Assignment

I: INTRODUCTION
1. Rationale
2. Aims of the study
3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
4. Scope of the study
II: DEVELOPMENT
Chapter I: General theoretical background
1. Definition of idioms
2. The Origins of Idioms
3. Some common features of idioms
4. Classification of idioms
III: CONCLUSION
Wolfgang Mieder. 1993. "The wit of one, and the wisdom of many: General
thoughts on the nature of the proverb. Proverbs are never out of season: Popular
wisdom in the modern age 3-40. Oxford University Press.
A study of idioms of the Vietnamese zodiac animals in English and Vietnamese
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1. RATIONALE
Nowadays, due to the process of global integration and development, English has
become the most widely used common language in the world. However, to
achieve effective communication, requires students not only proficient in the
English language, but also to know how to use the language to convey the
speaker's intention more profound and succinctly than a word. Therefore, idioms
are considered as the best choice to express those intentions.
Idioms can be considered an attractive and common phenomenon of all
languages. Idioms express the unique characteristics, reflecting the psychology -
culture of a nation, contributing to the distinction in expressions in words, views,
and ways of thinking of each nation. Although idioms are not easy to
comprehend, it is necessary for learners not to disregard idioms in studying
languages because idioms are an unseparated element of languages and so
common in daily use. That is also the main reasons motivating me to carry out this
study: 'A study of idioms of the Vietnamese zodiac animals (VZAs) in English and
Vietnamese' to find out their similarities and differences. This study narrowing
the number of animals to VZAs (Rats, buffalos, tigers, cats, dragons, snakes,
horses, goats, monkeys, chickens, dogs and pigs) in idioms. To some extent, hope
this study can help English learners to use the idioms contain animals effectively
in communication so that their words are more complete, natural and interesting.
2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
2.1 Aims of the Study
This paper is aimed to study the English and Vietnamese idioms that contain
Vietnamese zodiac animal words to find out their similarities and differences in
the two languages.
2.2 Objectives of the Study
This paper is designed to aim at the following objectives:
- To describe the connotation of VZAs in English and Vietnamese idioms
- To compare and contrast Vietnamese zodiac animals in English and Vietnamese
idioms to clarify the similarities and differences between the two languages
- To suggest some implications for successfully translating, teaching and learning
English and Vietnamese
3 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This paper focuses mainly on the connotation of VZAs in English and Vietnamese
idioms. All idioms in English and Vietnamese that containing VZA words are taken
into consideration. The data source comes from English and Vietnamese
dictionaries of idioms.
4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
In order to achieve the aims and objectives of the study, the research questions
below will be addressed:
1. What are the connotation of VZA words in English and Vietnamese
idioms?
2. What are the similarities and differences of the connotation of VZA words in
English and Vietnamese idioms?
3. What are the implications for successfully translating, teaching and learning
English and Vietnamese idioms in particular and for translating, teaching and
learning English as a foreign language in Vietnam in general?
5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study is hoped to contribute to the process of translating, learning and
teaching English, especially to understanding English and Vietnamese idioms ,
which contain VZA words. Besides, it can be helpful in communicating with
people from other cultures (English or Vietnamese) to avoid mistakes and cultural
shocks.
6 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
The general outline of this research consists of five chapters carried out in a
typical order as follows: Chapter 1 – Introduction, Chapter 2 - Literature Review
and Theoretical Background, Chapter 3 - Methodology and Procedures,
Chapter 4 - Findings and Discussion, Chapter 5 - Conclusions and Implications
CHAPTER 2: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
1. LITERATURE REVIEW vv
Dictionaries of idioms are very important and helpful to learners in mastering the
language. There are many English and Vietnamese dictionaries of idioms. Besides,
typical books on idioms include: Idioms and Idiomaticity [10], which provides a
comprehensive treatment of idioms and idiomaticity from a functional
perspective; and Thành Ngữ Học Tiếng Việt [82] which categorizes idioms into 2
types: comparative idioms and metaphorical idioms (which consists of 2
sub-types: symmetrical and non-symmetrical) and analyzing these types of
idioms from cultural, social and psychological perspectives.
A lot of researchers have looked at animal idioms from various viewpoints. Here
are some studies directly relating to the field of the study: “An investigation into
the metaphoric devices in English and Vietnamese animal proverbs” [48], “A study
on English and Vietnamese idioms of comparison” [70], “Nghiên cứu đặc điểm cấu
trúc-ngữ nghĩa và những giá trị biểu trưng của thành ngữ tiếng Việt (trên cứ liệu
thành ngữ có cấu tạo là tên gọi động vật)” [86], “A Study of Some
Characteristics of Structure, Meaning and Culture of English Idioms about
Animals” [49], and “Ngữ nghĩa của thành ngữ, tục ngữ có thành tố chỉ động
vật trong tiếng Anh (trong sự so ánh và đối chiếu với tiếng Việt” [93].' A
contrastive study of connotation of the Vietnamese zodiac animals in English and
Vietnamese idioms and proverbs'
2. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
2.1. Idioms
2.1.1 Definition
An idiom is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is
comprehended in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate
from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made.
(http://www.alienartifacts.com/Idiom/encyclopedia.htm)
Idioms have been defined as fixed expressions whose meaning cannot be
worked out by combining the literal meaning of its individual words.
(Oxford Student’s dictionary of English, 2001, p.511)
For examples: “Let the cat out of the bag” means “to reveal a secret, to let
somebody know a secret”.
“Feel like a million dollars” means “to feel wonderful, to feel well and healthy,
both physically and mentally”.
2.1.2 Characteristic Features of Idioms
According to Kvetko [31] idioms can be characterized as follows: They have a
multi-word character; They are institutionalized, - i.e., considered as units by
community. (they operate as single semantic units); They are relatively
fixed/stable combination of words; and Their meaning is non-literal, but fully
or partially figurative or unique.
2.1.3. Types of Idioms
In the book “English Lexicology in Theory and Practice”, Pavol Kvetko [31]
categorizes idioms according to their fixedness/stability, their construction,
the degree of opacity of idioms, their type of irregularities and semantically.
Hoang Van Hanh [82] categorizes Vietnamese idioms into 2 types: comparative
idioms (ngu như trâu) and metaphorical idioms (which consists of 2 sub-types:
symmetrical (đầu voi đuôi chuột) and non-symmetrical (“chuột sa chĩnh gạo”)).
2.2 Idioms versus Proverb
According to Mieder( 1993) “A proverb is a short, generally known sentence
of the folk which contains wisdom, truth, morals, and traditional views in a
metaphorical, fixed and memorizable form and which is handed down from
generation to generation.”
We can draw some distinctions between idioms and proverbs as follows:
In terms of semantics, idioms describe an object, an activity, an asset or a state. In
contrast, proverbs summarize an experience, a rule, a truth of life, or raise a
lesson in life.
And grammatically: Each idiom, in general, is only an expression, word, or phrase,
not a complete sentence because the idiom only aims to bring up an image, a
phenomenon, in contrast, the proverb is a complete sentence, is a complete
announcement, a concrete conclusion, a definite statement, a lesson of
experience.
2.3 Denotation and Connotation
2.3.1 Denotation
Denotation is that part of meaning of a word or phrase that relates it to
phenomena in the real world or in a fictional or possible world. [62].
For example, the denotation of the English word “elephant” is the largest four-
footed animal now living, with curved ivory and a long trunk.
2.3.2 Connotation
Wikipedia [98] defines “connotation” as a “commonly understood subjective
cultural and/or emotional association that some word or phrase carries, in
addition to the word's or phrase's explicit or literal meaning, which is its
denotation. A connotation is frequently described as either positive or negative,
with regards to its pleasing or displeasing emotional connection.”
For example: The denotation of “snake” is an elongate, legless, carnivorous
reptile. The connotation is that it is a symbol of evil or danger.
2.4 Culture
2.4.1 Definition
Tylor [73] in the first paragraph of his “Primitive Culture” had a well-known
definition: “Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief,
art, law, morals, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as
a member of society.”
2.4.2 Characteristics of Culture
Porter and Samovar [60] proposes basic characteristics of culture: Culture is
learned and transmissible; Culture is dynamic; Culture is selective; Aspects of
culture are interrelated; Culture is ethnocentric.
2.4.3 Idioms and Culture
It is generally agreed that language and culture are closely related. It is
generally agreed that language and culture are closely related. In fact, idioms
require some foundational knowledge, information, or experience to use only
within a culture, where conversational parties must possess common cultural
references. Therefore, idioms are not only considered part of the language, but
part of the culture.
2.4.6 VZAs in Idioms
In this study, I will investigate the connotation of these VZAs in English and
Vietnamese idioms and proverbs. In Vietnamese, these animals include: Chuột,
trâu, hổ, mèo, rồng, rắn, ngựa, dê, khỉ, gà, chó, heo and their variants. In
English, these animals include: Rat, buffalo, tiger, cat, dragon, snake, horse,
goat, monkey, chicken, dog, pig and their variants.
2.5 Metaphor, Metonymy and Simile
2.5.1
According to Arnold (1986), a metaphor is a transfer of name based on the
association of identical features and this is actually a hidden comparison.
2.5.2 Metonymy
According to Arnold, metonymy can be defined a transfer based on the
association of contiguity. In fact, it is a transfer of names between things
which are known to be in some ways or others connected in reality or the
substitution of the name of an attribute of a thing for the name of the thing itself.
2.5.3 Simile
According to Galperin English Stylistics by I.R. Galperin [13], simile is a figure of
speech which draws a comparison between two different things in one or
two aspects.
For example: Eat like a horse, Ướt như chuột lột.
2.5.4 Simile versus Metaphor
It is said that both simile and metaphor are kinds of comparison. The former
is direct and the latter indirect. In fact, a simile is an explicit comparison between
two things using such words as “like” and “as….as” in English or “như” in
Vietnamese while a metaphor is an implicit one without these words.
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURES PHƯƠNG PHÁP VÀ THỦ TỤC
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN THIẾT KẾ NGHIÊN CỨU
The main methods are the descriptive and contrastive. English is chosen as the
source language and Vietnamese is chosen as the target one.
3.2 SAMPLING
The samples were taken mainly from chosen English and Vietnamese
dictionaries of idioms . After reading the materials we will pick out all the
idioms containing the VZAs for the analysis.
3.3 DATA COLLECTION THU THẬP DỮ LIỆU
The data in English and Vietnamese will be from English and Vietnamese
dictionaries of idioms which are well-known and reliable, including: English:
Oxford Dictionary of Idioms [53], Cambridge Idioms Dictionary [07], Cambridge
International Dictionary of Idioms [06], Longman Idioms dictionary [52], từ điển
Thành ngữ Anh-Việt and Vietnamese: Tuyển tập Thành ngữ- Tục ngữ - Ca dao
Việt – Anh thông dụng ,Từ điển Thành ngữ và Tục ngữ Việt Nam [87], Thành
ngữ tiếng Việt [88], Thành ngữ và tục ngữ Việt nam chọn lọc [89], , Từ điển
thành ngữ Việt Nam [97],
3.4 DATA ANALYSIS PHÂN TÍCH DỮ LIỆU
The English and Vietnamese idioms containing VZAs are chosen and collected for
analysis. They are then carefully considered and classified according to the
names of animals. The followings are procedures for data analysis. - Describing
and analyzing the connotation of VZAs in English and Vietnamese idioms. -
Comparing and contrasting the connotation of VZAs in idioms between the
two languages.
CHAPTER 4 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.1 THE CONNOTATION OF VZAs IN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE IDIOMS
4.1.1. Mouse
Mice appear in English and Vietnamese idioms with a more negative connotation.
In English, “mouse” is considered to be very poor (As poor as a church mouse), a
person of evil nature (Rats desert a falling house), or dirty and unkempt (like a
drowned rat). But also has a positive meaning, for example, to refer to a small
person but useful (a mouse can help a lion), modesty (the mountain gave a
mouse)
In Vietnamese idioms, mice appear with sarcastic or ridicule meaning (Chuột cắn
dây buộc mèo, chuột đội vỏ trứng), to associate bad things, bad people (Thì thụt
như chuột ngày, Mắt dơi mày chuột), denotes ignorant people but pretends to be
proficient (Chuột chù nếm dấm), foolish (Chuột gặm chân mèo)
4.1.2 Buffalo
In English, buffalos do not appear in idioms. This is due to buffalos are not the
British native animals.
For Vietnamese, Buffaloes are very powerful animals, they denote hardworking
people or people with strong physical ability (khỏe như trâu đất, hùng hục như
trâu lăn, trâu hay chẳng ngại cày trưa). However, they may denote to filthy people
(bẩn như trâu đầm), people of inferior status (Làm thân trâu ngựa) or jealousy
(trâu cày ghét trâu buộc)

4.1.3 Tiger
Tiger does not appear a lot in English idioms. It represents strength and
power and dangerous (To Have a Tiger by the Tail, As fierce as a tiger.)
or to mock people who like to pretend to be dangerous (a paper tiger)
In Vietnamese culture, the tiger also represents strength and power, so
the image of a tiger usually refers to people with good personalities
such as talent, motherhood, strong, brave (Hổ phụ sinh hổ tử, hổ dữ
không ăn thịt con, mạnh như hổ, Vào hang bắt cọp) or favorable things
(như hổ thêm cánh). Besides, it also represents the wicked (Dữ như
cọp, Như hổ như báo), hypocritical (Hổ đội lốt thầy tu, Hổ ăn chay)
4.1.4 Cat
In English, “cat” carries both positive and negative connotations.
“Cat” can connote a rich and helpful person (A fat cat, Keep no more
cats than will catch mice) or something of value (High as the hair on a
cat’s back).In some idioms, “cat” implies a troublemaker (Put the cat
among the pigeons), cowardly (a scaredy-cat), or ineffective (Weak as a
cat)
Cats in Vietnamese idioms are mostly negative and offensive when it
refers to a person. They are used to refer a lazy person (làm như mèo
mửa), indecent (Mèo mả gà đồng, mèo đàng chó điếm), boastful (mèo
mẹ bắt chuột con) or to mock people who are arrogant(Mèo khen mèo
dài đuôi), sloppy (Rửa mặt như mèo), and accidentally get lucky (Mèo
mù vớ cá rán) etc.

4.1.5 Dragon
Dragon appear in English idioms with negative connotations. In English,
dragon stands for monster, demon or savage. For such consideration,
there are few English idioms with the word “dragon”. It is also used to
allude social evil in (Chase the dragon) when the idiom means, “to take
heroin”.
In Vietnamese culture, the dragon symbolizes holiness, nobility and
goodness (rồng đến nhà tôm). Favorable opportunity (như rồng gặp
mây) ,success (cá chép hóa Rồng) or someone who is talented but falls
in a bad position ( rồng lội ao tù)
4.1.6 Snake
In English, snake tends to symbolize evil. For example, snake denote
for someone who is crazy or eccentric (mad as a cut snake), a hated
(Snake in the grass), a deceitful (a snake in one’s bosom) or chaos (Like
fighting snakes) ect.
In Vietnamese, snakes are associated with the appearance of evil
human behaviors such as cruelty, hypocrisy and betrayal (Miệng hùm
nọc rắn,Khẩu Phật tam xà,Cõng rắn con gà nhà)
4.1.7 Horse
The horse appears with positive connotations in both English and Vietnamese
idioms.
The horse has long been an important animal in nomadic culture in Britain. They
are used in the following idioms to compare with human activities, habits, and
strength (Working as a horse, strong as a horse), dedicated workers (all lay load
the willing horse). Is a valuable asset (close the stable door after the horse has
bolted), is a good thing (if wishes were horses)
In Vietnamese culture, Horses represent affluence (chuông vạn ngựa nghìn, dù
che ngựa cưỡi), speech (Chạy như ngựa vía), warriors (da ngựa bọc thây),
straightforward people ( thẳng như ruột ngựa), and people who always
remember their roots (con ngựa hồi tàu). Besides, “ngựa” is used for an evil
(Đầu trâu mặt ngựa), bad habit ( ngựa quen đường cũ), the husband (một ngựa
hai yên)

4.1.8 Goat
In English, there are not many idioms about goats and they all have a
negative meaning. Goat denotes an irritable person (Get someone's
goat), behaves foolishly (Act the giddy goat) and a person of low quality
(separate the sheep from the goats)
In Vietnamese idioms, goats are used to criticize human bad habits. For
example, denoting a verbose person (Cà kê dê ngỗng), deceptive (Treo
đầu dê bán thịt chó, Dê khoác áo cọp) or stupid actions (Nộp dê cho sói,
Sói nuôi dê). However, goat sometimes has positive meaning. In idiom
(Mất dê được bò), it refers to fortune or benefit (Nuôi dê được cắt lông)
4.1.9 Monkey
In English idioms, monkeys refer to mischief and funny (To monkey
around, Cheeky monkey, More fun than a barrel of monkeys). And
refers to a sly, incompetent (Monkey business) or a burden (A monkey
on one’s back)
Vietnamese people also associate monkeys representing bad qualities
when expressed to humans. It is used for a ferocious person (Đầu trâu
trán khỉ),grimacer (Nhăn như khỉ), gander(Đánh đu với khỉ) or ridicule
those who don't see their bad (Khỉ chê khỉ đỏ đít)
4.1.10 Chicken
The British people do not use chickens (cock, hen, rooster and chick) as much as
the Vietnamese. For them, the cock (male chicken) associate positive
connotations. For instance, a well-of life (Live like a fighting cock), wealth (A
Chicken in Every Pot), strength (cock of the wall). But there are also idioms
associate with negative connotations like cowardice / fear (chicken-hearted,
Chicken out), madness (mad as a wet hen), weak /sickly (Like a chicken with a Pip)
In Vietnamese, There are numerous idioms relating to “Gà” and it is used in many
comparisons. The connotative meanings are related to personality, actions,
appearance, state and human emotions but most of them are disparaging (Lép
bép như gà mổ tép, Lờ đờ như gà ban hôm, Chữ như gà bới, Học như gà đá vách,
Nhìn gà hoá cuốc).
4.1.11 Dog
Dogs are familiar animals, close to the British and Vietnamese. However, in
idioms, dogs are mostly negative in both languages.
In English idioms, dogs are people who are selfish (a dog in the manger), greedy
(Dogs That Put up Many Hare Kill None), sinister (dumb dogs are dangerous) and
aggressive (fight like cats and dogs). Or denotes chaos, misery (a dog’s life, go to
the dogs, a dog’s breakfast). Besides, dogs also denote important things (Top
dog), luck (every dog has its day) or loyal friend (A dog is a man’s best friend).
Similar to English, Similar to English, the image of a dog in Vietnamese is used to
compare with people who are evil, inhumane (Chó sói đội lốt cừu, chó cái bỏ con),
greedy ( chó già giữ xương), ignorant (Ngu như chó), inferior (nhục như chó, chó
nằm gần chạn)etc.
4.1.12 Pig
Pigs appear in English and Vietnamese idioms with more negative connotations.
In English, pigs are commonly associated with greed of various forms, including
gluttony (to pig out, Make a pig of oneself), greed (as greedy as a pig).
Besides, they are associated with stupidity, haste (A pig in a poke), satire /
absurdity (When pigs fly, Pigs might fly), fatness (As fat as a pig)
The Vietnamese people compare their bad characteristics with the pig and usually
these comparisons are insults. These characteristics include gluttony (Ăn như lợn),
dirtiness (Bẩn như lợn), fatness (Mập như heo) and stupidness (Ngu như lợn, Mắt
như mắt lợn luộc), etc. Pigs are also associated with absurdity (Hùm nằm cho lợn
liếm lông), comicality (Lợn chê chó có bọ), and wealth/ value (Thủ thỉ ăn thủ lợn).

4.2.The Similarities and Differences of VZA Words in English and

Vietnamese Idioms
4.2.1. Similarities
Both English and Vietnamese idioms containing words denoting
Vietnamese zodiac animals apply the means of stylistic devices such as
metaphor, simile, and metonymy to demonstrate abstract ideas from
simple and specific images of daily life.
In most of English and Vietnamese idioms containing words denoting
Vietnamese zodiac animals, more idioms showing negative than
positive connotations can be found. In addition, both English and
Vietnamese idioms are used to denote factors such as Speed, State,
Psychology, Characteristics, Activities and Human Life etc. More
interesting, some English idioms have the Vietnamese equivalents,
which prove the two peoples, to a certain extent, sometimes think in
the same way. For instance, the way they express their ideas is the alike
when denote gluttony (eat like a pig- ăn như heo), or evil nature (Rats
desert a falling house- Cháy nhà ra mặt chuột) etc.
4.2.2 Differences
Because of the differences of the customs, historical, living habits,
and different geographical environment of the two nations - English
and Vietnamese, there are some differences in forming idioms and
the way idioms conveying their meanings. Buffalos are familiar with
Vietnamese culture, so idioms related to them are numerous with both
negative and positive connotations. Nevertheless, there are no cases of
idioms about buffalo in English.
In addition, English civilization is mainly originates from the civilization
of ancient Greece and Rome. Vietnamese civilization, on the other
hand, is traditionally agriculture and influenced by Chinese culture. As a
result, most of Vietnamese idioms come from human experience in
agriculture such as tức như bò đá, chạy như ngựa etc. Thus, there are
some differences in forming idioms and the way idioms conveying their
meanings in English and Vietnamese
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
5.1 CONCLUSIONS
As it know, people cannot deny the important role of idioms in language. They
serve not only as a language device for better communication but also valuable
material for research. They reflect the diverse, unique relationship in the
language and culture of each nation. Idioms of the Vietnamese zodiac animals in
English and Vietnamese is an exciting aspect to look at and understanding them is
so useful to study, especially in translating.
Generally, this study has carried out on the basis of the contemporary
theories about the related concepts including: idioms , culture, connotations,
simile and metaphor. It analyses the cultural connotations between the English
and Vietnamese VZA words, and compares the VZA images and their
connotations. A contrastive analysis has been done with both qualitative and
quantitative approaches.
Besides, some comparisons have been made to clarify some misunderstood
terms such as: idioms vs. proverb, metaphor vs. simile and Vietnamese culture
vs. British culture. With the findings and analysis, the study has found the clearest
answers to the research questions. Connotations of VZAs in English and
Vietnamese idioms is analyzed by showing examples and analyzing them.
Based on the research on the frequencies of occurrence and connotations of VZAs
in English and Vietnamese idioms and proverbs and has come to some
conclusions:

1. Idioms of Vietnamese zodiac animals in English and Vietnamese account for

a large number in the idiom treasure of each nation. However, Vietnamese
people tend to use more animals, especially VZAs, their idioms than the
British people do. Moreover, the frequencies of occurrence of VZAs are
different among animals and between the two languages. Horse and pig are
more popular in English but other VZAs including chicken, tiger, dragon and
mouse appear less than in Vietnamese. In spite of this, the British and the
Vietnamese peoples both use dog and cat a lot in their idioms with little
difference in occurrence. Especially, the British do not use buffalo in their
idioms and proverbs.
2. The Vietnamese and British peoples both use VZAs in their idioms
mostly with negative connotative meanings although some VZAs have
the majority of neutral or unclear connotation. Moreover, it is
interesting that the animals close to the Vietnamese (trâu, bò,mèo chó…)
and the British (cat, dog, bull…) are associated with a more negative
connotative meanings.
3. In Vietnamese idioms, pairs of VZAs are quite common while they are few
in English ones. Popular pairs in English include “cat-dog” and “cat-mouse”.
In Vietnamese, the two pairs are also the most popular but there are also
many other pairs including “dog-chicken”, “horse-buffalo”, “dragon-snake”
etc.
 4. VZAs appear in both English and Vietnamese idioms as rhetoric devices
such as metaphor, metonymy and simile. In most idioms of the two
languages, VZAs are used in metaphorical and metonymical ways. People
have often resorted to animals as a way of explaining human
behavior, feelings and even human relations. Moreover, many similes
are used to compare with human’s appearance, character, emotions,
state, action and etc.
5. Connotations of some VZAs are same or similar in English and Vietnamese.
Similar connotations are related to such animals as mouse, horse, dog and
cat. Besides, there are many differences in understanding VZAs in idioms of
the two languages. Typical VZAs with different connotations are dragon,
buffalo, dog etc. The similarities and differences can be traced from
cognitive and cultural views of VZAs. The similarities may result from: (1)
similar features and characteristics of VZAs, (2) similarities in social
activities, feelings, attitudes and ways of interactions towards animals
between the two peoples and (3) interactions between languages. The
differences can be caused by religion, history, geographical environment,
customs, and so on.
5.2 FURTHER IMPLICATIONS FOR TEACHING, LEARNING AND TRANSLATION
OF IDIOMS AND PROVERBS vvv
5.2.1. For Learning Idioms
The result of the study is may be beneficial to learners of both languages.
The contrastive analysis will offer them a clearer insight into the use of idioms
relating to VZAs.
As for students, the study may be used as a material or reference book in
their study. It may help them to use the idiomatic phrases relating to VZAs
correctly in everyday situations.
5.2.2. For Translation of Animal Idioms
As for translation, with the results from this study and theories of translation, the
following strategies for translating idioms which are described briefly as
follows:
a) Using an similar idiom with same animals
As you know, there are some idioms that convey the same meaning in both
source and target language, as well as the same lexical items. It means that a
same pattern of lexical items is used in both English and Vietnamese to express a
single concept of meaning. Thus, we should use one as the translation of the
other. Examples for translation of this type can be found in section 4.3.1.
b) Using an idiom of similar meaning with dissimilar animals
There are some idioms and proverbs in English and Vietnamese that convey
similar meaning but the lexical items in their surface structures which contain
animal names are different. Therefore, we should find the animal idioms with
similar meaning in the target language when translating idioms in a language. The
idioms in the target language may contain different animals as influenced by
cultural elements.
c) Using an idiom of similar meaning without animals
However, it is obvious that different cultures express ideas in different ways. As a
result, with a particular meaning, people in one culture may use an animal idiom
or proverb but those in other culture use idioms without animals.
5.3 LIMITATION OF THE THESIS vv
The paper is carried out on the basis of the limited data source due to the limit
of time and difficulty in approaching sources and references for the study.
Moreover, with limited ability, the number of idioms related to the zodiac in
Vietnamese is vast and inexperience in conducting a research, some
weaknesses and limitations are inevitable. I would be very grateful to those that
take interest in this study with comments, advice, and adjustment. The
sincere, useful ideas are very valuable to make this paper more fulfilled,
clearer, and more perfect.
5.4 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH vv
This study has been carried out to analyze the similarities and differences of VZA’s
connotation in English and Vietnamese idioms, but because of limited time and
ability, some other aspects of animal idioms need to be explored. So, I would like
to suggest some further researches on the following aspects: - Pragmatic analysis
of VZAs in English and Vietnamese - Animal idioms in literary works or newspaper
- VZAs’ connotations in English and Vietnamese.- Animal proverbs in Vietnamese
and English.

References
Vietnamese
[1] BÙI HẠNH CẨN, BÍCH HẰNG, VIỆT ANH (2000) Thành ngữ-tục ngữ
Việt Nam NXB VHTT, Hà Nội
[2]NGUYỄN ĐÌNH HÙNG Tuyển tập thành ngữ - tục ngữ - ca dao Việt-
Anh thông dụng
[3] HOÀNG VĂN HÀNH (2004) Thành Ngữ Học Tiếng Việt NXB khoa học
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[4]NGUYỄN THỊ BẢO (2003) Ngữ nghĩa của từ ngữ chỉ động vật trong
thành ngữ tiếng Việt (so sánh với thành ngữ tiếng Anh) Đại học sư
phạm TP Hồ Chí Minh
English
[5]Edward Burnett Tylor (1871) Primitive Culture
[6]NGUYỄN QUỐC TOÀN (2011) A contrastive study of connotation of
the vietnamese zodiac animals in english and vietnamese idioms and
proverbs. UNIVERSITY OF DANANG
[7]Pavol Kvetko (2009) English Lexicology in Theory and Practice
[8]Wolfgang Mieder (1993) "The wit of one, and the wisdom of many:
General thoughts on the nature of the proverb. Proverbs are never out
of season: Popular wisdom in the modern age 3-40. Oxford University
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 [9]Larry A. Samovar, Richard E. Porter,Edwin R. McDaniel Carolyn
Sexton Roy (2012) Communication Between Cultures Wadsworth
Publishing
[10]I.R. Galperin English Stylistics
[11]Oxford Student's Dictionary of English (2001)
Internet website
http://www.alienartifacts.com/Idiom/encyclopedia.htm/
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/
https://english-ingles.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/