TIỂU LUẬN NGÔN NGỮ XÃ HỘI HỌC

HUE UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF OPEN TRAINING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SOCIOLINGUISTIC PROJECT
Full name:

Nguyễn Thị Hà

Date of birth:

03/02/1999

Student ID:

7052900453

Place of birth:

Nghệ An

Teacher:

PhD. Trần Thuần

TITLE:


Examine the differences between the Vietnamese spoken in Ha
Noi and its neighboring areas and the Vietnamese spoken in the
Mekong delta. Why do you think there are such dialectal
evidence?

Hue, July 2023
CONTENTS
I
II
III
IV

Contents
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW OF VIETNAMESE DIALECTS
DIALECTAL DIFFERENCES IN HANOI AND

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2
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V

NEIGHBORING AREAS
Tonal Variations
Vowel Sounds
Consonant Changes

Vocabulary Differences
DIALECTAL DIFFERENCES IN THE MEKONG

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5

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3
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VI
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2
VII

DELTA
Tonal Variations
Vowel Sounds
Consonant Changes
Vocabulary Differences
LANGUAGE ATTITUDES AND IDENTITY
Language Maintenance
Language Shift
LINGUISTIC VARIATION IN THE CONTEXT OF

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6

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VIII

GLOBALIZATION
CONCLUSION

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REFERENCE



I. ABSTRACT
This sociolinguistic research paper aims to examine the dialectal
differences between Vietnamese spoken in Hanoi and its neighboring areas
compared to the Vietnamese spoken in the Mekong Delta region. By exploring
the linguistic variations in phonology, vocabulary, and syntax, the study seeks
to understand the dialectal evidence and the factors contributing to these
differences. The research will consider social, geographical, historical, and
cultural factors that shape these dialectal variations.
II. INTRODUCTION

Background and significance of studying dialectal differences in
Vietnamese.

Studying dialectal differences in Vietnamese is of great importance due to the
rich linguistic diversity found within the Vietnamese language. Vietnam, a
Southeast Asian country, is home to numerous dialects and regional variations,
each reflecting the unique cultural and historical characteristics of specific
regions.
Cultural Preservation: Dialects are an integral part of a region's
cultural identity. Investigating and documenting dialectal differences allows
for the preservation and understanding of local traditions, customs, and ways
of life. It helps safeguard cultural heritage and prevents the loss of linguistic
diversity.
Linguistic Research: Analyzing dialectal variations in Vietnamese
contributes to the field of linguistics. It provides insights into language
evolution, contact-induced changes, and language acquisition processes.
Researchers

can

explore

phonological,

morphological,

and

syntactic

differences among dialects, enriching our understanding of linguistic structures
and patterns.
Communication and Language Planning: Vietnamese is the official

language of Vietnam, and a standardized version known as "Vietnamese Quốc


ngữ" is widely used in education, media, and official settings. However,
dialectal variations pose challenges for communication and language planning
1
initiatives. By studying dialects, linguists can identify commonalities and
differences, facilitating effective communication strategies and language
policy implementation.
Socioeconomic

Implications:

Dialectal

differences

can

impact

socioeconomic development within Vietnam. Some regions have distinct
dialects that are unintelligible to speakers of other dialects. This linguistic
barrier can hinder economic activities, limit educational opportunities, and
affect social integration. Understanding these differences can help address
language-based inequalities and promote inclusive development.
Language Teaching and Learning: Knowledge of dialectal variations
assists in language teaching and learning processes. By understanding the
differences, language educators can design curriculum and instructional
materials that accommodate learners from different regions. It also helps

learners become aware of dialectal variations, enabling them to adapt their
language use to different contexts and communities.
Literature and Arts: Dialectal variations in Vietnamese enrich the
realm of literature, poetry, and artistic expression. Many dialects have their
own unique idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and linguistic features that
contribute to the cultural richness of Vietnamese literature and arts. Exploring
these dialectal nuances enhances the appreciation and understanding of
Vietnamese literary works.
In summary, studying dialectal differences in Vietnamese has cultural,
linguistic, socioeconomic, and educational implications. It helps preserve
cultural heritage, contributes to linguistic research, aids in communication and
language planning, addresses socioeconomic disparities, enhances language
teaching and learning, and enriches literature and arts.
III. OVERVIEW OF VIETNAMESE DIALECTS


General characteristics of Vietnamese as a tonal language.
2
Vietnamese is a tonal language, meaning that the pitch or tone of a word can
change its meaning. Here are some general characteristics of Vietnamese as a
tonal language:
- Tonal System: Vietnamese has six tones, which are variations in pitch
contour. Each tone is represented by a diacritic mark above or below the vowel
in the written script (Vietnamese Quốc ngữ). The tones are essential for
distinguishing between words that have the same phonetic segments but differ
in meaning.
- Pitch Contour: The tones in Vietnamese are characterized by their
pitch contours, which can be rising, falling, high, low, or a combination of
these. The specific pitch contour of a tone can vary depending on its position
within a word and its neighboring sounds.

- Tone Sandhi: Vietnamese exhibits tone sandhi, which refers to
changes in tone that occur when words are combined in speech. The final tone
of one word may be influenced or modified by the initial tone of the following
word. Tone sandhi rules can be complex and vary among dialects.
- Tone Pairs: Vietnamese has tone pairs, which are pairs of words that
differ only in their tones. Changing the tone of a word in a tone pair can
change the meaning entirely. For example, "ma" with a low tone means
"ghost," while "ma" with a high-rising tone means "mother."
- Tone Stability: Vietnamese tones are relatively stable and maintain
their distinctive features, even in connected speech. Unlike some tonal
languages where tones may undergo significant changes or be affected by
surrounding sounds, Vietnamese tones are generally preserved.
- Contextual Effects: The meaning of a word in Vietnamese can also be
influenced by the context in which it is used. Sometimes, a word's tone may be


modified or influenced by neighboring tones, phonetic factors, or grammatical
structures.
- Importance of Tones: Tones play a crucial role in distinguishing
lexical
3
and grammatical meanings in Vietnamese. They convey important semantic
and grammatical information, such as indicating questions, negation, plurals,
verb tenses, and more.
Mastering the tones is essential for achieving accurate pronunciation and
comprehension in Vietnamese. The tonal nature of the language adds a distinct
linguistic feature and poses challenges for non-native learners, as subtle tone
variations can significantly alter the intended meaning of words.
IV. DIALECTAL DIFFERENCES IN HANOI AND NEIGHBORING
AREAS

Dialectal differences in Hanoi and its neighboring areas, known as the
Red River Delta region, can be observed in several linguistic aspects. Here are
some notable characteristics:
1. Tonal Variations
- Tone Split: As mentioned earlier, the tone system in Hanoi
Vietnamese has undergone a historical split, resulting in the merger of the
former "dipping tone" (ngã tone) and the former "high-rising tone" (ngang
tone). This tonal difference distinguishes the Hanoi dialect from other Southern
dialects.
- Tone Register: Hanoi dialect tends to have a lower overall pitch
register compared to other Southern dialects, where the pitch register is higher.
This difference in pitch register can affect the realization of tones.
2. Vowel Sounds


- Centralization of Vowels: Hanoi dialect exhibits a tendency for
centralization of certain vowels. For example, the vowel /ɛ/ in Southern
Vietnamese may be pronounced closer to /a/ in the Hanoi dialect.
- Vowel Length: Hanoi Vietnamese generally preserves vowel length
distinctions. Long vowels are maintained, and there is less reduction or
merging of vowel length compared to some Southern dialects.
3. Consonant Changes
4
- Loss of Final /p/ and /t/: In Hanoi dialect, the final consonants /p/ and /t/ are
often omitted or weakened, particularly in casual speech. This differs from
Southern Vietnamese, where these consonants are typically retained.
- Glottal Stop: Hanoi dialect has a tendency to replace final /k/ and /t/
with a glottal stop (represented by the letter 'k'). This glottal stop can also
occur before vowel-initial words.
- Dental Fricatives: Hanoi Vietnamese tends to merge the dental

fricatives /ð/ and /θ/ with /z/ and /s/, respectively. For example, "đâu" (where)
may be pronounced as "zâu" and "thích" (like) may be pronounced as "sích."
4. Vocabulary Differences
- Regional Terminology: Hanoi and its neighboring areas may have
specific regional vocabulary and terminology for certain concepts, objects, or
practices that differ from other regions. These differences can reflect local
traditions, cultural practices, and historical influences.
- Sino-Vietnamese Vocabulary: Hanoi dialect retains a larger number
of Sino-Vietnamese words compared to other dialects. These words are
borrowed from Chinese and integrated into the Vietnamese lexicon. They often
represent formal or technical vocabulary and have roots in traditional
Vietnamese culture and Confucianism.
It's important to note that dialectal differences within Hanoi and its
neighboring areas can also exist, as language use and linguistic variations can
vary at the community and individual levels. Additionally, due to the influence


of media, education, and urbanization, there might be ongoing convergence
between Hanoi and other dialects in the region.
V. DIALECTAL DIFFERENCES IN THE MEKONG DELTA
The Mekong Delta region in Vietnam exhibits dialectal differences
compared to other regions, including Hanoi and neighboring areas. Here are
some notable characteristics of dialectal differences in the Mekong Delta:
1. Tonal Variations
5

- Tonal Register: The Mekong Delta dialect generally has a higher pitch
register compared to the Hanoi dialect. The tones in this region may be
realized with a higher pitch or greater pitch variation.
- Tone Contours: Some specific tones may have distinct pitch contours

or variations in the Mekong Delta dialect, giving them a unique tonal flavor
compared to other dialects in Vietnam.
2. Vowel Sounds
- Vowel Quality: The Mekong Delta dialect may exhibit differences in
the quality of certain vowel sounds compared to other dialects. For example,
the vowel /a/ may have a more open or centralized pronunciation.
- Vowel Length: Vowel length distinctions in the Mekong Delta dialect
may differ from other dialects. Some vowel sounds may be pronounced with
different durations or show variations in lengthening or shortening.
3. Consonant Changes
- Retroflex Consonants: The Mekong Delta dialect often features
retroflex consonants, where the tip of the tongue curls back towards the roof of
the mouth. This can be observed in sounds such as /ɖ/ and /ʈ/.
- Loss of Final Consonants: Similar to other Southern dialects, the
Mekong Delta dialect may exhibit the loss or weakening of final consonants
such as /p/ and /t/.
4. Vocabulary Differences


- Regional Terminology: The Mekong Delta dialect may have its own
specific regional terms and vocabulary that reflect local customs, geographical
features, and occupations related to the region's agricultural and aquatic
activities.
- Loanwords: As in other dialects, the Mekong Delta dialect may
incorporate loanwords from different sources, such as Chinese, French, and
English. The specific loanwords used in this region may vary depending on
6
historical influences and the extent of exposure to foreign cultures.
It's important to note that the dialectal differences in the Mekong Delta
can vary across different sub-regions and even among different provinces

within the Mekong Delta itself. Additionally, individual speakers may exhibit
variations within the dialect due to factors such as age, education level, and
exposure to other dialects or languages.
VI. LANGUAGE ATTITUDES AND IDENTITY
Language maintenance and language shift are dynamic processes that
can occur in Hanoi and the Mekong Delta, affecting the use and vitality of
different language varieties. Here's an overview of language maintenance and
language shift in these regions:
1. Language Maintenance
Hanoi:
- Standard Language Status: Hanoi Vietnamese, as the capital and
administrative center, holds significant prestige and serves as the standard
language variety in education, media, government, and official settings. This
contributes to the maintenance and promotion of the Hanoi dialect.
- Cultural Preservation: Efforts are made to preserve and promote
Hanoi's cultural heritage, including its language. Cultural institutions, schools,
and community organizations play a role in fostering a sense of identity and
pride in the Hanoi dialect, contributing to its maintenance.


Mekong Delta:
- Regional Identity: The Mekong Delta region has its own distinct
cultural identity, and language plays a role in expressing this identity. Local
communities often value and maintain their dialect as a symbol of regional
pride and solidarity.
- Inter-generational Transmission: In many rural areas of the Mekong
7
Delta, traditional language use and dialectal variations are still prevalent
within
families and local communities. Children learn and acquire the local dialect

from their parents and older generations, contributing to language
maintenance.
2. Language Shift
Hanoi:
- Urbanization and Migration: Hanoi's rapid urbanization and the
influx of migrants from various regions can lead to language shift. As people
from different areas settle in Hanoi, there may be a gradual shift towards the
use of more standardized Vietnamese, resulting in the dilution of distinct
regional dialectal features.
- Education and Media Influence: The emphasis on standard
Vietnamese in education and media can contribute to language shift, as
individuals may prioritize learning and using the standard language to access
educational and professional opportunities.
Mekong Delta:
- Urbanization and Globalization: Similar to Hanoi, urbanization and
globalization in the Mekong Delta can lead to language shift. Exposure to
media, educational institutions, and urban environments may increase the use
of standard Vietnamese and reduce the prominence of local dialects.


- Economic Factors: Economic opportunities, including migration to
urban areas or regions outside the Mekong Delta, may also contribute to
language shift as individuals adapt to new linguistic environments and the
demands of the job market.
It's important to note that the extent of language shift and maintenance
can vary within different communities, social groups, and generations. Factors
such as age, education, socioeconomic status, and exposure to other languages
and cultures influence the choices individuals make in language use and the
degree to which language maintenance or shift occurs.
8

VII. LINGUISTIC VARIATION IN THE CONTEXT OF
GLOBALIZATION
Education and the promotion of standardized Vietnamese have
significant impacts on dialectal variation. Here are some key effects:
- Homogenization of Language: Education systems often prioritize the
teaching and use of standardized Vietnamese, which is based on the Hanoi
dialect. This emphasis on the standard language can lead to a homogenization
of language across different regions, as students are exposed to and encouraged
to use the standard variety in schools and educational settings. As a result,
dialectal features may be suppressed or minimized.
- Language Convergence: Education plays a crucial role in facilitating
language convergence, particularly among younger generations. As students
from different dialectal backgrounds come together in schools, they are
exposed to the standardized form of Vietnamese, which becomes a common
linguistic reference point. This exposure can lead to the convergence of
linguistic features, resulting in a reduction of dialectal variation among the
younger generation.
- Linguistic Accommodation: Education and exposure to standardized
Vietnamese often require individuals to accommodate their language use to fit


the standard norms. This can involve adjusting pronunciation, vocabulary, and
grammar to align with the standard variety. As a result, speakers may
consciously or unconsciously suppress or modify dialectal features to adhere to
the standardized form.
- Social Prestige and Stigmatization: Standard Vietnamese, being
associated with education, urbanization, and socio-economic advancement,
carries social prestige. Dialectal variations, on the other hand, may be
stigmatized or seen as markers of rural or less educated backgrounds. This
social perception can influence individuals to minimize their use of dialectal

features in order to gain social acceptance or conform to societal expectations.
- Erosion of Dialectal Features: The promotion of standardized
9
Vietnamese through education and media can lead to the erosion of
dialectal features over time. As the use of the standard language becomes more
prevalent, particularly among younger generations, dialectal features may be
gradually lost or become limited to specific contexts or older generations.
However, it's important to note that despite the impact of education and
standardized Vietnamese, dialectal variations can still persist, particularly in
informal contexts, rural areas, and among older generations. Additionally,
language shift and maintenance are complex processes influenced by various
social, cultural, and historical factors, and the extent of dialectal variation can
vary between regions and communities.
VIII. CONCLUSION
Summary of dialectal differences between Hanoi, its neighboring areas,
and the Mekong Delta.
Analysis of the sociolinguistic factors contributing to these dialectal
variations Implications for language policy, education, and cultural
preservation efforts.
By examining the dialectal differences between Vietnamese spoken in
Hanoi and its neighboring areas compared to the Vietnamese spoken in the


Mekong Delta, this research paper sheds light on the linguistic variations
within Vietnam. It explores the sociolinguistic factors that shape these dialectal
differences, including geographical, historical, and cultural influences. The
paper contributes to our understanding of Vietnamese dialects and their
significance in language identity and preservation in the context of
globalization.

10

REFERENCE
1. Curriculum: Sociolinguistics of Ph.D Tran Thuan;
2. Variation of Vietnamese language:
Link: />3. Ways That Northern and Southern Vietnam are Different;
4. “A sketch of the vietnamese language and culture from southeast asian
perspective” by Tran Tri Doi VNU University of Social Sciences and
Humanities, 336 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam;

5. Vietnam language: Find the linguistic beauty in every single word:
Link: />