AN INVESTIGATION INTO LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF SIMILE AND REPETITION IN “WUTHERING HEIGHTS” BY EMILY BRONTÉ AND ITS VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONAL VERSION

AN INVESTIGATION INTO LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF SIMILE AND REPETITION IN “WUTHERING HEIGHTS” BY EMILY BRONTÉ AND ITS VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONAL VERSION

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

• 1. RATIONALE

Language is essential to every aspect and interaction in our everyday lives. In order to hold, protect and transfer what we feel, what we desire and what we understand about all aspects of our life, people use handwriting or script. There are many ways to get the information such as going to the library to read books that we are interested in, or searching through the internet.

However, it is hard to comprehend all of the beauty of vocabularies as well as the author’ intention in Vietnamese version. In Vietnamese translational versions, these devices will not be translated or they will be transfer to another device and vice versa. It is clearly seen that the readers will not get the whole meaning of this. Therefore, I hope the comparison of usage of these devices in Wuthering Heights and its Vietnamese version may partly help the readers or language learners have deeper understanding about the novel.

For the reasons above, I decide to choose “An Investigation into Linguistic Features of Simile and Repetition in “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronté and Its Vietnamese Translational Version” as a topic of my thesis with the hope that the finding of the research will contribute a small part in having perfect understanding about the work and bring out comparisons of simile and repetition in this novel of the two languages.

• 1. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1.2.1. Aims

The study is carried out with the aim to investigate the linguistic features of simile and repetition in Wuthering Heights and compare with its Vietnamese version. Moreover, by the finding of this study, we can know and avoid some mistakes when we translate the work into Vietnamese. Besides, translators as well as teachers of English can get its benefit in mastering language skills such as writing or translating through the two stylistic devices used in the novel.

1.2.2. Objectives

– To investigate the linguistic features of simile and repetition in Wuthering Heights.

– To analyze in details of simile and repetition used in Wuthering Heights.

– To find out the similarities and differences in usage of these stylistic devices in Wuthering Heights and its Vietnamese translational version.

1.3. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

As far as we know, there are many different fields that are worth to investigate. The data for analysis are selected from the novel “Wuthering Heights” and “Đồi gió hú”. The novel “Wuthering Heights” that was selected to gather the samples for this thesis was first published in 1992 by Wordsworth Editions Limited. Its new introduction and notes were added in 2000. Vietnamese translational version named “Đồi Gió Hú” by Mạnh Chương was chosen. It was published by NXB Văn Học (2012).

1.4. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

In general, this paper attempts to answer the following questions:

(1) What are the linguistic features of simile and repetition in Wuthering Heights and its Vietnamese translational version?

(2) What are the similarities and differences in usage of these stylistic devices in Wuthering Heights and its Vietnamese translational version?

(3) What are the implications of these stylistic devices for translation in theory and practice?

1.5. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

1.6. ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2.1. LITERATURE REVIEW

Stylistic devices play a crucial role in the study of language. From the 6^th to around the 4^th century BCE, it was developed in many countries in the world. It has been a topic of study of many linguists. There are many types of stylistic device, the study of simile and repetition has been done by many researchers.

In Vietnamese, there are many studies examined about stylistic devices in some masterpieces were carried out. Nguyễn Thị Diệu Trâm (2005) studied lexical stylistic devices in “Vanity Fair” by William Makepeace Thackeray. In this research, the author investigated the two kinds of stylistics: metaphor and irony. Besides, the style of William was highlighted through the novel. Lê Phan Lệ Thu proposed a study of the stylistic devices in “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Tracy Chevalier. Trần Kim Hiếu Hạnh made a study of stylistic devices used in English texts describing people in Ernest Hemingway’s novels.

About the novel Wuthering Heights, there have been a lot of discussions on the internet or reference books about the style, the content as well as the characters. Some of them are: Love and revenge in Wuthering Heights. In the study, the author examined the loss of lexical meaning and suggested some useful implications for those paying attention to the translational versions of Wuthering Heights.

To sum up, although there are a lot of studies about stylistics, the study about simile and repetition in Wuthering Heights has not been exploited, especially in making a comparison between English and Vietnamese translational version in term of those stylistic devices.

2.2. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2.2.1. Stylistic Devices (Rhetoric)

2.2.2. Functions of Stylistic Devices

2.2.3. Simile

a. Definition of Simile

There are many ways to define simile which is the most common used device in numerous languages. In Oxford Modern English Dictionary “Simile is a comparison of one thing with another using the work like or as” (p.1094). For more detail, “Simile is a comparison between two essentially unlike on the basis of shared quality” [9, p.82]. We use simile to elicit the specific image and create the aesthetic emotion.

b. Foundation of simile

c. Function of Simile

d. Simile versus Metaphor

2.2.4. Repetition

a. Definition of repetition

b. Types of Repetition

c. Function of Repetition

2.2.5. The author Emily Bronté

2.2.6. Summary of the novel “Wuthering Heights”

CHAPTER 3

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

3.1. RESEARCH DESIGN

As mentioned in the aim and objective of this study, a descriptive and contrastive analysis will be used to support the findings. This paper is mainly in English and it is compared with Vietnamese translational version of the novel “Wuthering Heights”.

At first, an investigation of the frequency of occurrence of the two stylistic devices, simile and repetition, will be conducted. The numbers of words, phrases or sentences containing these devices are counted and are arranged in a table to compare between those in the novel and in the Vietnamese translational version. These tasks are done by using quantitative method.

The qualitative method will be carried out to analyze the usage of simile and repetition in the novel and the translational version. There are some examples are taken to illustrate the use in each situation respectively in syntactic features, based on the data collected.

3.2. INSTRUMENTS FOR DATA COLLECTION

3.3. DATA COLLECTION

3.4. DATA ANALYSIS

3.5. RESEARCH PROCEDURE

The research was conducted with the procedure as follows:

– Making a deep understanding about the topic to study.

– Collecting the samples in English and Vietnamese version through the two devices.

– Grouping the samples in term of simile and repetition and making the tables.

– Analyzing and discussing the data

– Making a comparison with Vietnamese version to find out the similarities and differences in usages of these stylistic devices.

– Suggesting some useful implications for translating the novel.

3.6. RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY

CHAPTER 4

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

4.1. THE FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE OF SIMILE AND REPETITION IN “WUTHERING HEIGHTS” AND ITS VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONAL VERSION

4.1.1. The frequency of simile and repetition in “Wuthering Heights”

Table 4.1. The frequency of simile and repetition in

“Wuthering Heights”

4.1.2. The frequency of simile and repetition in “Đồi Gió Hú”

Table 4.2. The frequency of simile and repetition in

“Đồi Gió Hú”

4.2. STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF SIMILE IN “WUTHERING HEIGHTS” AND ITS VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONAL VERSION

4.2.1. Structural Features of Simile in “Wuthering Heights”

It can be clearly seen that the talent of Emily leads the readers to discover the mysteriousness and surprising situations or conflicts. The first one is “like” with a noun, a pronoun after that. The second one is the structure with “as” (as/so+ … + as; or as +…). The last one is conjunction “as if”.

Table 4.3. Relative frequency of structure of simile in “Wuthering Heights”

a. As/ so +Adj/ Adv + as

(4.1) In vapid listlessness I leant my head against the window, and continued spelling over Catherine Earnshaw -Heathcliff – Linton, till my eyes closed; but they had not rested five minutes when a glare of white letters started from the dark, as vivid as spectres – the air swarmed with Catherines [3, p.13]

b. As + S +V

(4.4) He had a sweet, low manner of speaking, and pronounced his words as you do [3, p.49]

c. Like +N/ N.Pr.

(4.5) He flung himself into the nearest seat, and on my approaching hurriedly to ascertain if she had fainted, he gnashed at me, and foamed like a mad dog, and gathered her to him with greedy jealousy. [3, p.117]

d. As if + Cl.

(4.7) “…There was no sound through the house but the moaning wind,…, the faint crackling of the coals, and the click of my snuffers as I removed at intervals the long wick of the candle. … It was very, very sad: and while I read I sighed, for it seemed as if all joy had vanished from the world, never to be restored…” [3, p.127]

e. Resemble/ Others

(4.8) He had a fixed idea, I guessed by several observations he let fall, that, as his nephew resembled him in person, he would resemble him in mind. [3, p.192]

4.2.2. Structural Features of Simile in “Đồi Gió Hú”

Table 4.4. Relative frequency of structure of simile in “Đồi Gió Hú”

a. Như + N/ N. Phr.

This simile structure occupies the most cases with 119 phrases.

(4.9) Tôi lấy làm xấu hổ mà lạnh lùng thu mình như một con ốc sên; nàng càng nhìn tôi càng lùi sâu một cách thờ ơ hơn; …

[31, p.9]

b. Như + Verb

(4.14) – “Đúng đấy, bác ấy yêu bố em” – Linton nói như hát.

[31, p.342]

c. Như/ cứ như + Cl.

(4.15) …, còn coi Heathcliff như một kẻ đã chiếm đoạt tình thương yêu của cha, … S V O

d. Tựa như/ coi như (là) + N.

(4.19) Tôi nghe rõ tiếng chân của hắn đi đi lại lại trên sàn nhà, bồn chồn đếm từng bước và thảng hoặc hắn lại phá vỡ sự im lặng bằng tiếng hít thở thật sâu, tựa như một tiếng rên.[10, p.476]

e. Chẳng kém/khác gì+ N. /Cl.

(4.22) “ Lúc còn bé như em, anh ấy cũng là một cậu bé nhanh nhẹn và thông minh chẳng kém.” [31, p.357]

f. Trông (không) giống như + N.

(4.23) Tình yêu của tôi dành cho Linton giống như lá cây trong rừng. [31, p.195]

g. Như thể là/ others

Beside the huge range of simile cases containing the above words, there are a lot of other words describing simile in Vietnamese. For example,

(4.25) … anh ta đưa mắt liếc nhìn xuống tôi như thể là giữa chúng tôi có mối tử thù chưa thanh toán được. [31, p.17]

This simile uses the phrase “như thể là” to describe the attitude of a first look to another person. From this, we can infer the relationship between them. The sight shows contempt for the guess and may not friendly at all.

4.2.3. Similarities and Differences in Usage of Simile in “Wuthering Heights” and Its Vietnamese Translational Version

a. Similarities

There are some similarities of simile in “Wuthering Heights” and its translational version as follow:

Firstly, in any languages, English or Vietnamese, using simile bases on the direct comparison between at least two items. As mentioned in theoretical background in Chapter 2, the definition of simile in English is similar to the one in Vietnamese.

Secondly, “as/so + … (+ as)” and “như +…” are two structures which have the highest percentage in English and Vietnamese. There are a lot of structures to express the comparison, the author choose these two structures to compare two things having same characteristics.

Thirdly, simile relates to categories to deal with meaning interaction and way to interpret. From their similar surfaces, the meaning of the two things has to interact together. level of expression.

b. Differences

As shown on the table 4.1 and 4.2, the frequency of simile in “Wuthering Heights” is fairly higher than in “Đồi gió hú” (8.82% vs. 7.02%). The amount is not remarkable; however, with the difference of 1.8%, we can see the way using simile in both languages is not the same. The phrase “as if” takes around 12.71% in the novel “Wuthering Heights” while the phrase “như thể là” occupies less than 3.72% in Vietnamese.

On the contrary, Mạnh Chương adds this kind of stylistic device to help the readers easily catch the content of the novel as well as create emotional effects. Moreover, using simile makes the sentences become more imaginable and flexible.

The culture in Western countries is quite different from Asian countries. Some simile cases used as idiomatic equivalents that are originated from wet rice Vietnamese civilization. Therefore, the translator uses the words that are suitable with the culture factors of his country so that the readers can easily accept the meaning closing to the origin novel.

c. Conclusion

With the tables showing the frequency as well as the structure categories and analysis about simile in “Wuthering Heights” and its translational version, the similarities and differences of this stylistic device in both languages are carried out clearer and deeper.

4.3. LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF REPETITION IN “WUTHERING HEIGHTS” AND ITS VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONAL VERSION

Table 4.5. Frequency of repetition in the novel

“Wuthering Heights”

Table 4.6. Frequency of repetition in the novel

“Đồi Gió Hú”

These are the frequency of repetition in the novel “Wuthering Heights” and its translational version. They are classified into three categories: Repetition of sound, syntax and lexis.

4.3.1. Repetition of Sounds in “Wuthering Heights” and “Đồi Gió Hú”

a. Repetition of Sounds in “Wuthering Heights”

– Alliteration

(4.33) I took my hat, and, after a four miles’ walk, arrived at Heathcliff’s garden gate just in time to escape the first feathery flakes of a snow-shower. [3, p.5]

– Assonance

In the novel “Wuthering Heights”, there are 118 cases containing assonance. It is quite common for the author to use this kind of repetition and the vowels are able to accent what is being described. This makes develop the areas where the accent falls.

(4.36) “How the devil could it be otherwise in her frightful isolation? And that insipid, paltry creature attending her from duty and humanity! From pity and charity!..” [3, p.112]

b. Repetition of Sounds in “Đồi Gió Hú”

– Alliteration

(4.37) Isabella, chắc độ 11 tuổi, nhiều hơn Cathy 1 tuổi, đang nằm gào thét ở tận cuối buồng… Edgar đứng trên lò sưởi khóc khe khẽ. [31, p.67]

In the sentences above, alliteration khóc khe khẽ can express the ideas as well as the feeling of the characters effectively and the readers immediately imagine the sounds that are used.

– Assonance

4.3.2. Repetition of Syntax in “Wuthering Heights” and “Đồi Gió Hú”

a. Repetition of Syntax in “Wuthering Heights”

Repetition of syntax is the most common type of repetition in English as well as in Vietnamese literature. Almost the authors use this kind of repetition because it is easier to comprehend and create a tune basing on the position of specific kinds.

Table 4.7. Frequency of repetition of syntax in the novel “Wuthering Heights”

a.1. Repetition of Words, Phrases and Clauses

Table 4.8. Frequency of repetition of words, phrases and clauses in “Wuthering Heights”

• Anaphora

(4.42) I fear it was wrong, though expedient. I thought I prevented another explosion by my compliance; and I thought it might create a favourable crisis in Catherine’s mental illness: and then I remembered Mr. Edgar’s stern rebuke of my carrying tales;

[3, p.112]

The phrases “I thought” in the example is repeated two times make the readers pay more attention to the idea of the paragraph

• Epiphora

(4.46) “But how can one little note – ?” she recommenced, putting on an imploring countenance. “Silence!” I interrupted. “We’ll not begin with your little notes. Get into bed.” [3, p.163]

• Mesodiplosis

(4.49) “Oh, for mercy’s sake,” interrupted the mistress, stamping her foot, “for mercy’s sake,” [3, p.85]

The effect of this kind of repetition is not less than the others. In this example, the repetition draws the readers to the utterance of the character. In fact, if the author used the above phrase just one time, we cannot touch the feeling of Catherine at that moment. Her plaint combined with her action “interrupted”; “stamping her foot” created a lively scene to enjoy.

• Anadiplosis

Anadiplosis which accounts for 2.24% proves the fact that it is not commonly used in this novel.

(4.50) “…and dreaded to hear that Linton was dead, sometimes; and sometimes shuddered at the thought of encountering Hareton….” [3, p.183]

• Conduplicatio

Accounting for the highest rate in 401 samples of repetition of words, phrases and clauses, this kind of repetition proves its enlargement as well as efficiency in using repetition to emphasize the ideas.

• Epizeuxis

In “Wuthering Heights”, the author used epizeuxis mostly in the conversation of the characters. Let’s have a look with the below examples.

(4.57) ‘He must be wicked to have made Aunt Isabella leave him as

– Diaphora

(4.59) “No, no! A stranger is a stranger, be he rich or poor: it will not suit me to permit any one the range of the place while I am off guard!” said the unmannerly wretch.

[3, p.11]

• Epanalepsis

The author used either a word or a phrase to make epanalepsis that aims at logical emphasis to fix the attention of the readers. Epanalepsis is the repetition of the initial word or words of a clause or sentence at the end. Through the key words or phrases, the readers can easily get the main idea of the sentence. These examples will illustrate.

• Diacope

Diacope is the repetition of a word or phrase broken up by another word or words. That means the repetition of a word with one or more between. We can see that Diacope is similar to epanalepsis, but epanalepsis is the repeated words are at the beginning and end of a sentence.

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