A CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS ON SEMANTIC FEATURES OF ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE IDIOMS DENOTING ANIMALS

This study investigates the semantic features of idioms related to animals in both English and Vietnamese, aiming to identify the similarities and differences in how these two languages employ animal-related expressions to convey cultural values, beliefs, and behaviors. Idioms are an integral part of linguistic expression, reflecting unique cultural contexts. A comparative analysis of idioms involving animals in English and Vietnamese will provide insights into the linguistic and cultural nuances that shape these expressions. The study employs a qualitative and contrastive methodology, analyzing selected idioms through semantic categories such as symbolism, metaphorical meaning, and cultural associations. The analysis reveals that while both languages use animals to express human characteristics, the specific animals and the qualities they represent often differ due to cultural influences. for instance, English idioms frequently use animals like lions and foxes to symbolize courage and cunning, whereas Vietnamese idioms employ animals such as buffaloes and chickens to denote hard work and resilience. The study highlights the influence of cultural contexts on the selection of animals in idiomatic expressions and offers insights into how idioms can reflect cultural beliefs. this research contributes to the fields of linguistics, translation studies, and intercultural communication, offering a deeper understanding of animal symbolism in language.