A CONTRASTIVE STUDY OF IDIOMATIC SIMILES IN SOME ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE SHORT STORIES AND NOVELS

Abstract

Idioms, as a part of a language, are commonly used in not only daily communication but also literature and considered a valuable heritage. Therefore, idioms should be studied from different perspectives. In order to understand and use idioms properly, we need to be aware of not only their grammatical forms but also the elements of psychology, religion, culture and contexts of use. This study examines simile-based idiomatic expressions on the basis of linguistic and cultural aspects of English and Vietnamese. In doing that, the researchers attempt to find out the similarities and differences their use in fourteen English and Vietnamese short stories and novels. The findings are expected to help readers, to a certain extent, use idiomatic expressions properly in particular communicative situations.