb e e e ’ e e e e e le l e e le l' Gouvernement Il est dộmontrộ dans les phrases suivantes : ô Le Premier ministre, après délibér e l e e e e e l’Assemblée nationale la e b l ộ e e e e (…) ằ (art 49, titre V,
A ’ e ộle ’ ộfộ e l’e e ô bulletin blanc ằ désigne un vote blanc, autrement dit, le fait de ne voter pour aucun des candidats ou
3 Cass 3e civ 11-7-2019 n° 18-12.254 F-D, Editions Francis Lefebvre - La Quotidienne Consulté sur : https://www.efl.fr/actualites/immobilier/copropriete-et-autres-modes-organisation-de-l- immeuble/details.html?ref4a10db-c8c7-483d-8247-a28bb8ba590b
33 aucune des propositions Ainsi, il est évide q ’ e e é e e partir de mots composants : ô bulletin ằ ( f ộ ’ e ộ ’ e administration et communiquộe au public) et ô blanc ằ (couleur blanche)
Since 2014, the concept of a blank vote has been defined as either an empty envelope or a blank ballot If we consider a blank vote to be merely an empty envelope, then the cost associated with this voting option would be negligible.
In the legal field, "by virtue of" is synonymous with "by reason of," "in the name of," and "by the power of." Therefore, we can conclude that the meaning of this expression is not merely a composition of the meanings of "by" and "virtue," but rather reflects a moral force or the disposition to perform moral acts through a willful effort.
L’ e e e e EF e ộ l’e e le : ô En vertu de l’ le 38 de la Constitution, le gouvernement peut demander au Parlement, pour une durée l ộe l’ e e e e e ằ (ô Le franỗais juridique ằ, p.6)
In this context, the term "to come into force" refers to the transition from an external state to internal implementation Specifically, in the legal domain, when a law or policy "comes into force," it signifies that it is currently being enforced and applied.
Par exemple, ô la monnaie unique est entrộe en vigueur le 1 er janvier 2002 ằ (Ibid., p.25) signifie que la monnaie unique est mise en application le 1 er janvier
4 PIQUET, C (7 fộvrier 2019) ô Grand dộbat : et si on reconnaissait le vote blanc ? ằ Le e l é : http://www.leparisien.fr/politique/grand-debat-et-si-on-reconnaissait-le-vote-blanc-07-02-2019-8006394.php
In criminal proceedings, the term "non-lieu" refers to a judicial decision that terminates legal action This decision is made when the evidence is insufficient to warrant further prosecution The term itself derives from the components "non" (indicating a negative response or refusal) and "lieu" (meaning a specific place or context).
L’ e e l’EF e ộ ộ l e Dans le roman de Franỗois Mauriac intitulé Thérèse Desqueyroux, l’hérọne bé éf e ’ non-lieu : f e e e e q ’elle e l’ e e l’e e e e , elle est acquittée au bénéfice de doute ằ (Ibid., p.44)
Classement des EF
Following a comprehensive study of fixed expressions (EF) in previous sections, we can advance our research by proposing a classification of EF within the framework of syntactic analysis Various studies have revealed three primary types of fixed expressions found in legal French manuals: nominal phrases, verbal phrases, and prepositional phrases.
Noun phrases play a crucial role in legal texts, serving as the most significant element of legal expressions They help convey precise meanings and are essential for clarity in legal documentation Examples of typical noun phrases can be found in various legal contexts, highlighting their importance in effective communication within the legal field.
In her research titled "Automatic and Lexicographic Treatment of Fixed Verbal Expressions in French," Véronique LEROI highlights that composition, alongside derivation, is a primary method for forming new words This leads to the classification of compound nouns as polylexical words, distinguishing them from derived nouns The corpus utilized in this study reveals the presence of various examples.
EF sous forme des noms composộs comme ô huis-clos ằ, ô quote-part ằ et ô non- lieu ằ mais elles ne sont pas nombreuses
Les locutions verbales sont des associations des mots dont le noyau est un verbe
This verb is typically followed by a noun group A unique feature of verbal phrases is their ability to be identified in various contexts Based on previous research on verbal phrases, it is evident that they can be found across nearly all fields However, in the legal domain, particularly within the documents analyzed, verbal phrases appear to be less frequent For instance, within our corpus, the expression "to run a red light" is noted.
Prepositional phrases can often be more challenging to identify They are primarily formed by a preposition followed by a noun phrase or simply a noun, which serves as the core of the phrase The structure typically includes additional elements that enhance the meaning These phrases are often used in conjunction with a noun or noun phrase to convey specific ideas or actions.
In this chapter, we conducted a comprehensive study on the EF (French language module in law) at the Department of Law We highlighted the challenges posed by the EF that hinder effective communication and learning Additionally, we explored the impact of these difficulties on students' academic performance and engagement.
In our study, we examined the morphosyntactic features of the selected expressions (EF) based on a defined theoretical framework, allowing us to gain a comprehensive understanding of their morphological and syntactic aspects The results derived from our corpus highlight the syntactic characteristics of these expressions Consequently, this chapter serves as a crucial foundation for the next, where we will discuss the challenges of translating French-Vietnamese expressions in legal texts and propose potential solutions.
Proposition de solutions
The translation of specialized texts remains a significant challenge for both translation students and professional translators and interpreters However, every problem has a solution, and it is essential to approach these challenges with effective strategies and resources.
45 e q ’ è la consultation des professeurs et des traducteurs/interprètes professionnels, nous avons trouvé plusieurs solutions qui permettront de faciliter la traduction/interprétation des EF
The structure of French expressions (EF) often lacks direct equivalents in Vietnamese, making reliance on French-Vietnamese dictionaries problematic as they frequently yield inaccurate translations This challenge can lead translators and interpreters to produce nonsensical or misleading interpretations Additionally, many French-Vietnamese dictionaries do not provide comprehensive meanings for words, which can further confuse those seeking equivalent expressions To address this issue, it is advisable to consult specialized dictionaries, such as the "Dictionnaire français-vietnamien des termes juridiques" published by the Maison du Droit Vietnamo-Française in 2009, although this institution has since closed Thus, we recommend that translators utilize both specialized dictionaries and general resources to obtain more accurate meanings of words and expressions.
In the context of compound expressions, literal translations are often discouraged, particularly when dealing with idiomatic phrases For instance, the term "l'Assemblée nationale" should not be translated as "national assembly" or "word of mouth." Proper understanding of these expressions is crucial for accurate communication.
46 ne doit pas ờtre traduite par ô mi ng n ai ằ Dốs lors, la solution pour cette difficulté e ’ b ’ e f e le e e e e l’EF e e e le e e l’EF e e f e e éq le e l e ble e é ’ l q e l l é le
In legal French, it is essential to understand that certain expressions cannot be interpreted in isolation; they must be placed within specific contexts to ascertain their meanings For instance, one cannot grasp the significance of the term "bulletin blanc" by examining it alone; its true meaning emerges only when it is situated within the appropriate paragraph.
In the first round of voting, out of 72 voters, one candidate received 36 votes while another garnered 35 votes, with one blank ballot recorded The question arises: should this blank ballot be counted? If it is included, the total number of valid votes would be 72; if not, it would be 71.
(F de R., Gazette médicale de Paris, Volume 50, p.663)
I l’ ’ e e e e le e e leq el é l’EF f ỗ e e ộ le e e e e e e ‘ e e e b e le domaine économique, plus faciles ó la même EF est utilisée
In conclusion, possessing specialized knowledge is crucial for efficient research in any field The more expertise one has, the fewer translation difficulties one encounters For complex information, it is advisable to consult experts or professional translators and interpreters Additionally, the internet serves as an effective tool for accessing valuable resources and information.
In the past, understanding the meaning of euphemisms required consulting bulky dictionaries, reading extensive documents that employed these expressions, or seeking assistance from others.
With just a simple click of the mouse, one can easily access both paid and free virtual libraries to find meanings and explanations For instance, searching for "EF" on Google yields approximately 79,200,000 results, offering detailed explanations and examples that enhance understanding.
J q ’ é e e e l le é le travail de traduction Dans la section qui suit, nous allons proposer une traduction vietnamienne des EF en franỗais relevộes dans le deuxiốme chapitre du prộsent mémoire.
Proposition de traduction en vietnamien des EF en franỗais
After highlighting the issues of French-Vietnamese translation in legal texts, this section will present a Vietnamese translation of the French legal terms from our corpus, utilizing the methods of J.-L PENFORNIS's "French of Law" and M SOIGNET's "Legal French." The translation will be displayed in the following table.
Tableau 1 Traduction en vietnamien des EF franỗaises
N° EF en franỗais Traduction en vietnamien
10 en vertu de (loc.prép.) c
12 être (v) en conformité avec qqch t
27 raison (n.f.) sociale tên công ty
In this chapter, we conducted a comprehensive study of the French-Vietnamese translation of legal terms Firstly, we identified the challenges faced in translating these terms and the issues that complicate the work of translators and interpreters in legal contexts Secondly, we proposed solutions to facilitate the translation of legal terms, benefiting both professional translators and beginners, including students Finally, based on the research findings from previous sections, we provided a Vietnamese translation of typical legal terms identified in French documents, highlighting the significant outcomes of our study.
Fixed expressions, despite their uniqueness, play a significant role in stylistic colors However, they pose a considerable challenge in interlingual translation Therefore, our study aims to analyze this specific phenomenon and address questions related to its characteristics To achieve our objective, we undertook several steps in our research process.
In the first chapter, we successfully established our theoretical and conceptual framework We focused on the notion of fixed expressions—sequences of words that typically carry a figurative meaning and whose morphological, syntactic, and lexical structures cannot be altered or substituted Based on G Gross's work, we identified six key characteristics of fixed expressions: polylexicality, semantic opacity, restriction of transformational properties, non-actualization of elements, and the blocking of certain linguistic features By highlighting these properties, we also differentiated fixed expressions from collocations and other linguistic constructs.
In the second chapter, we conducted a thorough study of expressions of French (EF) through legal texts, selecting two methods: "Le français du droit" by J.-L Penfornis and "Le français juridique" by M Soignet to form our corpus After a brief presentation of the French law course at the university, we addressed issues related to EF From the two manuals, we identified a total of 32 EF, categorized into two groups: those used exclusively in legal French and those applicable in both legal and general French Among these, we selected ten typical cases for morphological and syntactic research, classifying them into three types: nominal phrases, verbal phrases, and prepositional phrases.
The third chapter aims to discuss the challenges of translating French-Vietnamese idiomatic expressions (IEs) In this section, we reaffirm that IEs are crucial in the translator's world Consequently, we conducted a study on the translation issues related to IEs This study allowed us to demonstrate the complexities involved in translating these expressions effectively.
EF presents challenges to translation students that encompass not only linguistic issues but also sociocultural differences and specialized knowledge in the field of law We have proposed several solutions based on our experiences and observations during translation courses To conclude the final chapter, we provided a Vietnamese translation of the French EF examples included in our corpus As young researchers, we acknowledge that our work may contain errors and shortcomings, and we kindly ask readers for their understanding We also hope that our research can serve as a valuable resource for those beginning their journey in legal translation.
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Les expressions figées Consulté sur : http://www.alloprof.qc.ca/BV/Pages/f1381.aspx
Tableau EF l ộe l f le f ỗ e le f ỗ ộ ộ l
1 b e- -oreille (n.m.inv.) 4 ordre (n.m.) du jour
2 brûler (v.) un feu rouge 5 sécurité (n.f.) sociale
Tableau 3 EF utilisộes uniquement dans le franỗais droit
2 avis (n.m.) conforme 16 Médiateur (n.m.) de la
3 bulletin (n.m) blanc 17 mise (n.f.) en cause
4 bulletin (n.m) nul 18 mise (n.f.) en examen
6 dépôt (n.m) de bilan 20 non-lieu (n.m.)
7 détournement (n.m) de fonds 21 palais (n.m.) de justice
8 en vertu de (loc.prép.) 22 quote-part (n.m.)
9 entrer (v) en vigeur 23 raison (n.f.) sociale
10 être (v) en conformité avec qqc 24 salle (n.f.) d'audience
12 huis-clos (n.m) 26 titre (n.m.) de séjour
13 magistrat (n.m) du siège 27 vice (n.m.) de forme