LITERATURE REVIEW
An overview of relative clauses
Relative clauses play an essential role in syntax and grammar across numerous languages, enabling us to add extra information about nouns or noun phrases in sentences Extensive research and various theoretical frameworks have deepened our understanding of relative clauses, highlighting their significance in language structure.
In linguistics, relative clauses can be analyzed through various frameworks, including Generative Grammar, pioneered by Noam Chomsky This theory posits that relative clauses are initiated by relative pronouns such as who, which, or that, involving the movement of these pronouns from their original positions in subordinate clauses to the main clause Additionally, functionalist approaches highlight the communicative and pragmatic roles of relative clauses, viewing them as tools to signify relationships between entities within discourse.
Researchers have carried out cross-linguistic typological studies to explore the diversity of relative clause structures in various languages These investigations focus on the formation of relative clauses, word order patterns, the use of relative pronouns, and the characteristics of relative clauses within different linguistic frameworks.
Research has investigated how speakers comprehend relative clauses, focusing on parsing strategies, memory load, and the influence of working memory on understanding Additionally, corpus-based studies have analyzed extensive text collections to identify patterns of relative clause usage across various genres and registers.
It's important to note that research on relative clauses is ongoing, and new discoveries and insights are constantly emerging.
Relative pronouns and relative clauses in English and Vietnamese
In Vietnamese, the concept of "relative pronouns" is absent; instead, only the broader definition of pronouns exists According to Đinh Văn Đức in his work "Ngữ pháp Tiếng Việt," pronouns are defined as a category of words that serve the function of replacement.
Bui Y presents that relative pronouns are rarely seen in Vietnamese grammar [2] Sometimes we use “that” which is called connector” or “conjunction” [3]
Eg: The boy whom you see at the door is his brother
(Đứa bé mà anh trông thấy ở cửa là em anh ta đấy.) [4]
Given the intricacies of Vietnamese language structure, this section focuses solely on the transformation of the English relative pronoun "who" into its Vietnamese equivalent, illustrating how names are affected in this process.
Consider the following example and compare "who" and it is equivalent in Vietnamese
Eg: They are talking about the pupil who often skips school (Họ đang nói về một cậu học sinh thường xuyên trốn học.)
So, “who” (relative pronoun) in English means “Cái cậu học sinh ấy” (noun phrase) in Vietnamese
Nguyen Tai Can refers to “Cái cậu học sinh ấy” as “danh ngữ” or “đoản ngữ có danh từ làm trung tâm”.)[5]
The concept of "Mệnh đề quan hệ" is not widely recognized in the Vietnamese language, where the term "mệnh đề" (clause) is more commonly used Nguyen Tai Can, in his work on Vietnamese grammar, defines "mệnh đề" as "a group consisting of two parts connected by the description relation."
Eg: cuốn sách tôi vừa mua hôm qua ‘tôi vừa mua hôm qua’ đây là mệnh đề
Definition of relative clauses
A clause is a crucial grammatical unit consisting of a subject and a predicate, serving as a syntactic element within a sentence It forms an essential part of sentence structure, with two primary types: independent clauses and dependent clauses.
An independent clause is a complete sentence that conveys a full thought, consisting of a subject that performs an action and a predicate that offers details about the subject For instance, in the sentence "I love to read," the phrase "I love to read" functions as an independent clause.
A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot function as a complete sentence because it does not convey a complete thought and relies on an independent clause for meaning These clauses can serve as noun, adjective, or adverb clauses For instance, in the sentence "I will go to the movie if I have enough time," the phrase "if I have enough time" exemplifies a dependent clause.
A relative clause is a subordinate clause that adds extra information about a noun in the main clause It begins with a relative pronoun like "who," "whom," "whose," "which," or "that," or a relative adverb such as "where," "when," or "why." These clauses act as adjectives, modifying or describing a noun or pronoun within the sentence.
A relative or adjective clause is a dependent clause that modifies a noun by describing, identifying, or providing additional information about it These clauses utilize pronouns such as who, whom, which, that, and whose to connect the dependent clause to the independent clause.
Relative pronouns are used to link two sentences with the same noun or pronoun Relative pronouns form the beginning of a relative clause
[10] According to Murphy (1994:182), the relative clause tells us which person or thing (or what kind of person or thing) the speaker means:
Eg: The woman who lives next door… (‘who lives next door tells us which woman)
Eg: People who live in London…(‘who live in London’ tells us what kind of people)
[11] Swan (2005) states that a relative clause modifies a noun, usually introduced by a relative pronoun like who or which
Example: I like people who like me
Relative pronouns, such as "who," "whom," and "which," are essential for introducing relative clauses "Who" and "whom" are used to refer to people, while "which" is used for things In informal contexts, "that" is frequently used as a substitute for both "who" and "which."
A relative clause modifies a noun or noun phrase and employs grammatical devices to show that one of its arguments shares the same referent as that noun For example, in the sentence "I met a man who was not there," the clause "who was not there" acts as a relative clause, modifying the noun "man" and using the pronoun "who" to indicate that the same "man" is referenced within the clause.
Relative clauses serve to modify nouns by providing additional information These clauses consist of subjects and predicates and can be categorized as either restrictive, which is essential for the sentence's meaning, or nonrestrictive, offering supplementary details that are not crucial for understanding.
To grasp relative clauses, it's essential to understand the five relative pronouns: "that," "which," "who," "whom," and "whose." The choice of pronoun is influenced by two main factors: whether the clause provides necessary information to identify the noun (restrictive or nonrestrictive) and the type of noun involved (person, place, or thing).
A relative clause doesn't express a complete study, so it cannot stand alone as a judgment You must connect each relative clause to a main clause to avoid writing a scrap
Relative clauses are essential for providing new information about products without initiating a new sentence By integrating clauses with your statements, your writing becomes more fluid, helping to eliminate redundancy.
Kinds of Relative Clause
A defining relative clause, or restrictive clause, is crucial as it delivers essential information about the noun it modifies, thereby clarifying or limiting its meaning This type of clause identifies specific people, things, or groups, and removing it can notably alter the sentence's significance.
Relative clauses are often referred to as "defining relative clauses" or "restrictive clauses" in English grammar However, alternative terms such as "mệnh đề quan hệ hạn định" and "mệnh đề quan hệ thiết yếu" (essential relative clause) are used in Vietnamese, highlighting the crucial role these clauses play in specifying the nouns they modify.
Relative clauses are essential for enhancing the meaning of nouns in a sentence, as they offer vital information that clarifies and specifies the noun's context.
Relative pronouns such as who, that, which, whose, and whom are commonly used to introduce defining relative clauses In these clauses, the relative pronoun connects the clause to a specific noun, providing essential information about the person or thing being referred to.
Eg: ‘They’re the people who want to buy our house.’
Eg: ‘Here are some cells which have been affected.’
Eg: They should give the money to somebody whom they think most need treatment: correct punctuation is essential in non-defining relative clauses
In a sentence, when a non-defining relative clause appears in the middle, it is essential to place a comma before the relative pronoun and at the end of the clause Additionally, if the non-defining relative clause is positioned at the end of a sentence, a comma should also precede the relative pronoun.
This is the relative pronoun that can use in relative clauses, the form as follows:
For person Who Whom Whose
For things Which Which Whose/ of
As a subject: ‘Who or that’
‘Whose, who’ in relative clauses when we are talking about people, not things? This pronoun is used to describe the action of the matters discussed in the sentence
The man who robbed you has been arrested
The girls who serve in the shop are the owner’s daughters
As an object: ‘whom or that’
We used whom when we are talking about a person as an object in the sentence
Eg: Only those who had booked in advance were allowed in she is the woman whom I told you
‘Whose’ is a relative possessive word, used as a determiner before nouns, in the same ways as his, her, its or their It can refer back to people or things
- I met a man whose sister knows you (his sister knows you)
- People whose rents have been raised can appeal
“Which” is used to describe things farther
The dish which I ordered was delicious
Here are some cells which/that the researcher has identified (The researcher has identified some cells Some cells are the object.)
This is the relative adverb
A time When The year when he was born
A place Where The hotel where they were staying
A reason Why Give me a good reason why you did that
Other materials can refer to this kind of clause as a non-restrictive clause, non- essential clause
A non-defining relative clause, also referred to as a non-restrictive or non-essential clause, adds extra information about a noun without being crucial to the sentence's meaning Unlike defining relative clauses, these clauses can be omitted without changing the core message of the sentence.
Lisa, whom I work with, is doing the Paris marathon this year
Not: Lisa, whom I work with, is doing the Paris marathon this year
Correct punctuation is crucial for non-defining relative clauses When these clauses appear in the middle of a sentence, they should be preceded by a comma and followed by another comma at the end of the clause Additionally, if the non-defining relative clause is positioned at the end of a sentence, a comma must be placed before the relative pronoun.
This is the relative pronoun that can use in non-defining relative clauses, the forms are as follows:
For persons Who Whom/who Whose
For things Which Which Whose/of which
“Who” No other pronoun is possible
Eg: My grandmother, who's dead now, came from the North of England
In non-defining clauses, the relative pronouns 'who,' 'whom,' or 'which' must be used instead of 'that.' Additionally, the relative pronoun cannot be omitted, even when it serves as the object of the verb within the relative clause.
Eg We stopped at the cinema, which we had no way visited ahead
We stopped at the MC Donald, which has notorious foods
The preposition in these clauses can go at the end of the clause
Eg I’ve just returned from London, where John lives
This pattern is frequently used in spoken English but in written or formal English you can also put the preposition before the pronoun
Non-defining clauses can be introduced by expressions such as "all of," "numerous of," "many of," "both of," "each of," "either of," "half of," "utmost of," and "much of," along with relative pronouns These expressions serve to provide additional information about a noun without altering the main meaning of the sentence.
Eg: He picked up a sprinkle of monuments, one of which was sharp
The relative pronoun at the morning of the anon-defining relative clause can relate to all the information in the judgment's former part rather than the gravestone word
Eg She’s studying to become a doctor, which is difficult (= the fact that she becomes a doctor is difficult)
Notes on relative clause and other cases
1.5.1 Commas in the relative clause
Commas are very important in relative clauses The meaning of the whole sentence can be changed when commas are inserted
Look at two examples: a His brother who works at the supermarket, is a friend of mine b His brother, who works at the supermarket, is a friend of mine
In the example provided, the defining relative clause specifies the noun "brother," indicating that my friend is exclusively the brother who works at the supermarket.
In this sentence, the non-defining clause indicates that the subject has multiple brothers, specifically highlighting the one who works at the supermarket.
Relative clauses often contain prepositions, with the relative pronoun serving as the object of the preposition In everyday English, the preposition typically appears at the end of the relative clause, allowing for the relative pronoun to be included or omitted Conversely, in formal English, the preposition precedes the relative pronoun, which must be retained in this structure For instance, in the examples provided, the pronouns indicated in parentheses can be omitted.
Is that the man (who) she arrived with?
Does he know the girl (that) John is talking to?
Is that the man with whom she arrived?
Does he know the girl to whom John is talking?
1.5.3 Difference between relative clause and appositive clause a Function
Relative Clause: A relative clause functions as an adjective, modifying or describing a noun or pronoun It provides essential information that helps identify or define the noun it relates to
An appositive clause serves as a noun, functioning to rename or further identify another noun It offers non-essential supplementary information about the noun it modifies Notably, an appositive clause does not include the noun it is connected to, enhancing clarity and depth in sentence structure.
An appositive clause is like a linking verb or an equal sign
The idea = the students can become independent learners
The connector “that” just connects the clause to a noun without playing any internal role in the clause
There are many similar cases of appositive clauses
- I agree with the old saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder
- The news that the teacher is ill is not true
- The idea that you can do this without thinking is wrong
Or: Some structures such as I believe that…
In appositive clauses, "that" functions as a conjunction rather than a relative pronoun Notably, as B.D Graver (1997) points out, not all clauses introduced by relative pronouns qualify as subordinate clauses; for instance, "who" can initiate a co-ordinate clause.
He informed his wife, who relayed the information to a neighbor Graver emphasizes that not every clause introduced by a relative pronoun qualifies as an adjective clause; non-defining clauses can serve an explanatory role, often suggesting an adverbial idea that indicates the reason or cause related to the main clause.
Manufacturers ceased the promotion of the drug due to its serious side effects The terms "as" and "but" can function as relative pronouns, highlighting the relationship between different clauses in a sentence.
Sometimes “but” is used as a relative pronoun
Let’s look at some examples:
There wasn’t one boy in the class but knew (= that didn’t know) exactly what the teacher was referring to
In a classroom, students often struggle to grasp the exact concepts being discussed by their teacher According to Graver (1997), the word “as” can introduce a defining relative clause, typically following phrases like “the same” or “such.”
The student wasn’t working hard enough, and such work as he had done was very poor
(= The student wasn’t working hard enough and the work that he had done was very poor) [19]
“As” may also introduce a non-defining (co-ordinate) clause
Such clauses differ from all other relative clauses, however, in that way, they can precede the main clause and interrupt or follow it
E.g.: As he later admitted, it was a stupid thing to do
It was, as he later admitted, a stupid thing to do
It was a stupid thing to do, as he later admitted.
Previous studies about “The Old Man and the Sea”
1.6.1 “The Interpretation of Hemingway´s The Old Man and the Sea” by Lenka Mařáková
This analysis of Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" employs a phenomenological and Jungian approach to explore its rich symbolism Key archetypes such as the Wise Old Man, the Child, and the Mother emerge, illustrating the interconnectedness of the characters Santiago and Manolin embody the male principle, reflecting both interpersonal and intrapersonal dynamics Santiago's existential fears manifest in his relationship with Manolin, acting as a coping mechanism for the author's psychological tension Additionally, the motif of baseball symbolizes Santiago's yearning for escape and transformation in his life circumstances.
The novella delves into the inner conflict and existential themes surrounding an identity crisis, particularly during life evaluation and the pursuit of integrity It highlights the imbalance between male and female principles, with the male aspect dominating the initial scenario, while subtle symbols reveal the weakened feminine principle The character of Manolin embodies the Child Archetype, hinting at impending change and tension that foreshadows further development.
Santiago's triumph over the marlin represents the author's quest for spiritual significance that has been repressed in the unconscious The journey illustrates Santiago's connection to the feminine principle, embodied by the sea and the marlin, highlighting the symbolic tension between male and female forces, culminating in a final display of aggression.
The novella's ambiguous ending prompts questions about future developments and reflects the author's psychological complexities, leaving themes unresolved and uncertain It suggests a partial acceptance of values and the initiation of an integration process While the analysis does not explore religious symbolism in depth, it recognizes its emotional significance and the personal interpretations it evokes in individuals.
Overall, the novella's symbolism explores themes of isolation, suffering, and the individual's internal struggle, offering insights into Hemingway's unconscious motivations and psychological tensions
1.6.2 “A Thematic Study of Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea” by Ojedoja, Sanjo
This study examines key themes in Hemingway's novel, including power, courage, hunting, survival, and suffering It highlights how Hemingway delves into man's role within a violent and destructive world, underscoring the significance of courage and resilience when confronted with adversity.
Santiago, the protagonist of Hemingway's narrative, embodies the essence of a courageous man who faces life's challenges with resilience His physical and mental struggles during the hunt for the great marlin and his subsequent defense against sharks illustrate the depth of his character Additionally, the story delves into Hemingway's perspective on nature and its intricate relationship with humanity, emphasizing the theme of suffering and its pivotal role in character development.
The Old Man and the Sea illustrates how courage and resilience enable both man and beast to achieve dignity in a harsh environment Hemingway's distinctive writing style and the depiction of Santiago's journey highlight the author's examination of human strength, endurance, and the quest for heroism in a challenging world.
1.6.3 An Analysis of Relative Clause in the Novel Paper Towns by John Green by Anisah Fitri Sulistiani
In the novel "Paper Towns" by John Green, the author effectively employs relative clauses, which are essential for mastering English grammar This research aims to identify the types and functions of relative clauses within the text, focusing on the nouns they modify, specifically distinguishing between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses Utilizing a descriptive qualitative method, the study reveals a total of 109 relative clause sentences: 50 are classified as restrictive and 59 as non-restrictive The findings indicate that 90 sentences function as subjects, 12 as objects, 2 as objects of prepositions, and 5 as possessives Additionally, the analysis shows that relative clauses predominantly modify common nouns, with 69 instances, compared to 34 proper nouns and 6 pronouns.
RESEARCH FINDINGS
Overview of the novel “The Old Man and the Sea”
"The Old Man and the Sea" was written by Ernest Hemingway and published in
“The Old Man and the Sea” tells the story of a battle between an ageing, educated fisher, Santiago, and a large marlin The story opens with Santiago having gone
After 84 days without catching a fish, Santiago is deemed "Salao," the epitome of bad luck, leading his young apprentice Manolin's parents to forbid him from fishing with the old man Despite this, Manolin continues to care for Santiago, bringing him food and sharing conversations about baseball, particularly about Joe DiMaggio Determined to change his fortunes, Santiago plans to venture far into the Gulf Stream, believing his streak of bad luck is nearing its end On the eighty-fifth day, he hooks a massive fish, likely a marlin, and becomes engaged in a grueling battle that lasts two days and nights Despite his exhaustion and pain, Santiago develops a deep respect for the marlin, referring to it as family, and vows that no creature will consume its flesh On the third day, using his last ounce of strength, he finally kills the marlin and secures it alongside his skiff, envisioning the wealth and food it will provide for many upon his return home.
As Santiago makes his way to shore, the blood of the marlin attracts harpies, leading him to kill a great mako shark with his dart, though he loses his weapon in the process He crafts a new dart by attaching his cutter to an oar to fend off the relentless harpies, managing to take down five, but they continue to feast on the marlin, leaving only its backbone, tail, and head Realizing his defeat, Santiago laments how the harpies have shattered his dreams Upon reaching shore before dawn, he struggles home with the heavy mast, leaving the remnants of the marlin behind The next day, local fishers gather around his boat, measuring the fish's remains at 18 feet, while Pedro takes the head and the others express their condolences to Santiago Tourists mistakenly identify the remains as a wolf, and the boy, worried for the old man, weeps upon finding him asleep with injured hands Mandolin brings him newspapers and coffee, and upon waking, they vow to fish together again, while Santiago dreams of his youth and adventures in Africa.
Relative Clauses of the novel “The Old Man and the Sea”
In Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," relative clauses serve to enhance the description of nouns and pronouns, offering crucial additional information These clauses can be categorized according to their specific functions within the text.
Eg: "The boat that Santiago used was old and worn." (specifies which boat
The restrictive clause functions to provide essential information that restricts or narrows down the noun it modifies, in this case, "boat."
The clause begins with the relative pronoun "that" and includes the subject
"Santiago" and the verb "used." It specifies which boat is being referred to - the one used by Santiago
The boat used by Santiago is notably old and worn, a detail that sets it apart from other boats and adds essential context to the narrative.
Santiago was regarded as the best fisherman in his village, possessing extensive knowledge and experience Despite his struggles, he remained determined and resilient His deep connection with the sea and its creatures showcased his dedication to his craft Santiago's journey exemplified the importance of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams, even in the face of adversity.
Santiago possessed extensive knowledge and experience as a fisherman, renowned in his village for his exceptional skills.
If we remove the non-restrictive clause, the sentence would still make sense and convey the same essential meaning: "Santiago had a lot of knowledge and experience."
The non-restrictive clause enhances the description of Santiago, highlighting him as the best fisherman in his village While it offers additional context, it is not essential for grasping the core message of the sentence.
Eg: "The old man, who had not caught a fish in eighty-four days, was determined to prove his worth." (describes the noun "old man")
The adjective clause enhances the noun "man" by offering extra details about him It starts with the relative pronoun "who" and features the verb phrase "had not caught a fish in eighty-four days."
The old man was determined to prove his worth despite not having caught a fish in eighty-four days This emphasizes his resilience and commitment to overcoming the challenges he faces in his fishing endeavors.
Eg: "What he needed was a big fish to restore his reputation." (functions as the subject of the sentence)
The subject clause highlights the old man's needs, beginning with the interrogative pronoun "What." It includes the subject pronoun "he" and the verb "needed," effectively conveying the central idea of the sentence.
To restore his reputation, the old man needed a significant catch, often referred to as "a big fish." This phrase underscores the importance of a substantial achievement in regaining his standing.
Eg: Now everything is cleared away that might make trouble and I have a big reserve of line; all that a man can ask
The object clause in the given example is "that might make trouble." Let's analyze this clause in context:
"Now everything is cleared away that might make trouble, and I have a big reserve of line; all that a man can ask."
The speaker indicates that all potential sources of trouble have been effectively eliminated The relative clause "that might make trouble" enhances the understanding of the noun phrase "everything," offering insight into the characteristics of the items that have been removed or resolved.
The relative pronoun "that" introduces the clause and includes the verb phrase
"might make trouble." The use of "might" suggests a possibility or potential for trouble, indicating that the speaker is referring to things that have the potential to cause difficulties
The phrase "cleared away" signifies that any potential issues have been effectively resolved Additionally, the mention of a "big reserve of line" suggests that there are sufficient resources available to tackle any future challenges.
Overall, the object clause emphasizes removing potential sources of trouble, highlighting the speaker's satisfaction with the current state of affairs and their confidence in being prepared for future difficulties
Eg: "Santiago fished alone, as he preferred solitude." (indicates how Santiago fished)
The adverbial clause functions to modify the verb "fished" and provide information about how Santiago fished
The clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "as" and includes the subject pronoun "he" and the verb phrase "preferred solitude." The verb phrase
"preferred solitude" predicates the adverbial clause, describing Santiago's preference
Santiago fished alone, as he preferred solitude This choice highlights the manner in which he engaged in fishing, emphasizing his desire for peace and reflection during the experience.
Eg: "Santiago, the old man from the fishing village, had a weathered face."
(provides additional information about the noun "Santiago")
The appositive clause functions to provide additional information about the noun
"Santiago" by describing him in more detail
The appositive clause, enclosed in commas, introduces the noun phrase "the old man from the fishing village," which renames Santiago This clause highlights Santiago's identity by emphasizing his age and his connection to the fishing village, providing a clearer understanding of his character.
Santiago, a seasoned fisherman from a humble fishing village, had a weathered face that reflected his years of hard work and experience His appearance not only revealed his age but also told the story of his life spent battling the sea.
Eg: The boy who admired the old man's determination helped him prepare for his journey
Let's analyze this clause: subject: the boy
The subject of the sentence is "the boy." This refers to a young male character in the story who has a certain admiration for someone
The relative pronoun "who" introduces the subordinate clause and connects it to the main clause It refers to "the boy" and is used to provide additional information about him
The verb "admired" expresses the action performed by "the boy." It indicates that the boy held a feeling of admiration or respect for someone
Object: the old man's determination
The boy admired the old man's determination, highlighting the strong will and resolve that defined him This possessive noun phrase emphasizes the specific quality that captured the boy's admiration.
Main clause: helped him prepare for his journey
Translation of Relative Clauses in "The Old Man and the Sea" into Vietnamese by Lê Huy Bắc
2.3.1 Challenges and considerations in translating relative clauses in "The Old Man and the Sea" into Vietnamese
Vietnamese follows a subject-verb-object (SVO) word order, akin to English A notable distinction is the positioning of adjectives and modifiers When translating relative clauses from English to Vietnamese, the SVO structure remains unchanged, eliminating the need for rearrangement However, attention should be paid to the placement of modifiers to maintain clarity and ensure a natural flow in the sentence.
Here's an example of how a relative clause might be translated into Vietnamese while maintaining the SVO word order:
English: "It was noon when I hooked him."
Vietnamese: "Mình câu được nó vào quãng trưa."
In the sentence "It was noon when I hooked him," the relative clause "when I hooked him" can be translated to "câu được nó" while preserving the SVO structure This results in the Vietnamese translation: "Mình câu được nó vào quãng trưa."
In this example, the main clause "It was noon" maintains the same word order as in English The relative clause "when I hooked him" follows the main clause, indicating the timing of the action When translating from English to Vietnamese, it's essential to consider several key differences.
Firstly, English uses relative pronouns such as "who," "which," or "that" in relative clauses, whereas Vietnamese integrates the clause directly into the main sentence without a relative pronoun
Vietnamese features a more limited verb tense system compared to English, making it crucial to pay attention to the tense in relative clauses and find suitable equivalents in Vietnamese Moreover, the use of classifiers or measure words in Vietnamese for counting and specifying nouns necessitates careful consideration to ensure clarity and accuracy in translation When translating literary works, it is essential to capture the cultural and linguistic nuances of the source text, including its tone, imagery, and style.
Vietnamese often uses fewer words than English to convey similar ideas, requiring adjustments in sentence structure during translation of relative clauses to preserve meaning while following Vietnamese syntax Furthermore, due to the abundance of idiomatic expressions in English, it is essential to adapt these phrases and find suitable Vietnamese equivalents to effectively communicate the intended message.
2.3.2 Analysis of the translated versions of relative clauses
The scope of the relative clause is quite extensive By the investigation, there are
This article examines the 103 relative clauses identified in the 12 chapters of Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," as translated into Vietnamese by Lê Huy Bắc It provides a detailed analysis of the techniques used to convey the relationships from English to Vietnamese within the text.
Reduction RC (57cU.34%) Translate into “mà” (6c=5.83%) Translation of proposition (3c=2.91%) Splitting (4c=3.88%)
Put the end of the sentence (1c=0.97%)
Table 2.1: The relative clause sentences in the work “The Old Man and the Sea”
In "The Old Man and the Sea," Ernest Hemingway employs the technique of reducing relative clauses in about 70.88% of the text, showcasing his signature writing style that prioritizes conciseness and efficiency This approach allows him to convey information effectively while maintaining simplicity and clarity throughout the novel.
Hemingway effectively employs relative clauses to minimize word count while establishing connections between ideas and depicting characters and objects By omitting certain elements that can be inferred from the context, he creates shorter, more streamlined sentences that significantly enhance their impact.
2.3.3 Not translate the relative clause
He felt sympathy for the small, delicate dark terns, which constantly searched for food yet were seldom seen He believed that these birds faced a more challenging existence than humans, with the exception of the predatory and robust species.
Lão thương cho những chú chim, đặc biệt là loài nhạn đen nhỏ bé, mỏng manh, luôn bay lượn và tìm kiếm nhưng hầu như không tìm thấy gì Lão cảm thấy rằng loài chim sống khổ sở hơn con người, ngoại trừ một vài giống chim kẻ cướp và những loài lớn hơn.
Vietnamese translation: " đặc biệt là loài nhạn đen nhỏ, mỏng manh cứ bay và tìm kiếm mãi nhưng hầu như chẳng tìm thấy gì "
The English relative clause enhances the noun phrase "the small delicate dark terns" by offering extra details Beginning with the relative pronoun "that," it highlights the terns' behaviors and traits, noting that they are constantly in flight and observant, while also being infrequently spotted.
In the Vietnamese translation, the relative clause starts with "loài nhạn đen nhỏ" (small delicate dark terns), accurately reflecting the English description It incorporates the verbs "bay" (flying) and "tìm kiếm" (looking for) to illustrate the terns' actions The phrase "nhưng hầu như chẳng tìm thấy gì," meaning "but they hardly find anything," highlights the difficulty of finding anything despite their persistent efforts.
Eg: He looked down into the water and watched the lines that went straight down into the dark of the water
➔ Lão nhìn xuống nước, theo dõi mấy sợi dây được thả thẳng đứng xuống vùng đen của đại dương
Fishermen transported caught sharks to a nearby factory, where they underwent processing: their livers were extracted, fins removed, hides skinned, and flesh sliced into strips for salting.
Những người bắt được cá mập thường mang chúng đến xưởng cá mập bên kia vịnh Tại đây, cá mập được treo lên bằng ròng rọc, gan được mổ lấy, vi bị cắt, da được lột, và thịt được xẻ thành từng miếng để ướp muối.
On that day, the successful fishermen had already returned, skillfully butchered their marlin, and transported them laid out on two planks, with two men struggling to carry each end to the fish house, where they awaited the ice truck to deliver their catch to the market in Havana.
Comparison of relative clause use in the original English text and translated
English: "He no longer dreamed of storms, nor of women, nor of great occurrences, nor of great fish, nor fights, nor contests of strength, nor of his wife" (Chapter 1)
Lê Huy Bắc không còn mơ về bão tố, phụ nữ, những sự kiện trọng đại, hay những con cá lớn Ông cũng không còn nằm mơ về những trận đánh, những cuộc đấu sức, và ngay cả vợ ông cũng không còn xuất hiện trong giấc mơ của ông.
In both Vietnamese translations, the relative clause "Never have I seen a greater, or more beautiful, or a calmer or more noble thing than you, brother" is rendered as follows:
Lê Huy Bắc đã ca ngợi một người với những từ ngữ đầy ý nghĩa: "ai hùng dũng, duyên dáng, bình tĩnh, cao thượng hơn mày, người anh em ạ", thể hiện sự tôn trọng và ngưỡng mộ Ông cũng miêu tả người ấy như "một cái gì lớn lao, oai vệ, đường hoàng, đẹp đẽ đến như anh", khẳng định vẻ đẹp và sự vĩ đại của nhân cách.
Lê Huy Bắc's choice of the word "ai" (someone) emphasizes an individual in the comparison, while Translation 2's use of "một cái gì" (something) presents a more general perspective Both word choices effectively convey the idea of comparison, highlighting the nuance in focus between the two translations.
Adjective choice: Lê Huy Bắc uses "hùng dũng" (brave), "duyên dáng" (graceful),
The translations utilize various adjectives to describe the subject of comparison, with "calm" and "noble" in one version, while another employs "great," "majestic," "noble," and "beautiful." Despite the differences in specific terms, both translations effectively convey similar qualities, highlighting the subject's admirable traits.
Lê Huy Bắc employs a direct conversational style by addressing the subject with informal terms like "mày" (you, brother) and "người anh em" (brother), creating a sense of intimacy In contrast, the second translation opts for a more formal approach, using "anh" (you) without explicitly referring to the subject as "brother," which alters the tone of the interaction.
Both translations successfully communicate the essence of the relative clause while comparing the subject to something greater, more beautiful, calmer, or more noble However, they differ in word choice and sentence structure, reflecting the unique styles and interpretations of the translators.
English: He was an old man who fished alone in a Skiff in the Gulf Stream and he had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish
Lê Huy Bắc, một lão ngư dân già, đã câu cá một mình trên dòng Nhiệt Lưu suốt tám mươi bốn ngày mà không bắt được con cá nào Mặc dù lão thường xuyên ra khơi với chiếc thuyền con, nhưng vận may không mỉm cười với lão trong suốt thời gian dài này.
In both Vietnamese translations, the relative clause "who fish alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream" is rendered as follows:
Lê Huy Bắc: "một mình một thuyền câu cá trên dòng Nhiệt Lưu" (literally: alone on a fishing boat in the Gulf Stream)
Translation 2: "một mình một chiếc thuyền con thường đến câu cá ở vùng Nhiệt lưu" (literally: alone on a small boat often going fishing in the Gulf Stream).[25] Here are some observations: Word choice: Lê Huy Bắc uses "thuyền câu cá" (fishing boat) while Translation 2 uses "thuyền con" (small boat) Both convey the idea of a boat used for fishing, but the specific terminology differs
Lê Huy Bắc places the word "thuyền" (boat) before "câu cá" (fishing), while Translation 2 positions "con" (small) before "thuyền." Although the word order differs slightly, it does not significantly change the overall meaning.
Translation 2 incorporates the phrase "often going" before "fishing," suggesting that fishing trips are a regular activity This nuance is absent in both the original English text and the Lê Huy Bắc translation.
Sentence structure: Lê Huy Bắc uses a compound sentence structure, separating the two parts of the original English sentence with a comma Translation 2 opts for a single-sentence structure
Overall, both translations successfully convey the relative clause and the key information about the old man fishing alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream
However, there are differences in word choice, word order, and the inclusion of additional details, showcasing the translators' styles and interpretations
English: "Everything about him was old except his eyes, and they were the same color as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated." (Chapter 1)
Lê Huy Bắc: Mặc dù cơ thể ông đã lão hóa, đôi mắt của ông vẫn giữ được sự tươi sáng và màu sắc như nước biển, thể hiện niềm vui và sức sống không hề bị đánh bại.
Transltion 2: Ở con người của lão, cái gì nom cũng già cỗi chỉ trừ có đôi mắt vui đời và gan góc xanh màu nước biển.[26]
The translations emphasize that while the old man's body exhibits visible signs of aging, his eyes remain youthful and vibrant This contrast highlights the notion that, despite his overall appearance, his gaze retains a sense of life and vitality.
Le Huy Bac's translation employs a restrictive clause structure, mirroring the original English text with the phrase "except his eyes." This approach effectively introduces the exception before elaborating on the characteristics of the eyes, maintaining coherence and clarity in the translation.
Translation 2 effectively conveys the exception by utilizing the phrase "everything is old except," rather than relying on a relative clause This approach maintains the intended meaning while offering a more straightforward structure.
Both translations communicate that the eyes share the same color as the sea and convey a sense of cheerfulness or resilience However, they vary in their word choices and sentence structures to articulate this concept.
English: The old man, whose name was Santiago, had not slept since Tuesday" (Chapter 1)
Lê Huy Bac translation: "Lão, tên là Santiago, từ thứ ba đến giờ chẳng ngủ" (literally: The old man, named Santiago, hadn't slept since Tuesday)
Translation 2: "Người lão già kia, tên là Santiago, từ thứ ba đến giờ chẳng mấy khi ngủ" (literally: That old man, named Santiago, had hardly slept since Tuesday) [27]
In both translations, the non-restrictive relative clause "whose name was Santiago" is rendered as follows:
Word choice: Both translations use the phrase "tên là Santiago" to convey the meaning of "whose name was Santiago." The phrase directly states the name of the old man
Sentence structure: Both translations maintain the same sentence structure as the original English text, placing the non-restrictive relative clause after the noun
Evaluate the translation of relative clauses in the novel The Old Man and the Sea
2.5.1 Advantages of Le Huy Bac's translation
Le Huy Bac's translation of The Old Man and the Sea reflects his dedication to preserving the original text's essence and style while effectively conveying its meaning in Vietnamese Renowned for its clarity and readability, his translation features smooth-flowing sentences that eliminate confusion and ambiguity.
Le Huy Bac emphasizes the naturalness of the target language in his translation, skillfully adapting grammatical structures to ensure idiomatic expressions without awkward phrases His consistent translation style enhances the novel's coherence, allowing readers to engage with the story seamlessly Bac effectively captures the essence of Hemingway's writing, particularly the significance of relative clauses, and conveys their impact in the translated text His adept handling of these clauses in The Old Man and the Sea showcases his ability to preserve the original meaning while maintaining clarity and naturalness in the target language.
Eg: "The fish, which was gigantic, struggled fiercely against the old man's line."
Le Huy Bac's translation skillfully conveys the relative clause "which was gigantic," maintaining the original sentence's meaning The relative pronoun "which" effectively links the description of the fish's size to the main clause, ensuring a seamless and comprehensible reading experience for the audience.
Le Huy Bac's translation effectively captures the descriptive essence of the original sentence while preserving its syntactic structure His work enhances clarity and coherence, enabling readers to visualize the fish's size and appreciate its significance within the story Overall, Bac's handling of relative clauses in The Old Man and the Sea highlights his skill in conveying the original text's essence, ensuring a smooth narrative for target language readers.
2.5.2 The similarities and differences between types of relative clause in English and Vietnamese
Relative clauses in English and Vietnamese offer essential supplementary information about nouns or pronouns, known as antecedents, in a sentence These clauses enhance clarity by defining or describing the antecedent with greater precision.
Both English and Vietnamese utilize relative pronouns to introduce relative clauses, acting as a connection between the main clause and the relative clause In English, the most common relative pronouns are "who," "whom," "which," and "that."
In Vietnamese, relative pronouns like "mà," "người," "cái," "đó" are used, along with relative pronouns like "nào," "mà," "của nó."
English and Vietnamese have distinct word orders, with English following a subject-verb-object (SVO) format, while Vietnamese utilizes a subject-object-verb (SOV) structure This difference influences how relative clauses are positioned within sentences, as English employs relative pronouns such as "who" to introduce these clauses.
In English, relative clauses are introduced by pronouns such as "whom," "which," and "that," while Vietnamese employs markers like "mà," "người," and "cái," or pronouns like "nào" and "của nó." Unlike English, where relative pronouns can often be omitted when they serve as the object, Vietnamese typically retains these markers for clarity Furthermore, English relative clauses frequently utilize finite verbs, such as "who is" and "which has," whereas Vietnamese tends to favor non-finite verbs or verb-less structures, exemplified by phrases like "người đi" and "cái chưa đến." For instance, in the sentence from "The Old Man and the Sea," the English version reads, "He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream," while the Vietnamese translation states, "Lão đã già, một mình một thuyền câu cá trên dòng nhiệt lưu."
The English relative clause employs a relative pronoun, such as "who," alongside a finite verb like "fished" to elaborate on the old man's actions, offering extra details about him Conversely, the Vietnamese relative clause depends on word order, context, and the relative pronoun "một mình" to clarify the connection between the noun and the verb phrase "một mình một thuyền câu cá." Despite these distinctions, both languages share the fundamental purpose of relative clauses: to provide supplementary information about the antecedent.
RESULTS OF THE STUDY
Results of the study
This study aims to investigate the usage of relative clauses in the literary work
Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," translated by Le Huy Bac, features relative clauses that enhance the narrative by providing additional context about nouns in the main clause These subordinate clauses, initiated by relative pronouns or adverbs, serve an adjectival role in the text This study examines the various types of relative clauses and addresses the complexities involved in their translation, taking into account the linguistic differences and cultural nuances that influence meaning.
Relative clauses are essential for enriching sentence structure by providing descriptive details They are categorized into two primary types: restrictive relative clauses, which limit the meaning of a noun, and non-restrictive relative clauses, which add extra information without altering the core meaning of the sentence.
Restrictive relative clauses are crucial for conveying essential information that identifies the noun they modify Unlike non-restrictive clauses, they are not separated by commas and cannot be omitted without altering the sentence's meaning.
Eg: The fish that the old man caught was enormous
Non-restrictive relative clauses provide extra, non-essential information about a noun, enhancing the sentence without changing its fundamental meaning These clauses are distinguished by commas and can be removed without affecting the overall message of the sentence.
A comparative analysis of Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" and Le Huy Bac's translation reveals significant insights into the usage and translation of relative clauses By examining both the original text and its Vietnamese counterpart, we can uncover notable similarities and differences in their structures and meanings This exploration highlights the nuances of translation and the effectiveness of Bac's interpretation in conveying Hemingway's themes.
In "The Old Man and the Sea," both English and Vietnamese employ relative clauses to enhance nouns or pronouns with additional information These clauses typically follow the nouns they modify, separated by commas in non-defining relative clauses A key difference lies in the use of relative pronouns; English utilizes them, while Vietnamese employs "mà" for relative clauses Additionally, English allows for the omission of relative pronouns when they serve as objects, a feature not found in Vietnamese, where relative clauses are always necessary Moreover, Vietnamese maintains the original word order of sentences in its relative clauses, contrasting with English, which often rearranges word order Lastly, while English differentiates between restrictive and non-restrictive relative clauses, Vietnamese predominantly uses non-restrictive clauses without such distinctions.
The exploration of relative clauses in Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" and Le Huy Bac's translation highlights the intricacies involved in translating these linguistic elements Recognizing the various types and functions of relative clauses enhances our understanding of their influence on the text's meaning A comparative analysis uncovers the translation strategies employed, the linguistic challenges faced, and the necessary cultural adaptations By addressing these factors, translators can achieve more accurate and culturally attuned interpretations of literary works that feature relative clauses.
The exploration of relative clauses in Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" and Le Huy Bac's translation highlights the intricacies of translating these structures Recognizing the types and functions of relative clauses sheds light on their significance within the text's overall meaning This comparative analysis uncovers the translation strategies employed, the linguistic challenges faced, and the necessary cultural adaptations By addressing these elements, translators can achieve more accurate and culturally aware interpretations of literary works that feature relative clauses.
Summary of the main finding
A relative clause is a subordinate clause that adds extra information about a noun or pronoun within a sentence Research has explored the role of relative clauses in communication during translation and their impact on the use of English and Vietnamese.
First, the researcher analyzes the relative clauses in the original English text of
In "The Old Man and the Sea," an analysis of syntactic patterns and semantic functions reveals the structure of clauses, including the use of relative pronouns like "who," "which," and "that," as well as instances where pronouns are omitted The study further explores the semantic relationships formed by relational clauses, focusing on their attributive, defining, and non-defining roles.
This study analyzed the Vietnamese translations of a novel to assess the rendering of relative clauses in the target language While both Vietnamese and English utilize relative clauses for additional information, their structures and word orders differ significantly Vietnamese often begins relative clauses with pronouns like "mà" or "thì." In Chapter III, I compared the syntactic structures and semantic functions of relative clauses in the English source text with those in the translations by Le Huy Bac and others The research highlighted how translators navigated structural and word order differences, examining their implications for meaning and style in the translated text Additionally, the study explored cultural and linguistic factors that influenced translation choices and their overall effect on readers' interpretations and experiences.
This study significantly enhances translation studies by examining interlanguage differences in relative clause usage, specifically through the lens of "The Old Man and the Sea." It uncovers the challenges and strategies involved in translating complex syntactic structures while maintaining the original text's meaning and style By comparing the novel with Le Huy Bac's translation, this research aids learners in mastering relative clauses in English and understanding effective translation methods.
The exploration of the transfer mode remains limited in scope and depth, hindering a comprehensive understanding of its value Consequently, future studies are essential to address these gaps This modest research aims to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding restatement and interpretation, particularly focusing on the judgment restatement involving relations clauses.
Suggestions for further studies
Preceptors are vital in motivating scholars and improving their restatement skills, as their effectiveness largely depends on the guidance from schoolteachers An overview of the English-Vietnamese language system, particularly regarding relative clauses, is essential for minimizing errors in paraphrasing Teachers should help scholars understand the unique aspects of restatement to reduce inaccuracies, especially when relative clauses differ from Vietnamese norms, leading to confusion Scholars often rely on their instincts influenced by the original textbook language, making it crucial to grasp the fundamental differences between English and Vietnamese This understanding allows them to engage in the restatement process more effectively, using expressions suited for nonfiction rather than literal translations In grammar, phonetics-phonology, restatement propositions, and summaries, schoolteachers can aid students in comparing the key distinctions between the two languages, thereby establishing a strong foundation for their language learning journey.
To improve students' practical skills, educators should implement effective strategies such as classroom discussions and problem-solving activities that allow students to tackle their challenges directly By offering concrete examples and practice exercises, teachers can help students master the use of relative clauses and apply suitable translation techniques This approach fosters a deeper and more varied understanding of translating clauses, ultimately enhancing students' overall translation abilities.
Teachers should encourage students to integrate regular translation practice into their learning routines Mistakes made during translation exercises present valuable opportunities for teachers to offer corrective feedback, which aids students in developing the habit of accurate translation.
Teachers should emphasize the importance of reference systems and promote self-study alongside classroom instruction Effective self-training methods involve utilizing English language resources, such as books and comparative texts, which allow for easy side-by-side analysis Additionally, students can enhance their learning by observing and analyzing various translation techniques These self-study strategies are essential supplements to traditional classroom education.
Relative clauses are a crucial component of English grammar and play a significant role in linguistics Mastering relative clauses enables students to effectively use, recognize, and identify word classes, allowing them to construct accurate sentences and coherent paragraphs.
Active practice of language skills is crucial for learners to enhance their understanding of relative clauses and improve their translation abilities Engaging in self-directed study significantly contributes to their learning journey, allowing them to interact directly with teachers or expand their knowledge through platforms like YouTube and dedicated English learning websites.
Active student engagement with teachers is crucial for effective learning Students should openly discuss their challenges and seek guidance to find solutions Given the limited weekly time allocated to each subject, a student's advancement is not solely based on absorbing knowledge but also on the enriching environment they experience in the classroom.
Active participation in foreign language activities is essential for students, particularly those in the field of translation Language learners need to be engaged and innovative, as effective communication relies on consistent practice and the continual acquisition of new knowledge Regular interaction and creative expression are key to mastering a foreign language.
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