SYNONYM SUBSTITUTION IN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to identify synonym substitution in both English and Vietnamese as a discourse cohesive device. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches are used in the thesis. Beside, the thesis is conducted based on the research methods such as statistic and descriptive method, analytic and synthetic method, comparative and contrastive method. With the copora from stories and novels, the study classifies synonym substitution in English and Vietnamese into three types: dictionary synonym substitution, temporary synonym substitution and descriptive synonym substitution. Then, the study explores the linguistic features of these types of synonym substitution in English and Vietnamese in terms of syntax and semantics. This aims at helping learners to identify common lexical and semantic categories of synonyms used in synonym substitution, at the same time learners can have a better use of synonyms as a way of forming cohesion. The findings of the study show the frequency and variety in relation of the occurrence of synonym substitution in English and Vietnamese. In addition, on the basis of the findings, some implications are put forward to help Vietnamese teachers and learners of English master synonym substitution.