A Contrastive Analysis of Plant Proverbs in English and Vietnamese

Abstract

This paper demonstrates how plant metaphors in Vietnamese and English proverbs reflect cultural values through an analysis. It contends that proverbs serve as a means of transmitting cultural knowledge. The essay demonstrates the influence of cultural context on metaphorical language by contrasting proverbs that convey similar meanings ("Every rose has its thorn" and "Hồng nào mà chả có gai"). Additionally, it examines proverbs that convey the same meaning but employ distinct metaphors, such as "Cơm tẻ là mẹ đẻ" versus "Corn is the staff of life." In conclusion, the essay recognizes culture-specific proverbs and asserts that comprehension of them promotes effective intercultural communication.