A STUDY ON LOSS AND GAIN IN MEANING IN THE ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF CONCEPTUAL METAPHORS DENOTING THE CONCEPT OF “RELATIONSHIP” IN TRINH CONG SON’S SONGS

Abstract

In light of Cognitive Linguistics, Metaphor not only is an important tool in human cognition and thought, but also plays a vital role in the conceptualization of relationship. Therefore, relationship concept has close linking with cognition. Abstract concepts like “relationship” are commonly viewed and expressed in terms of conceptual metaphors. This study attempts to conduct a cross-linguistic research into the conceptual metaphors denoting “relationship” in Trinh Cong Son’s songs. The study was conducted by means of questionnaires and interviews. The researcher managed to get the cooperation of 100 participants. They are first- year students of Da Nang College of foreign languages, Da Nang city. Firstly, the data from questionnaire and interview show the participants’ knowledge on Trinh Cong Son’s songs and music; their feelings when they listen to his songs and their opinions on the translational versions in English. It is concluded that they cound not recognize the loss and gain in his songs. Secondly, the data I collected were descriptively explained the phenomena of the loss and gain features in meaning of conceptual metaphors denoting the relationships among human beings and between human beings and other factors. These findings show that translational versions of works of art are more or less influenced by different languages and cultures. This study is also expected to be helpful for people whose works are in the fields of translation practice, cross-cultural communication and foreign language teaching and learning.