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VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GRADUATE
ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES --------------------

NGO THI THANH VAN

CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH-VIETNAMESE
SOCIOLOGICAL TERMINOLOGY
Major: Comparative and Contrastive Linguistics
Code: 9222024

SUMMARY OF THE PH.D. THESIS IN LINGUISTICS

Hanoi - 2019


The thesis has been completed at: Faculty of Linguistics, Graduate Academy of
Social Sciences, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Le Quang Thiem

First examiner: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang

Second examiner: Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Hong Con

Third examiner: Assoc. Prof. Hoang Tuyet Minh

The thesis will be defended before the Academy-wide assessment board of
dissertations and theses at
……………………………………………….……………………………………
…
………………………………………………………………………………………

.
on ................................., 2019.
The thesis can be found at:

The National Library of Vietnam
Graduate Academy of Social Sciences

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THE THESIS-RELATED STUDIES BY THE PH.D. STUDENT
1.

Ngo Thi Thanh Van (2014), An initial survey of Vietnamese sociological terms

on Oxford dictionary data), Lexicography & Encyclopedia, Vol.2 (28), pp. 89-92,
ISSN: 1859-3135.
2.

Ngo Thi Thanh Van (2016), The Equivalence in translation of Oxford

sociological dictionary, Lexicography & Encyclopedia, Vol.2 (42), pp. 21-24, ISSN:
1859-3135.
3.

Ngo Thi Thanh Van (2018), The characteristics of nomination for sociological

terms in Vietnamese (based on Oxford English-Vietnamese Sociological Dictionary),
Language & Life, Vol.2 (269), pp. 24-26, ISSN: 0868-3409.
4.

Ngo Thi Thanh Van (2019), Several Proposals on Standardisation of

Sociological Terms, Prof. Hoang Phe with Vietnamese and Standardisation of
Vietnamese Language - Scientific Conference Proceedings 2019), Dan Tri Publishing
House, pp. 288-296.

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INTRODUCTION
1. Rationale
Terminology is a tool, which constitutes knowledge of a science.
Vietnamese sociology nowadays witnesses rapid growth and requires rich and
standard

scientific

terminology.

However,

the

Vietnamese

sociological

terminology is in the ongoing process of development, thus, terms are still
inadequate without any standardisation of content and forms. In consideration of

such evolution in the domestic sociology, it is essential to build and perfect the
terminology of the domain.
The thesis focuses on researching and contrasting English and Vietnamese
sociological terms considering their formation and nomination characteristics, in
order to identify the similarities and differences in those of the English and
Vietnamese sociological terms in light of comparative and contrastive linguistics.
From this point, the thesis engages in building the general theory of terminology,
develop and standardise the current Vietnamese sociological terminology.
2. Objectives and tasks
2.1. Research objectives
The thesis aims to clarify the similarities and differences between the formation
and nomination of the sociological terminology in English and those in
Vietnamese by studying and contrasting. Upon this basis, specific measures are
proposed to standardise the English-Vietnamese sociological terminology.
2.2. Research tasks
In order to achieve the aforesaid objectives, the thesis fulfils the following
tasks: Giving an overview of researching situation and systematisation of
theoretical viewpoints for the research; and contrastive analysis between English
and Vietnamese sociological terms considering their formation and nomination
characteristics; and proposing standardisation of unqualified terms.
3. Subjects and scope
3.1. Research subjects
The research subjects are the sociological terms in English and their
corresponding terms in Vietnamese. From our point of view, sociological terms are

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fixed words and phrases that express the concepts used in the sociological domain.
3.2. Research scope

The thesis’ scope of research for contrastive analysis is limited to
sociological terms in English and Vietnamese from dictionaries and scientific
documents on the typical sociological domain to identify the similarities and
differences between these terms in English and those in Vietnamese from the
contemporary perspective. The base language is English and the contrasting
language is Vietnamese.
4. Research methodology and materials
The thesis combines research methodology descriptive and contrastive
methods, with tactics, such as direct constituent analysis, quantitative statistics,
and modelling.
Materials utilised are collected from typical sociological dictionaries,
textbooks, and specialized journals, with terms in both English and Vietnamese.
5. New scientific contributions
This might be considered a systematic and comprehensive research and
contrastive analysis between the basic characteristics of sociological terms in
English and those in Vietnamese from the formation and nomination perspective.
Based on the findings and outcomes, the thesis proposes specific directions and
feasible measures to develop and standardise sociological terms in Vietnamese,
contributing to the development and standardisation of Vietnamese sociological
terminology in particular and Vietnamese sociology in general.
6. Theoretical and practical significance
6.1. Theoretical significance
The research outcome is expected to engage in establishment and
development of the ongoing sociological terminology in Vietnam, and apply the
contrastive theory in analysing English-Vietnamese sociological terminology,
which enables standardisation and development of the underlying terms.
6.2. Practical significance
The research outcome of the thesis is expected to:
- Act as a ground for fully developing the existing Vietnamese sociological terms
to facilitate the nationwide development of sociology.

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- Practically contribute to revision, thus, standardisation of the existing
Vietnamese sociological terms, functionally supporting the curriculum and
compiling sociological dictionaries, textbooks and reference documents. The
thesis also represents a good reference resource for teachers, learners, linguists,
and sociologists.
7. Thesis structure
The thesis is comprised of introduction, body, conclusion, reference list, and
appendix sections. The body section consists of four chapters. Chapter 1: Literature
review and theoretical background; Chapter 2: Contrastive analysis of formative
characteristics of English-Vietnamese sociological terms; Chapter 3: Contrastive
Analysis of nomination characteristics of English-Vietnamese sociological terms;
and Chapter 4: Evaluation and standardisation of English-Vietnamese sociological
term translation output.
CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW AND
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Introduction
In Chapter 1, we review the researches on terms both in Vietnam and other
countries as well as concepts and essential criteria for terms. We also provide a
theoretical framework for contrastive linguistics, nomination theory, translation
theory as research background for the thesis.
1.1. Literature review
1.1.1. Researches on term abroad
Term development can be summarized in 3 important periods: the period
from the 18th century to the first half of the 20th century; the 2nd half of the 20th
century; and the 1975-1985 period. The thesis also reviews the situation of term
researches in the world in 4 development periods. According to Teresa Cabré M.
[Cabre, 1992], modern terms have developed through four basic periods: the

origins (1930 - 1960), the structuring of the field (1960 - 1975); the boom (1975 1985); and the expansion (1985 to present).
1.1.2. Researches on term in Vietnam
The thesis summarizes the term studies in Vietnam by development periods,
and reviews the studies, dissertations and journal articles related to the domain. A
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number of outstanding theoretical studies on Vietnamese terms have been
published by Vietnamese linguists, such as Hoang Xuan Han, Nguyen Van Tu, Luu
Van Lang, Hoang Van Hanh, Nguyen Nhu Y, Dai Xuan Ninh, Nguyen Duc Dan,
Nguyen Thien Giap, Vuong Toan, Le Quang Thiem, Do Huu Chau, Nguyen Duc
Ton, Ha Quang Nang, and others. The researchers have all been concentrating on
discussing several general theoretical issues about terms such as concepts, criteria,
creation methods, borrowing terms, and standardisation.
1.1.3. Researches on sociological terms in Vietnam and abroad
1.1.3.1. Researches on sociological terms abroad
Sociology has been developing in a fast pace around the world, but studies
on sociological terms are mainly dictionaries of specialized terms. Highlights are
the dictionaries by William Outhwaite, Tom Bottomore, David Jary-Julia Jary,
Bryan S. Turner, John Scott, and Gordon Marshall.
1.1.3.2. Researches on sociological terms in Vietnam
There are only a modest number of researches on sociological terms in
Vietnam, which are mainly limited to explanatory dictionaries edited or translated
by Nguyen Khac Vien, Thanh Le, Nguy Huu Tam, Bui The Cuong, and others.
There has been no in-depth research on contrastive analysis of sociological
terminology in English and Vietnamese thus far.
1.2. Theoretical background
1.2.1. Terms and related concepts
1.2.1.1. Concept of terms
Considering experts’ point of view on terms, the thesis establishes the

following concept of terms as a research basis: Terms are words or phrases that
concisely represent the definition, attributes, subjects, things and phenomena, etc.
within a certain scientific or specialized domain.
1.2.1.2. Criteria for terms
On a systematic basis and analysis of the term criteria set by both foreign
and local researchers, we find that basic criteria of a term include scientificity
(accuracy, brevity, systematicness), internationalism, and nationalism. This is also
the thesis’ theoretical basis for surveying, contrastive analysis and standardisation
of the sociological terms.
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1.2.1.3. Concept of sociological terms
From various linguists’ perspectives on terms and definitions of sociology,
we propose the below definition of sociological terms. Sociological terms are
words or phrases that correctly present the definition, attributes, subjects, things
and phenomena, etc. within the domain of sociology.
1.2.2. Contrastive linguistics
1.2.2.1. Concept of contrastive analysis
Contrastive linguistics was introduced in Vietnam in 1980s in an article of
Le Quang Thiem, namely, ‘Nhận xét nghiên cứu đối chiếu ngôn ngữ’ (roughly, An
Assessment of Study on Contrastive Linguistics) published on the Scientific
Journal of Vietnam National University. A highlight was his so-called ‘Nghiên cứu
đối chiếu các ngôn ngữ’ (Contrastive Study on Languages) published in 1989.
Until now, there have been several intensive studies on contrastive analysis by Bui
Manh Hung, Tran Huu Manh, Vuong Toan and editions with supplements by Le
Quang Thiem, etc.
1.2.2.2. Principles of Contrastive Research
Researcher Bui Manh Hung, on the research basis, raised five fundamental
principles which must be conformed to by contrastive studies.

1.2.2.3. Contrastive analysing steps
According to Bui Manh Hung, contrastive analysis consists of 3 steps:
description, identification of contrastive objects and contrastive analysis.
1.2.3.4. Scope of contrastive analysis
The thesis presents several opinions about scopes of contrastive analysis,
given by foreign and local authors.
1.2.3. Nomination theory
1.2.3.1. Concept of nomination
This thesis represents several typical concepts of nomination given by a
number of authors. The following viewpoint i.e. “It is nomination that names things
and phenomena”, stated by Nguyen Duc Ton, is accepted as a research base.

1.2.3.2. Process of nomination
The thesis provides a brief summary of the nomination process found by a
number of researchers. The thesis accepts that “the nomination process covers two
8


stages: concept categorization of nominal subjects and utilization of a subject’s
features as its name. As classification of nomination concepts is flexible, it is
possible to include or exclude some features of things or phenomena to select the
most typical out of them, which differentiates such thing or phenomenon from
others.” as stated by Nguyen Duc Ton.
1.2.3.3. Characteristics of nomination
Characteristics of nomination can be a fundamental or non-fundamental
attribute of a thing or phenomenon, given that it differentiates such thing or
phenomenon from others.
1.2.3.4. Nomination unit
Base unit of nomination is normally a word. Through semantic derivation
and morphological derivation, derivative nomination unit, which is often a

compound or a phrase, is formed.
1.2.3.5. Methods of nomination
According to B.A. Sereprenhicop, there are seven direct nomination
methods i.e. using a phonetic combination demonstrating certain features among
the subject’s features, sound simulations (onomatopoeia), derivation, compound
wording, structure of expressions, idioms, calque, and and loan translation.
1.2.3.6. Structure of derivative nomination unit
Derivative nomination is a new structuring method for the new nomination
unit through semantic derivation and morphological-syntactical derivation. The
morphological-syntactical method utilizes morphology to impact the elements to
form derivative nomination unit under certain models.
1.2.4. Understanding of translation
1.2.4.1. Concept of translation
The thesis attempts to systematise the concepts of translation given by
several researchers, such as Nida, E and C. Taber, Mildred L. Larson, and
Jakobson. The thesis establishes an opinion that, translation is transformation of a
text from its source language to a target language while the meaning of text in
both languages is understood the same by corresponding native speakers.
1.2.4.2. Methods of translation
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The thesis on translation methodology of Vinay, J. P and J. Darbelnet,
Catford, Larson, Newmark, Nguyen Hong Con, and others. The thesis utilises
translating tactics suggested by Nguyen Hong Con as a base for the English into
Vietnamese sociological term translation survey.
Summary
In Chapter 1, we reviewed the overview of term and sociological term
studies in Vietnam and abroad. We also explained several understandings of terms
and eligibility of scientific terms. It is also mentioned in Chapter 1 that, essential

requirements for term research include contrastive theory, nomination theory and
translation theory. Those theories act as key theoretical foundations for contrastive
analysis of structural characteristics and features of nomination between English
and Vietnamese sociological terms in next chapters.
CHAPTER 2: CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS OF FORMATIVE
CHARACTERISTICS OF ENGLISH - VIETNAMESE
SOCIOLOGICAL TERMS
Introduction
In Chapter 2, we use elements to analyse the semantic meaning and the
relations between elements constituting a term. We analyse structural units and the
relations between sociological term units at word and phrase levels.
2.1. Understandings of English and Vietnamese terms
English-Vietnamese sociological terms consist of nominative words and
phrases. Therefore, we summarize a number of understandings of English and
Vietnamese words and phrases as a basis for contrastive analysis.
2.1.1. Concepts of word and phrase in English and Vietnamese
2.1.1.1. Concepts of word and word formation in English
We accept Bloomfield’s opinion in his research on words from the
formation perspective. A morpheme is considered as a base unit for word
formation. A word can be constituted by one or two root morphemes, or a
combination of root morpheme(s) and bound morpheme(s). As it suggests, root
morpheme is the “core” of a word, and there would be no word without root
morpheme’s existence. When it comes to English, there are words, compound
words and derivative words.
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2.1.1.2. Concepts of word and word formation in Vietnamese
We utilise the understanding of the reputable linguist Prof. Nguyen Tai Can
to research the formation of Vietnamese words. According to Prof. Nguyen Tai

Can, the base unit in Vietnamese grammar is a syllable or monosyllable. He
divides syllables to two types, namely, independent and dependent syllables.
Words in Vietnamese refer to two types monosyllabic words and compound words.
2.1.1.3. Concepts of phrase and phrase formation in English
According to Bloomfield, an English phrase is a combination of free
morphemes (a non-minimum free form is a phrase). The main element in a phrase
decides the phrase’s function. English phrases (include) fall in noun phrases, verb
phrases, adjective phrases, and preposition phrases. English noun phrases and
preposition phrases are analysed intensively in this thesis.
2.1.1.4. Concepts of phrase and phrase Formation in Vietnamese
We also refer to Prof. Nguyen Tai Can’s idea in studying Vietnamese
phrases. Phrase (đoản ngữ) is a combination of a head and subordinate elements
supplementing the phrase’s meaning, in which head is the most important, acting
as representation of the phrase. Structure of Vietnamese noun phrases and
preposition phrases is analysed in-depth in this thesis.
2.1.2. Direct constituent elements of term
The elements constituting a term are the smallest and base unit to form a
term. To identify a term’s constituents, it is necessary to distinguish whether such
term is a word or a phrase as they have different constituent units. English terms
are single words formed by morphemes as elements, while Vietnamese terms are
single words formed by syllables as elements; elements constituting a compound
word are morphemes; and elements directly forming a phrase are both single and
compound words.
Stats shows that sociological terms in English refer to words and phrases
with 1 to 5 constituent elements. Sociological terms in Vietnamese refer to words
with 1 or 2 constituent elements. Sociological terms with single constituent
elements in English outnumber those in Vietnamese. English-Vietnamese
sociological terms with 2 constituent elements represent a high percentage,
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equivalent to 71.9% and 98.1% respectively. English sociological terms with 3 and
4 constituent elements are few with the proportion of 9.7 and 1.6% respectively;
while those with 5 are minor at 0.4%.
According to the stats, English-Vietnamese sociological terms with 2
constituent elements cover very high proportions i.e. 55.8 and 65.1.1%
respectively. English- Vietnamese sociological terms with 3 constituent elements
account for 39.8 and 30.8% respectively. There are a very modest number EnglishVietnamese sociological terms with 4 and 5 constituent elements, which are only
0.8 and 0.2% respectively.
In general, sociological terms in both English and Vietnamese are relatively
brief and succinct. Ones with 2 or 3 constituent elements, which are at a high
percentage, are ideal for scientific terms.
2.1.3. Structural characteristics of English-Vietnamese sociological terms
When it comes to formation methods, English and Vietnamese sociological
terms are categorized into single words, compound words and phrases. A
sociological term which is a compound word may be a compound noun,
subordinate compound, or derivative compound. A phrase as a sociological term
may refer to a noun phrase, verb phrase, or preposition phrase.
Considering their constituent elements, English- Vietnamese sociological
terms fall into nominative words and nominative phrases with 1 to 5 constituent
elements. They appear to be structurally concise and qualified for scientific terms.
There are a large number of terms which are constituted by words and phrases
with 2 or 3 constituent elements.
2.2. Contrastive analysis of the structure of English-Vietnamese sociological
terms
2.2.1. Concepts of formation models
A model is a certain pattern in a language upon which similar words and
phrases are formed. Author Le Quang Thiem stated that, “formation model is a
mould where you can fill appropriate stuff to output a variety of units.”
Contrastive analysis of sociological terms means to seek such formation model or

pattern of sociological terms, which are used to establish the sociological
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terms, thus, to provide standard formation models with potentials to establish
further terms.
2.2.2. Contrastive analysis of the structure of sociological terms as a single word
115 out of 1,339 English sociological terms used for contrastive analysis are
single words, accounting for 8.6%. There are only 9 single-word terms, making
0.7% of total 1,339 Vietnamese sociological terms. The statistical data also
indicates that, there are few English sociological terms under single word form.
Single words are rather minimal among Vietnamese sociological terms.
2.2.3. Contrastive analysis of the structure of sociological terms as compound
words
Out of 1,339 English sociological terms surveyed, only 586 terms,
equivalent to 43.8%, are compound words. Out of the same number of
sociological terms in Vietnamese, only 457 terms are compound words, making
34.1% of the total. The percentage of compound words is rather high in both
English and Vietnamese, resulted by compound words’ characteristics, especially
high specificity and classification in subordinate compounds.
2.2.3.1. English-Vietnamese sociological terms as compound nouns
There is no compound word in total 586 English sociological terms which
are compound words. 75 units out of 457 English sociological terms are
compound words, making 16.4%. It is recognized that Vietnamese terms in
compound form are constituted by two independent elements or more with equal
value in meaning and grammatical functions.
2.2.3.2. English-Vietnamese sociological terms as subordinate or derivative
compounds
In English sociological terms, ones with subordinate relations between
direct elements have implicit coverage. 100% of 586 compound words in English

sociological terms have subordinate relations between constituent elements.
However, the coverage in Vietnamese is only 382 out of 457, making 83.6% of the
total sociological terms. The thesis demonstrates this with a formation model for
English and Vietnamese sociological terms, indicating subordinate and derivative
compounds. There are 2 formation models for subordinate compounds in
Vietnamese sociological terms while there are 7 models in English.
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2.2.4. Structural similarities and differences of English-Vietnamese sociological
terms as a word
2.2.4.1. Similarities
English- Vietnamese sociological terms consist of single words and
subordinate compounds. English and Vietnamese terms share the low rate of single
words, respectively 16.4 and 1.9%. Compound words account for a huge rate, with
83.6% in English and 98.1% in Vietnamese. Compared to the total compound
words in their sociological terms, subordinate compounds occupy 100% in English
and 82% in Vietnamese. Regarding parts of speech, sociological terms in English
and Vietnamese are mainly nouns, verbs, and adjectives, where adjectives account
for insignificant proportion. Considering the number of direct constituent
elements, both English and Vietnamese have sociological terms constituted by 2 or
3 elements. When it comes to formation models, English and Vietnamese
sociological terms share a model of 2 elements i.e. modification-head and headmodification. These are the two models with the highest capacity of term
generation in English and Vietnamese sociological terms.
2.2.4.2. Differences
English sociological terms are ones in the form of a single word or
subordinate compounds only, in which compound nouns are inapplicable.
Subordinate compounds cover 100% of sociological terms in English. In
Vietnamese sociological terms, there are 3 structures i.e. single words, compound
nouns, and subordinate compounds. The most recognizable difference between

these two systems lies in the formation model of subordinate and derivative
compounds. Subordinate compounds are rather specific in Vietnamese while
derivative compounds are popular in English. Subordinate compounds in English
sociological terms have more formation models than those in Vietnamese in terms
of formation models. On the other hand, the number of constituent elements in
English subordinate compounds is 2 at minimum and 5 at maximum. Each
Vietnamese compound has only 2 constituent elements because it is the
characteristics of Vietnamese subordinate compounds that only 2 direct elements
possess lexical significance.
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2.3. Contrastive analysis of the structure of English-Vietnamese sociological
terms as a phrase
638 out of 1,339 sociological terms used for structural contrast are phrases.
Phrases in English sociological terms are noun phrases only. Vietnamese
sociological terms in phrasal form are counted as 873, in which noun phrases are
792, equivalent to 90.7%. The quantity of verb phrases is 81, accounting for 9.3%.
2.3.1. Contrastive analysis of the structure of English-Vietnamese sociological
terms as a noun phrase
In noun phrases within English sociological terms, the “pre-modification head” model makes 89.2%, and the “head - post-modification” model accounts for
10.3%. The model of “pre-modification - head - post-modification” accounts for
the lowest proportion of 0.8%. In Vietnamese noun phrases within sociological
terms, the only applicable model is “head - post-modification”.
The “pre-modification - head” model in English noun phrases and “head post-modification” model in Vietnamese noun phrases are the two major models
with the highest percentage because they are the most popular models in English
and Vietnamese. English noun phrases tend to be “pre-modification - head”, while
it is “head - post-modification” in Vietnamese noun phrases.
2.3.2. Contrastive analysis of the structure of English-Vietnamese sociological
terms as a verb phrase

In analysing English and Vietnamese sociological terms which are verb
phrases, we found that there is no erb phrase playing as a sociological term in
English, while there are 81 ones, making 9.3%, in Vietnamese. The only model for
verb phrases in Vietnamese sociological terms is “head - post-modification”. The
“pre-modification - head” model is not available in Vietnamese sociological terms
as verb phrases because most of verb phrases have grammatical function only.
2.3.3. Structural similarities and differences of English-Vietnamese sociological
terms as a phrase
2.3.3.1. Similarities
Upon contrastive analysis of nomination phrases between English and
Vietnamese sociological terms considering of structure, it is realized that: there are
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a large number of noun phrases in both English and Vietnamese sociological
terms. The “pre-modification - head” and “head - post-modification” models
respectively occupy an extremely high percentage in English-Vietnamese
sociological terms. It is because the formation models of noun phrases in English
versus Vietnamese sociological terms have opposite orders.
2.3.3.2. Differences
The most recognizable structural difference between English and
Vietnamese sociological terms in the phrasal form lies in the sole existence of
noun phrases in English terms, and noun phrases and verb phrases in Vietnamese
terms. The only formation model of Vietnamese verb phrases is “head - postmodification”.
In contrast, there are 3 models for English sociological terms. They are: premodification - head; head - post-modification; and pre-modification - head - postmodification. In Vietnamese, the only applicable model for noun phrases is “head post-modification”. Regarding formation models, English sociological terms as a
phrase are likely “pre-modification - head”. Meanwhile, Vietnamese sociological
terms as a noun phrase are likely “head - post-modification”.
Summary
In summary, words occupy a higher percentage in English sociological
terms i.e. 52.4%, compared to phrases with 47.6%. In contrast, the proportion of

phrases (34.8%) is higher than that of words (34.8%) in Vietnamese. EnglishVietnamese sociological terms share relatively brief constitution, mostly 2 or 3element terms. Terms with 1, 4, and 5 constituent elements play an insignificant
part. English sociological terms are structurally briefer than Vietnamese
sociological terms.
Single words are few among English and Vietnamese sociological terms and
have simple structure. There is no compound noun in English sociological terms,
but there are, in Vietnamese, though not many. As terms are often monosemous,
subordinate compounds form a large percentage in English and Vietnamese
sociological terms. Subordinate compounds cover 100% of sociological terms in
English. Subordinate compounds in English sociological terms have more
formation models than those in Vietnamese in terms of formation
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models. Vietnamese sociological terms fall in to noun phrases and verb phrases,
while noun phrases are the only composition of English terms. English
sociological terms as noun phrases have full three formation models while there is
only one in Vietnamese. Contrastive analysis of constituent units reveals
similarities and differences between the two systems and formation models with
highest capacity of term generation in each language.
CHAPTER 3: CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS OF
NOMINATION CHARACTERISTICS OF ENGLISH
-VIETNAMESE SOCIOLOGICAL TERMS
Introduction
Nomination is an essential function of terms. During term nomination
process, specialists often select the most significant and basic characteristics of
things and phenomena to name them. In Chapter 3, the mentioned nomination
concept is used to make a contrastive analysis of nomination characteristics
between English and Vietnamese sociological terms.
3.1. Nomination characteristics
3.1.1. Contrastive analysis of nomination characteristics

Nomination of a term is associated with selection of such term’s
characteristics. Core and fundamental characteristics of such thing or phenomenon
are used as a naming base. Nomination characteristics of terms help distinguish
this concept with other scientific concepts.
3.1.2. Nomination characteristics of English- Vietnamese sociological terms
In determining sociological terms in English and Vietnamese, researchers
used the most socially typical and essential characteristics of things and
phenomena to name the scientific concept. There are two basic nomination units
for English and Vietnamese sociological terms, namely, basic nomination unit
(grade 1) and secondary or derivative nomination unit (grade 2).
3.1.3. Main content categories of English-Vietnamese sociological terms
Since nomination characteristics are the key and most important of English
and Vietnamese sociological terms, we provide typical nomination models of the 2
systems based on the sociological content categories mentioned
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by the term. The content categories include: basic concepts of sociology,
sociological research methodology, social action and social interaction, social
organization and social institution, social structure, culture, individuality and
socialization, and social change.
3.2. Characteristics of nomination unit of English-Vietnamese sociological
terms
3.2.1. Characteristics of base nomination unit of English-Vietnamese
sociological terms
Basic nomination is nomination with unidentifiable naming reason for
things and concepts due to the language’s dogmatism. The basic nomination unit is
a single unit with literal meaning, constituted by a single constituent element. 115
out of 1,339 English sociological terms used in contrastive analysis are single
words, representing 8.6% of the total. Single words in Vietnamese sociological

terms are 9, equivalent to 0.7%. Single-word terms are used as a nomination base
unit for establishing secondary nomination units. Therefore, we choose not to
make contrastive analysis of nomination methods of these terms. Stats shows that
133 English and Vietnamese sociological terms are compound words which show
up once only and do not have any nomination model. 1,091 out of 1,339 English
and Vietnamese sociological terms used in contrastive analysis are secondary
nomination units. We will make contrastive analysis of nomination characteristics
of these 1,091 English and Vietnamese later in this thesis.
3.2.2. Characteristics of secondary nomination units of English-Vietnamese
sociological terms
1,091 out of 1,339 English and Vietnamese sociological terms under
research are compound words and phrases with a nomination model. Nomination
characteristics of English and Vietnamese sociological are contrastively compared
in this thesis based on the 8 aforesaid content categories of sociology.
3.2.2.1. Nomination characteristics of terms on basic concepts of sociology
Terms on basic concepts of sociology are the greatest with 546 terms,
representing 50% of terms for contrastive analysis. The basic concepts of
sociology have 15 nomination models and 12 nomination characteristics. Popular
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nomination characteristics of this category are content, feature, subject, matter,
unique name, etc. These are also categories with the largest number of terms and
the most diversified nomination characteristics among the 8 content categories.
3.2.2.2.

Nomination

characteristics

of

terms

on

sociological

research

methodology
Terms on sociological research methodology consists of 96 terms,
accounting for 8.8% of the total terms in contrastive analysis. The category of
sociological research methodology has 96 terms and 5 nomination models. The
research model has the most number of terms and variable model has the least
number of terms. The nomination characteristics of this category is rather
diversified, mainly style, method, property, subject, purpose, etc.
3.2.2.3. Nomination characteristics of terms on social action and social
interaction
There are very few terms in this category, which fall in 3 nomination
models. Their nomination characteristics are scope, subject, and characteristic.
3.2.2.4. Nomination characteristics of terms on social organization and institution
There are 124 terms on social organization and institution, representing 11.4% of
the total terms. The terms belonging to this category have 10 nomination
models and 5 nomination characteristics. The social group model has the most
number of terms and social service model has the least number of terms.
Nomination characteristics of these models are mainly characteristic,
feature, and subject.
3.2.2.5. Nomination characteristics of terms on social structure
There are 108 terms on social structure, representing 9.9% of the total

terms. The terms belonging to this category have 10 nomination models and 10
nomination characteristics. The model with the most terms is formation model,
while the least one is cascading model. This category has diversified nomination
characteristics i.e. trend, scope, kind, characteristic, feature, functionality, role,
and more.
3.2.2.6. Nomination characteristics of terms on culture
There are 83 terms on culture, making 7.6% of the total. The terms
belonging to this category have 5 nomination models and 5 nomination
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characteristics. The model with the most terms is cultural concepts, while the least
one is cultural trends. Despite very few nomination models, nomination
characteristics of these models are rather diversified, including content, element
name, trend, feature, characteristic, etc.
3.2.2.7. Nomination characteristics of terms on individuality and socialization
There are 14 terms on social structure, representing 1.3% of the total terms.
This is a category with the fewest terms and nomination models in 8 categories
researched with 2 nomination models and 3 nomination characteristics.
Nomination characteristics of this category are not duplicate though being few.
3.2.2.8. Nomination characteristics of terms on social changes
There are 90 terms on social structure, representing 8.3% of the total terms.
The terms belonging to this category have 7 nomination models and 5 nomination
characteristics. The model with the most terms is doctrine model, while the least
one is social regime model. Nomination characteristics of this category are
content, purpose, chracteristic, essence and trend.
3.3. Contrastive analysis of nomination characteristics of English-Vietnamese
sociological terms
Upon contrastive analysis of nomination characteristics of social content
categories, the number of terms, nomination models and characteristics of 8

categories under research are summarized in this thesis.
According to the stats, the basic concepts of sociology category has the most
terms while individuality and socialization category has the fewest. Other
categories have diversified number of terms. Regarding nomination models, the
basic concepts of sociology category has the largest number of nomination models
i.e. 16 models. The individuality and socialization category has fewest nomination
models i.e. 2 models. Considering their nomination characteristics, basic concepts
of sociology category has the most nomination characteristics with 12
characteristics, followed by social structure with 10 characteristics. The categories
with the fewest nomination characteristics are action and social interaction, and
individuality and socialization with 3 characteristics.
According to the findings on contrastive analysis in nomination
characteristics, English-Vietnamese sociological terms have similar nomination
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characteristics, resulted by the careful translation of sociological terms from
English into Vietnamese by specialists with thorough consideration of content and
structure. However, the order in the nomination models of English versus
Vietnamese sociological terms are reversal.
Summary
Nomination of sociological terms conforms to the selection rules of the
most basic and essential characteristics of the concepts to create standard terms.
Therefore, the nomination characteristics of English and Vietnamese sociological
terms have many similarities. These terms not only reflect the most significant
features of the concepts but also possess a brief and succinct form.
The findings of contrastive analysis of sociological characteristics between
English and Vietnamese show that, the number of terms, nomination models, and
nomination characteristics of different research categories are not the same. Some
typical nomination characteristics such characteristic, feature, content, scope, and

subject, etc. are repeated in many nomination models. As such, specialists selected
the most essential characteristics of the concepts to name sociological terms.
Due to their particular linguistic types, the nomination models of English
versus Vietnamese sociological terms has opposite order. The English one follows
the modification - head order, while the Vietnamese one follows the headmodification order. Analysis of nomination characteristics helps find out
nomination models with the highest term generation capacity in both English and
Vietnamese.
CHAPTER 4: EVALUATION AND STANDARDISATION OF ENGLISHVIETNAMESE SOCIOLOGICAL TERM TRANSLATION OUTPUT
Introduction
Evaluation of English-Vietnamese translation is based on criteria of
translation equivalence and term. Based on these, contrastive analysis is conducted
to identify the similarities and differences between these two systems while
standardising English and Vietnamese sociological terminology for complete
Vietnamese sociological terms.
4.1. Translation equivalence
4.1.1. Concept of translation equivalence
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The thesis presents a summary of understandings about translation
equivalence given by a number of researchers. From our point of view,
equivalence means accuracy in the content. Translation equivalence refers to an
equivalent relation between the target and source texts as well as their translation
units.
4.1.2. Term translation equivalence
As units of terms are words and phrases, required equivalence is at two
following levels. First, it is the equivalence to word-level units. Second, it is of
utmost necessity that equivalent units or variables must express the concepts or
things or phenomena in an accurate and corresponding way in both languages
(source and target languages). The above requirements might also be considered as

evaluation and review standards of term translation in the surveyed dictionaries. In
other words, equivalence in term translation is the equivalence of term concepts
and formation in two different languages.
4.2. Evaluation of translation of English-Vietnamese sociological terms
After the contrastive analysis between English and Vietnamese sociological
terms with regards of their formation and nomination characteristics, the thesis
will validate the output of English-Vietnamese translation of sociological terms.
4.2.1. Expressions in target language NOT applied in contrastive analysis
The translation of sociological terms from English to Vietnamese must
ensure that the meaning of scientific concepts remains unchanged while the
constituent unit is transformed into the corresponding constituent unit of the target
language. The structural translation output is not accepted if: the translated term is
an explanatory phrase in the target language, sentence or text; the translated term
is a definition or description unit in the target language; the translated term
appears as transliteration; or the source term is kept intact and transferred to the
target language.
4.2.2. Structure of English -Vietnamese sociological terms
The evaluation reveals that, structural equivalence rate is rather high in
translating English sociological terms into Vietnamese. It is recognized that, in this
translation, there are 1,141 terms with standard constituent units. However, there
are several issues on formation equivalence of terms remain in question.
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4.2.2.1. English sociological terms being inconsistent form
Majority of English sociological terms are singular nouns and nomination
phrases. According to the survey, only 92 terms are plural, making 6.9% of total
surveyed terms. English sociological terms exist in singular or plural forms,
resulting in inconsistency in term forms.
4.2.2.2. Vietnamese sociological terms including unnecessary words

According to the verification, majority of English-Vietnamese sociological
terms are brief. However, a small proportion of Vietnamese sociological terms
have unnecessary words, representing 7.9%. Such terms often include
coordinating conjunctions such as về (about), của (of), lên (up), xuống (down),
theo (according to/following), etc., due to the grammatical characteristics of an
isolating language.
4.2.3. Expressed meaning of English-Vietnamese sociological terms
In evaluating the meaning of English-Vietnamese sociological terms, it is
recognised that 1,159 sociological terms are successfully translated from English
to Vietnamese, equivalent to 1-1 translation. This is the ideal case of scientific
term translation, ensuring the concept’s accuracy. Yet, some of Vietnamese
sociological terms have not met the criteria for a scientific term.
4.2.3.1. Vietnamese sociological terms being a descriptive phrase
There are 15 terms as a descriptive phrase, representing 1.1%. They are
wordy descriptive phrases where the concept’s fundamental characteristics are not
selected and its scientific criteria are not met.
4.2.3.2. Vietnamese sociological terms with variables
It is verified in translating sociological terms from English to Vietnamese
that, English terms and their Vietnamese translation have high equivalence rate
regarding both structure and meaning. Yet, in English sociological terms, 10.9%
has 1 variable; 1.2% has 2 variables; and 0.02% has 3 variables.
4.3. Standardisation of English and Vietnamese sociological terms
4.3.1. Concept of standardisation
The essence of terms is appropriate, sufficient and consistent reflection of
scientific concepts in every applicable context. From our understanding, a term
must be a definitive unit of scientific language in terms of both meaning and form.
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Term standards are a set of required criteria on the terms’ meaning and form. In

this thesis, term criteria including scientificity, internationalism, nationalism and
translation theory as a base for standardisation of English-Vietnamese sociological
terms considering of their structure and content.
4.3.2. Structural standardisation of English-Vietnamese sociological terms
Upon our verification of English and Vietnamese sociological terms
considering their structure and content, standardisation of terms dissatisfying the
required standards of terms will be conducted.
4.3.2.1. Standardisation of English sociological terms being form-inconsistent
Plurality in nouns represents grammatical significance, not lexical
significance or the term’s content. It is proposed in this thesis that, all of plural
English sociological terms should be transformed into their infinitive form. This
ensures the form equivalence between English and Vietnamese terms while
maintaining the accuracy, brevity of terms.
4.3.2.2. Standardisation of Vietnamese sociological terms consisting of
unnecessary words
For wordy sociological terms in Vietnamese, we suggest eliminating
unnecessary words, given that such elimination does not impact the term’s meaning.

4.3.3. Content standardisation of English-Vietnamese sociological terms
The terms’ content must reflect the scientific content in a concise and
sufficient way without causing any misunderstanding or misleading of the terms’
concept. For sociological terms disqualified for the content, we suggest
standardisation.
4.3.3.1. Standardisation of Vietnamese sociological terms being a descriptive
phrase For these terms, shortening is considered while maintaining the original
content in the source term. Unnecessary elements are to be eliminated, and the
terms are to be shortened with appropriate alternative unit(s).
4.3.3.2. Standardisation of Vietnamese sociological terms possessing many
translated variables

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For these terms, the most appropriate variable, which carries the concept’s
most crucial characteristics, will be selected. For synonymous terms, the
structurally brief term with apparent meaning will be prioritized.
4.3.4. Standardisation output of English-Vietnamese sociological terms
Upon verification of contrastive translation of terms, English-Vietnamese
sociological terms not meeting content and structural standards have been
standardised. Regarding the structure, English -Vietnamese sociological terms
must be equivalent in terms of constituent units, briefness, and succinctness.
Considering their meaning, English and Vietnamese sociological terms must
express exactly the same scientific concept with identical intention and content.
Upon our standardisation of English-Vietnamese sociological terms, 1,339 English
sociological terms with corresponding 1,339 Vietnamese terms are cultivated and
usable.
Summary
Considering their unit structure, English sociological terms and their
corresponding Vietnamese translated terms are well equivalent in terms of
constituent units. Regarding their meaning, majority of terms are brief and
succinct, demonstrating the scientific concept’s essence. On the theoretical basis of
standardisation and translation equivalence, plus required standards for scientific
terms, several specific alterations in the content and form of disqualified terms are
hereby proposed.
CONCLUSION
1. The thesis works on the translation output and contrastive analysis of EnglishVietnamese sociological terms with regards of their constituent unit and
nomination characteristics. Based on the contrastive analysis between EnglishVietnamese sociological terms, the thesis identifies the similarities and differences
in these two systems’ constituent units and nomination characteristics. The thesis
also recognises typical nomination and formation models with high capacity of
new term generation. Contrastive analysis of constituent units and nomination

characteristics in English-Vietnamese sociological terms is helpful for term
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