Nghiên cứu về các thành ngữ tiếng anh có từ chỉ thời tiết và những tương đương trong tiếng việt

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY

GRADUATION PAPER

AN INVESTIGATION INTO ENGLISH IDIOMS WITH
WORDS DENOTING WEATHER AND THEIR
VIETNAMESE EQUIVALENTS

Student: Ngo Thi Hao
Student ID No: 19010274

Course: 2019 - 2023

Field: English Language

Mode of study: Full-time

Supervisor: Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Ph.D

Ha Noi – 2023


MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
PHENIKAA UNIVERSITY

GRADUATION PAPER

AN INVESTIGATION INTO ENGLISH IDIOMS WITH
WORDS DENOTING WEATHER AND THEIR
VIETNAMESE EQUIVALENTS

(NGHIÊN CỨU VỀ CÁC THÀNH NGỮ TIẾNG ANH CÓ
TỪ CHỈ THỜI TIẾT VÀ NHỮNG TƯƠNG ĐƯƠNG
TRONG TIẾNG VIỆT)
Student: Ngo Thi Hao
Student ID No: 19010274

Course: 2019 - 2023

Field: English Language

Mode of study: Full-time

Supervisor: Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Ph.D

Ha Noi – 2023








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ABSTRACT
Idioms are commonly employed in daily communication, both in the English
language and in other languages spoken around the world. This study investigated
the meanings of idioms related to weather in English and Vietnamese. Through
analyzing a list of such idioms, the study would identify cultural and grammatical

factors that influence the use and interpretation of words denoting weather in both
languages. The findings would shed light on the similarities and differences
between the two languages, and their impact on bilingual communication. The
study highlighted the intricate relationship between language and culture, and how
they have shaped our perception of the world.


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v

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
My study has been only completed successfully with the assistance and guidance
of my teachers, my friends, and my relatives.
I would, first of all, like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Nguyen
Thi Bich Thuy, Ph.D. for her invaluable guidance and advice, which helped me
focus my study and stay on track.
I am also grateful to all my teachers at the Faculty of English at Phenikaa
University. The assistance and support from the faculty and staff have been
instrumental in making our research a success.
Lastly, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to our families and friends for
their unwavering support and faith in my abilities. Their encouragement and
motivation were crucial in helping me to persevere through the various challenges
I encountered during the research process. Without them, this achievement would
not have been possible.
Definitely, I will not be able to do anything without their help!


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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 1
1. Rationale for the study ................................................................................. 1
2. Aims of the study .......................................................................................... 2
3. Scope of the study ......................................................................................... 2
4. Significance of the study ............................................................................... 2
5. Research method ........................................................................................... 3
6. Design of the study ........................................................................................ 3
DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................ 5
CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................... 5
1.1. Definition of idioms.................................................................................... 5
1.1.1. Definition of idioms .............................................................................. 5
1.1.2. The usage of idioms .............................................................................. 5
1.1.2.1. The usage of idioms about the meaning ........................................... 5
1.1.2.2. The usage of idioms about the spiritual values ................................ 6
1.2. Words denoting weather idioms in English ............................................ 6
1.3. Previous research ....................................................................................... 7
1.4. Summary..................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................ 10
2.1. Research subjects ..................................................................................... 10
2.2. Data analysis ............................................................................................. 10
2.2.1. The second edition of “The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms” [2004] .... 10
2.2.2. “Tu dien thanh ngu va tuc ngu Viet Nam” of Prof. Nguyen Lan [2014]
....................................................................................................................... 12
2.3. The synthesis of English idioms with words denoting weather ........... 13
2.3.1. English idioms with words about weather condition .......................... 13
2.3.2. English idioms with words about temperature .................................... 23
2.3.3. English idioms with words about weather phenomenon ..................... 27
2.4. Summary................................................................................................... 32

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH RESULTS ........................................................... 33
3.1. Analysis of the syntactic function of English idioms with words
denoting weather ............................................................................................. 33
3.1.1. Idioms function as subjects or objects................................................. 33
3.1.1.1. English idioms function as subjects ............................................... 33


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3.1.1.2. English idioms function as objects ................................................. 34
3.1.2. English idioms function as adjectives or adverbs ............................... 35
3.1.2.1. English idioms function as adjectives............................................. 36
3.1.2.2. Idioms function as adverbs ............................................................. 37
3.1.3. Idioms function as complements ......................................................... 38
3.1.3.1. English idioms with words denoting weather function as subject
complements ................................................................................................. 38
3.1.3.2. English idioms with words denoting weather function as object
complement ................................................................................................... 39
3.2. The reference of English and Vietnamese idioms in terms of culture 41
3.2.1. Similarities of English and Vietnamese idioms in terms of culture .... 41
3.2.2. Differences of English and Vietnamese idioms in terms of culture.... 43
3.3. The application of the study in practice ................................................ 47
3.4. Expectations with the study .................................................................... 48
3.4.1. Outcomes of the study ......................................................................... 48
3.4.2. Contribution to the field ...................................................................... 49
3.5. Summary................................................................................................... 50
CONCLUSION ................................................................................................... 51
1. Conclusion of the study .............................................................................. 51
1.1. General conclusion of the study ................................................................ 51
1.2. Features of syntax ...................................................................................... 51
1.3. Features of culture ..................................................................................... 52

2. Significance of the study ............................................................................. 54
2.1. Significance for society .......................................................................... 54
2.2. Significance for learners ......................................................................... 55
3. Limitation of the study ............................................................................... 56
4. Suggestions for future research ................................................................. 56
5. Summary...................................................................................................... 56
REFERENCES . ................................................................................................. 57


viii

LIST OF IMAGES AND TABLES

Number of
images and

Title of images and table

Page

tables
Picture 2.1

The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms
20

Picture 2.2

Tu dien thanh ngu va tuc ngu Viet Nam
21

Table 2.1

English idioms with words about weather condition
23

Table 2.2
Table 2.3

English idioms with words about temperature
English

idioms

phenomenon

with

words

about

31

weather
36


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LIST OF ABBREVIATION

Ordinal
number

Abbreviation

Expansion

1

OPU

Oxford University Press

2

LPH

Literature Publishing House


1

INTRODUCTION
1. Rationale for the study
One of the most challenging aspects of learning English as a second language is
mastering idiomatic expressions. English is rife with idioms that are commonly
used in everyday conversations, business meetings, academic writing, and many
other contexts. One category of idioms that is particularly difficult for non-native

speakers to understand and use is those with words denoting weather. According
to Gibbs [1], these idiomatic expressions can be confusing since they often have a
figurative meaning that cannot be inferred from the literal meaning of the words.
Vietnam is a developing country, as Vietnam seeks to quickly integrate into the
global economy, improving English proficiency levels is vital. So, there is a
growing demand for English language proficiency in Vietnam, where the use of
English is becoming increasingly important for business, tourism, and
international communication. Due to the limited time and knowledge, the study
just focuses on a very small part of the huge idiomatic treasure of English and
Vietnamese idioms by conducting a study titled “An investigation into English
idioms with words denoting weather and their Vietnamese equivalents”.
This study explores the meaning and usage of English idioms with words denoting
weather, thereby, it identifies the Vietnamese equivalents of these idioms and
analyses their practicality in daily life. Through this investigation, the study
compares and references the usage of such idioms across two different cultures.
Overall, this study expects to partly help readers understand English idioms with
words denoting weather and their Vietnamese equivalents and provide valuable
insights for second language learners, educators, … By enhancing the knowledge
and skills of non-native English speakers in this aspect, it is hoped that this study
improves their communicative competence and cross-cultural understanding in
international settings.


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2. Aims of the study
This study aims to investigate English idioms that contain words denoting weather
and their Vietnamese equivalents. A comprehensive list of English idioms with
words denoting weather was summarized, which was analyzed and understood in
terms of their Vietnamese equivalents.
Furthermore, the study analyzed the cultural and historical backgrounds that gave

rise to these idioms in Vietnamese and English. Thereby, the study was comparing
any similarities and differences between them in terms of grammar and culture.
3. Scope of the study
The study was limited to two sources, namely “The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms:
second edition” [2] published by Oxford University Press in 2004, and “Tu dien
thanh ngu va tuc ngu Viet Nam” [3] by Professor Nguyen Lan and published by
Literature Publishing House in 2014. The focus of this study was to summarize,
compare and analyze English idioms with words denoting weather and their
Vietnamese equivalents. Additionally, the important cultural and grammatical
aspects of these idioms were highlighted in this study.
4. Significance of the study
The study of English idioms that feature words denoting weather, as well as their
Vietnamese equivalents, carries significant value within the realm of cross-cultural
communication and learning. These idioms were a crucial element of any language
as they expressed the cultural customs, beliefs, and mentality of its native speakers.
Examining the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese
idioms, therefore, offers readers a deeper insight into the unique cultural
perspectives and linguistic nuances at play in both languages.
Moreover, investigating these idioms can provide readers with a far better
understanding of the figurative language utilized in everyday communication.
Understanding the figurative language in idiomatic expressions is crucial for
effective communication, particularly in a multilingual and multicultural society.


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Additionally, the study enables readers to understand the varied abstract and
conceptual meanings that these expressions cause.
5. Research method
The analysis and synthesis method were utilized in the investigation of English
idioms with words denoting weather. This method involves breaking down the

idioms, analyzing the usage of words denoting weather, and drawing conclusions
about their meaning and usage. The suitability of the idioms within the context of
English language and culture was determined by integrating the results of this
analysis. Cultural and grammatical elements take into account during the analysis
process to gain a deeper understanding of the nuances and meaning behind English
idioms that use words denoting weather.
A qualitative research approach was also employed to investigate English idioms
with their Vietnamese equivalents. Relevant sources in both languages, such as
books, academic journals, and online resources, were reviewed carefully.
Thematic analysis was used to identify and categorize common themes associated
with the use of idioms containing words denoting weather.
6. Design of the study
The study is divided into three parts: Introduction, Development, and Conclusion.
The Introduction highlights the key concepts of exploring idioms with words
denoting weather in English and their corresponding Vietnamese equivalents.
The Development part is organized into three chapters. In chapter 1, the theoretical
framework is presented. Its contents explore the relationship between language and
culture, the differences between literal and idiomatic interpretations, as well as
provide an analysis of prior studies related to the topic.
Chapter 2 summarizes and examines the meaning of words denoting weather in
English and its equivalents in Vietnamese.
In Chapter 3 of the graduation paper, a comparison is made between idioms with
words denoting weather in English and their Vietnamese equivalents. This analysis


4
aims to reveal the underlying cultural characteristics of both languages with regard
to words denoting weather, both in terms of their similarities and differences.
The Conclusion part provides a summary of all the discussions and findings
throughout the thesis.

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DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter provide a theoretical foundation for the study of English idioms with
words denoting weather, drawing on relevant theories and prior studies to develop
a deeper understanding of the subject and identify new avenues for exploration
1.1. Definition of idioms
1.1.1. Definition of idioms
Idioms are often deeply rooted in a particular culture or language, and their origins
can be traced back to specific historical events, traditions, or even folklore.
Thereby, idioms could pose a challenge for individuals who are not familiar with
the culture or language in which they are used.
According to Amineh Adelnia and Hossein Vahid Dastjerdi [4], “Idioms are
linguistic expressions or lexical items representing objects, concepts or phenomena
of material life particular to a given culture. They are necessary to any language in
order to keep the local and cultural color of that language.”
In a definition given by Manser [5], an idiom is a group of words established by
usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.
According to Fernando [6], idioms are the language peculiar to a people, country,
class, community or more rarely, an individual. They are constructions and
expressions that have a meaning different from the literal one or not according to
the usual patterns of the language.
1.1.2. The usage of idioms
1.1.2.1. The usage of idioms about the meaning
According to the study of Lundmark and the study of Owen [7, 8], an idiom is a
phrase, expression or group of words that have a figurative or metaphorical
meaning, that is different from its literal meaning. It is a common feature in all

languages and is typically unique to a particular language or culture. An idiom is


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often used in informal or everyday language, and may not make sense when
translated literally. For example, “kick the bucket” is an English idiom that means
to die, but the words “kick,” “the,” and “bucket” have nothing to do with dying
when taken literally. Idioms are often used to convey a message or idea through
creative and colorful language.
1.1.2.2. The usage of idioms about the spiritual values
Despite the challenges that idioms present for language learners, they are an
important part of language and can enrich communication by making spoken or
written language more expressive. Additionally, idioms can be used to convey
cultural nuances and to help people feel more connected to their linguistic heritage.
For example, someone unfamiliar with the English language might not understand
the phrase “let the cat out of the bag”, which means to reveal a secret. Similarly,
someone unfamiliar with American culture might not understand the phrase “hit
the hay”, which means to go to sleep.
“Face the music” - this is an English idiom that means to take responsibility for
one's actions, often in a negative situation. The phrase reflects cultural values of
accountability, honesty, and integrity.
“Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây” - this Vietnamese idiom literally translates to “When
eating fruit, remember who planted the tree.” The idiom reflects cultural attitudes
towards gratitude, acknowledging those who have contributed to one's success,
and recognizing the importance of giving credit where it is due.
1.2. Words denoting weather idioms in English
Words denoting weather idioms in English refer to phrases or expressions that use
weather terms to convey a particular meaning.
According to Stewart [9], English idioms that involve weather usually use
figurative language to explain different atmospheric conditions, which they are

often utilized in spoken and written language to feature color, expressiveness, and


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creativity. These idioms also can convey cultural nuances associated with weather
patterns, climate or environment, and social contexts.
In examples of idioms with words denoting weather like “Weather the storm”,
which means to endure a difficult period or overcome challenges. It comes from
the thought of a ship surviving a storm, and it implies that one must remain strong
and protracted during tough times. Or “Under the weather”: This idiom means to
feel unwell or sick. Its origins go back to the 1800s, when "weather" was used to
describe an individual’s physical or emotional state.
When using idioms in conversation, it is important to think about the context and
ensure that the meaning of the idiom is appropriate for the situation. For example,
if you are discussing the weather and you use the phrase “raining cats and dogs,”
people will likely understand that you simply mean it is raining heavily. However,
if you use this phrase to describe a significant situation like a medical emergency,
it may not convey the appropriate tone or urgency.
In conclusion, words denoting weather idiomatic phrases are constructed by
associating weather conditions with an idea, emotion, or situation. Using idioms
with words denoting weather can add creativity and cultural nuances to spoken and
written communication. However, their use requires careful consideration and
awareness of their meanings and contexts.
1.3. Previous research
English idioms that denote weather are a fascinating aspect of the English
language. They add color and richness to the language, and they can be a fun way
to express oneself. Many of these idioms have been around for centuries and have
been the subject of much academic discussion and research.
These idioms can vary from region to region, and researchers may be interested in
exploring their use and cultural significance. The metaphorical meanings of these

expressions can be difficult to understand for someone who is not a native speaker
of English, as the idiomatic expressions are often unrelated to the literal meaning
of the words used. Additionally, English learners may face challenges with these


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idioms, and research can help teachers better understand how to teach them.
Finally, studying idiomatic expressions related to weather can provide insight into
how our brains process and understand figurative language.
These various research studies offer a comprehensive understanding of the usage
and impact of words denoting weather and expressions in different contexts. They
provide insights into the similarities and differences in the use of these words and
phrases across cultures and languages, and how they can affect communication
and language learning.
The research “A study on idiomatic expressions containing words denoting
weather in English and Vietnamese from cultural perspective” by V. T. Sinh [10]
emphasizes the importance of idiomatic expressions in language learning and
teaching, specifically those containing words denoting weather in English. The
author recognizes the significance of idioms in everyday conversations and their
association with culture. The study highlights the importance of cultural awareness
in understanding idioms, as they often reflect cultural values and beliefs. Overall,
it is a valuable contribution to the field of language learning and teaching,
highlighting the significance of idiomatic expressions and their link to culture
The study “An Investigation into English and Vietnamese Idioms Containing
Words Denoting Weather” by D. T. B. Huong [11] explores the similarities and
differences between English and Vietnamese idioms containing words denoting
weather and acknowledges the difficulty in comprehending idioms due to their
unpredictable meanings that can derive from various factors such as culture,
syntax, and semantics. The results show that both languages share some idioms
related to weather, but Vietnamese idioms tend to be more direct and concrete,

while English idioms tend to be more abstract and metaphorical. The study also
delves into the effectiveness of different teaching methods for words denoting
weather and expressions, and the common mistakes made by non-native speakers
in using these words in English. Moreover, it explores the cultural factors that
influence how words denoting weather language are interpreted and understood
and the psychological impact of words denoting weather on individuals and


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society.
Overall, these studies help us better understand the significance of words denoting
weather and expressions in different contexts, and how they can be effectively
taught and used in communication.
1.4. Summary
In this chapter, the theoretical framework for analyzing English and Vietnamese
idioms is discussed in this section, highlighting the significance of both literal and
idiomatic meanings. Previous studies on English idioms with words denoting
weather are also briefly summarized, which emphasised their cultural and
grammatical aspects. Thereby, these idioms presented a crucial role in conveying
cultural meanings and connecting people to their cultural heritage.


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CHAPTER 2
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter brings together English idioms and their Vietnamese equivalents,
thereby, connecting between the two languages and simplifying the understanding
of each idiom by providing its meaning.
2.1. Research subjects

The research subjects are an investigation into English Idioms with words denoting
weather and their Vietnamese equivalents.
The study uncovers cultural and linguistic differences between these idioms within
the two languages and identifies any discrepancies in meaning or usage.
Additionally, the research will analyze the syntactic and semantic properties of
those idioms, explore underlying conceptual metaphors or cultural associations,
and examine their relationship to other parts of the language’s grammar and
vocabulary.
2.2. Data analysis
Both “The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms” [2] and “Tu dien thanh ngu va tuc ngu
Viet Nam” [3] being mentioned are sourced from reputable institutions: Oxford
University and Vietnam Literary Publishing House. These texts provide
comprehensive explanations for every idiom, including its respective meaning and
practical samples of the way to use it in context. By utilizing these resources, one
can expand their knowledge domain and develop a deeper understanding of the
similarities and differences between Vietnamese and English-speaking cultures,
also because of the grammatical nuances of every language.
2.2.1. The second edition of “The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms” [2004]
The second edition of “The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms” was edited by Judith
Siefring, who is a lexicographer and editor at OUP. However, the dictionary
includes a wide range of entries from various sources, including other
lexicographers and language experts, as well as examples taken from literature and