Trang 1 HUNG YEN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES --- GRADUATION PAPER FIELD: ENGLISH LINGUISTICS A CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EXCLAMATION IN ENGLISH
Rationale of the study
English has emerged as a global lingua franca, playing a crucial role in the development of countries worldwide Its significance extends beyond communication, facilitating access to new knowledge, cultures, and technologies Consequently, the importance of learning English continues to grow, especially for non-native speakers.
English has become increasingly prevalent in Vietnam, firmly establishing its role within the Vietnamese education system It is taught across all levels, from primary to tertiary education At Hung Yen University of Technology and Education, proficiency in English is essential for students' academic success and daily life.
Students frequently use exclamatory sentences in both English and Vietnamese, often without clear intention, leading to their overuse in everyday conversation and writing While these statements effectively convey emotions, they can sometimes create confusion for listeners and readers, hindering mutual understanding.
The increasing need for understanding exclamations has prompted a researcher to explore their similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese This study aims to address challenges in learning and using exclamations effectively Titled "A Contrastive Analysis of Exclamations in English and Vietnamese," the research seeks to enhance students' comprehension of exclamations and improve their overall English language skills.
The aims of the research
This research aimed to explore the similarities and differences between exclamatory sentences in English and Vietnamese, offering insights and recommendations for effectively teaching, learning, and utilizing exclamations in the target language.
Research questions
1 What are the similarities and differences between exclamations in English and Vietnamese?
2 What are the suggestions for teachers and students in teaching and learning exclamations?
Scope of study
Due to constraints in knowledge, documentation, and time, the dissertation titled "A Contrastive Analysis of Exclamations in English and Vietnamese" will not explore all aspects of exclamations in both languages Instead, this research will specifically focus on a semantic comparison of exclamations The findings presented in this study will be derived from carefully collected materials.
Methods of the study
The author employs descriptive and quantitative research methods to gather data, utilizing a variety of sources including books, magazines, newspapers, the internet, and previous studies Additionally, comparative analysis is conducted to explore the similarities and differences in exclamations between English and Vietnamese.
Structure of the study
Chapter I introduces the research questions guiding the study, outlining the rationale for selecting the topic It details the study's aims, research questions, scope, and methodology, providing essential background information for understanding the research context.
Chapter II: Literature review - This chapter reviews the theoretical background and focuses on general definitions and types They are the views, opinions, previous studies collected from books, newspapers, Internet
Chapter III, titled "The Study," explores the challenges faced in learning exclamation sentences The author analyzes the similarities and differences between exclamation sentences in English and Vietnamese, providing a comparative perspective To enhance understanding, the chapter concludes with practical suggestions for effectively learning exclamation sentences.
Chapter IV is the study "Conclusion" that summarizes the study's main points, the limitations of the study, and some suggestions for further research.
LITERATURE REVIEW 4 2.1 An overview of contrastive analysis
Micro-linguistics contrastive analysis vs macro-linguistics contrastive analysis
Micro-linguistics is a subfield of linguistics focused on the abstract study of language systems, emphasizing syntax and phonology while excluding the meanings and cultural context of linguistic expressions This approach stands in contrast to macro-linguistics, which encompasses the study of meanings and their roles within human social systems, particularly in sociolinguistics The term "micro-linguistics" was first introduced by George L Trager in a 1949 article in Studies in Linguistics: Occasional Papers.
Macro-linguistics is a comprehensive field that examines language in its broadest context, incorporating cultural and behavioral elements linked to communication It analyzes various aspects of linguistic phenomena, exploring the contexts of language use and its evolution over time and among individuals In contrast, Micro-linguistics delves into the intricate details of language, focusing on sounds, grammatical structures, syntax, and meanings.
Macro-linguistics and micro-linguistics are two key branches of linguistics that analyze language, its structure, and meaning While macro-linguistics looks at language from a broader, general perspective, micro-linguistics delves into the specific details and nuances of language Both fields explore how external factors influence the evolution of language and its interpretation.
Macro-linguistics examines language in relation to social, cultural, psychological, and neurological influences, exploring the connections between these factors and language structure In contrast, micro-linguistics focuses on the specific properties, structures, and functions of language itself.
In conclusion, macro-linguistics studies language and the influences on language in general, while micro-linguistics studies language and its properties, elements, and concepts in greater detail.
Definitions of sentences
2.3.1 Definitions of sentences in English
A sentence is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as a collection of words that typically includes a verb and conveys a thought, whether as a statement, question, instruction, or exclamation It begins with a capital letter when written.
At GrammarWord, Hafsa explains that a sentence serves as the fundamental unit of language, conveying a complete thought while adhering to grammatical syntax rules For instance, the sentence "Hoa is walking" exemplifies this concept.
McArthur, Tom (1992) in “The Oxford companion to the English language” said that:
“Sentence is the largest structural unit normally treated in GRAMMAR”
A sentence is defined as a complete set of words that conveys a statement, question, exclamation, or command, typically containing a subject and predicate, as stated by the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary There are four main types of sentences: declarative sentences, which make statements; interrogative sentences, which ask questions; imperative sentences, which give commands; and exclamatory sentences, which express emotions.
A sentence is a self-contained group of words that includes a subject and predicate, expressing a statement, question, exclamation, or command It usually consists of a main clause and may also feature one or more subordinate clauses.
2.3.2 Definitions of sentences in Vietnamese
According to Diep Quang Ban (1996) in “Ngữ pháp tiếng Việt” gave the definition:
A sentence is a fundamental language unit characterized by an independent internal and external grammatical structure, along with a concluding intonation It conveys a relatively complete meaning, reflecting the speaker's attitude or evaluation, and aids in expressing thoughts and emotions Additionally, a sentence serves as the smallest unit of communication in language.
According to Hoang Trong Phien (1980: 19, 162), a sentence is a fully formed grammatical and semantic unit characterized by intonation that adheres to the rules of a specific language It serves as a means of expressing thoughts about reality and conveys the speaker's attitude towards that reality.
Cao Xuan Hao (2001) in "Ngữ pháp chức năng tiếng Việt" defines a sentence as the fundamental unit of speech, language, and text He emphasizes that it is the smallest unit utilized for communication, highlighting that a sentence represents the most basic form of content in written expression.
For examples: “Ông lão lại lóc cóc ra biển.”
(Ông lão đánh cá và con cá vàng – A Pu-skin)
In "Tiếng Việt cho mọi nhà" (2017), Hoang Dan defines a simple sentence based on traditional grammar as a language unit that possesses a complete form, starting with a capital letter and concluding with a punctuation mark.
According to the "Vietnamese Dictionary" by the Institute of Linguistics (2003, chapter 1, 125), a sentence is defined as the fundamental unit of speech, composed of words, characterized by a specific intonation, and conveys a complete thought.
For examples: “Tôi đang làm việc.”
“Diêm bén lửa thật là nhạy.”
(Cô bé bán diêm – An-đéc-xen)
In both English and Vietnamese, a sentence is defined as a group of words that includes essential elements such as a subject and a predicate, used to express thoughts or ideas However, Vietnamese sentences typically have more main components, including subject, predicative, complement, adverb, predicate, "khởi ngữ," and exclamative, while English sentences consist of five primary components: subject, predicative, complement, adverb, and predicate.
Definitions of exclamations
2.4.1 Definitions of exclamations in English
An exclamation, as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, is a sudden utterance made in response to surprise, fear, or strong emotions Exclamations serve to convey feelings of shock or excitement, and the phrases associated with them are known as exclamatives, typically formed using "what" or "how." In written form, exclamatives are punctuated with an exclamation mark, such as in the phrase, “I hate you!”
“How happy we are here!”
(The Selfish Giant – Oscar Wilde)
By McArthur, Tom (ed) 1992 in “The Oxford companion to the English language”, the exclamation is:
1 A cry; a sudden loud or emphatic utterance: Hey! Ouch!
2 A CLAUSE that conveys a strong emotion: Please leave me alone!
3 Also exclamatory clause or exclamative A type of clause or phrase, often verbless, that begins with what or how (followed by a noun phrase): What courage! What a meal that was! How marvelous!
Radford (1997) describes exclamatives as structures that express emotions such as surprise, delight, or annoyance He notes that in English syntax, exclamatives primarily consist of clauses initiated by wh-exclamative words like "what!" or "how!" This suggests that Radford views exclamatives as a syntactic phenomenon.
We use exclamations in everyday conversation to express our feelings
Have you ever exclaimed in delight when experiencing a stroke of luck or when noticing a beautiful girl? These expressions reflect the joy and excitement we feel in such moments.
In addition, Elena Castroviejo Miró in "Catalan Journal of Linguistics" (7, 2008, 41),
"An exclamative is a syntactic construction and an exclamation is a pragmatic construction whose role is to express the speaker’s feelings"
(The Happy Prince – Oscar Wilde)
Emma, a TESOL-certified teacher, explains that an exclamatory sentence expresses surprise or emphasizes a strong feeling about something, highlighting the speaker's genuine intent.
An exclamation sentence conveys the speaker's emotions, such as happiness, sadness, or anger, and is typically punctuated with an exclamation mark (!).
2.4.2 Definitions of exclamations in Vietnamese
Literature 8 II Education Publishing House in Vietnam identified “Câu cảm thán là câu có những từ ngữ cảm thán như: ôi, than ôi, hỡi ơi, chao ơi (ôi), trời ơi; thay, biết bao, xiết bao, biết chừng nào… dùng để bộc lộ trực tiếp cảm xúc của người nói (người viết); xuất hiện chủ yếu trong ngôn ngữ nói hằng ngày hay ngôn ngữ văn chương Khi viết, câu cảm thán thường kết thúc bằng dấu chấm than” It means that exclamation sentence is a sentence with exclamatory words such as: ôi, than ôi, hỡi ơi, chao ơi (ôi), trời ơi; thay, biết bao, xiết bao, biết chừng nào… is used to directly express the feelings of the speaker (writer); appear mainly in everyday spoken language or literary language When writing, exclamation sentences often end with an exclamation point It also has the same meaning as in English, it is the sentences used to express the feelings of the speaker (writer)
For examples: “Ôi! thời tiết hôm nay thật dễ chịu.”
“Chà! Ánh sáng kỳ dị làm sao!”
(Cô bé bán diêm – An-đéc-xen)
According to Phan Thanh Bao Tran's PhD thesis (2004) on the expression of exclamatory meaning in Vietnamese and Khmer, exclamation sentences serve to convey strong emotions and evoke feelings in others These sentences can be categorized into two types: those without factual content and those with factual content Each type of exclamation has distinct communicative effects and influences the listener in different ways.
Additionally, Cao Xuan Hao in “Ngữ pháp chức năng tiếng Việt” (2001) quotes that
Câu cảm thán là loại câu thể hiện cảm xúc mạnh mẽ và có khả năng tác động đến cảm xúc của người khác Có hai loại câu cảm thán: loại không chứa nội dung sự việc và loại có nội dung sự việc Mỗi loại câu cảm thán đều mang lại hiệu quả giao tiếp riêng và ảnh hưởng khác nhau đến người nghe.
Exclamatory sentences express strong emotions and evoke feelings in others They can be categorized into two types: those lacking factual content and those containing factual information Each type serves a distinct communicative purpose and influences the listener in unique ways.
For examples: “Đẹp vô cùng Tổ quốc ta ơi!”
(Tố Hữu) The author's exclamation sentence expresses the proud feeling of the country's beauty
“Than ôi! Thời oanh liệt nay còn đâu?”
“Than ôi!” is pain, sadness when faced with reality
According to Nguyen Thi Hong Ngoc in "Câu cảm thán" (2004), exclamatory sentences serve to convey the speaker's diverse emotions These sentences are employed to express varying degrees of feelings, evaluative attitudes, and the speaker's unusual mental states regarding the subject or event referenced.
When classifying sentence types, both languages prioritize purpose and structure Scholars have varying opinions on exclamations, but Tom McArthur (1992) offers a notable perspective, defining exclamations as sentences that convey a person's feelings being strongly affected or stirred by something.
Identifications of exclamations
It is not problematic for the authors to use them in literature or use them in daily life For example:
“Awake! What, ho, Brabantio! Thieves! Thieves! Thieves!”
“Oh, give me back my heavenly child,
My love!” the rose in anguish cried;
Alas! The sky triumphant smiled,
And so the flower, heart-broken, died.”
(Mother and Child - Eugene Field)
The following signs can identify exclamations:
- There is an exclamation mark at the end of the sentence
In English, exclamatory sentences typically begin with "What" or "How," while in Vietnamese, they often incorporate expressions such as "than ôi," "chao ôi," "ôi," "chao," "hỡi ơi," "ông ơi," "bà ơi," "con ơi," "quá," and "lắm." These distinct structures highlight the differences in how emotions and reactions are conveyed in both languages.
- Express emotions such as happiness, pain, excitement, surprise… of the speaker towards certain things or phenomena.
Classifications
According to the Cambridge dictionary, there are two basic exclamation sentences: exclamations with “What” and “How”
Different scholars have different classifications, however, according to Beijer Fabian in “Syntax and Pragmatics of Exclamations and other Expressive / Emotional Utterances”
According to a classification by English linguist in 2001, exclamations in the English language can be categorized into six distinct subtypes: prototypical exclamations, those incorporating "so" and "such," exclamations with "that" clauses, those featuring determiner phrases (DPs), exclamatory questions, and various other forms of exclamation.
Exclamations, as a distinct category of sentences, are primarily characterized by exclamatory expressions that begin with "what" or "how." These two wh-words serve as the foundational elements in forming exclamations, with "what" functioning as a predeterminer within a noun phrase, while "how" acts as an intensifier for adjectives, adverbs, or entire clauses.
The exclamatory structure using "What" is crucial in English grammar The form of the sentence varies based on whether the noun is singular or plural, as well as whether it is countable or uncountable Understanding these distinctions is essential for constructing grammatically correct and impactful exclamations.
Type 1: Exclamation sentences with countable nouns
+) What + a/ an + adj + Countable nouns
With a noun in the singular form, when you write an exclamation sentence with
"What", you must add the preposition "a/an" after "What" and before the adjective
For example: “What a lazy student!”
“What a strange thing!” (The Happy Prince – Oscar Wilde)
Type 2: Exclamation sentences with plural count nouns
+) What + adj + Plural countable nouns + (to be)
When the noun in the sentence appears in the plural, you must not use the article
"a/an" If you use the verb "to be" at the end of your sentence, you must divide it into the plural form
For example: “What tight shoes are!”
Type 3: Exclamation sentences with uncountable nouns
Since the noun in the sentence is an uncountable noun, do not use the article "a/an" or add the plural "to be" at the end of the sentence
For example: “What beautiful weather!”
Type 4: Exclamation sentence with the structure of both exclamation and narrative
This is an extended form of exclamation When you want to add something to make it more transparent, use this structure
For example: “What a great book I read!”
“What an interesting girl he has met!”
More simply than with "What", the exclamation to "How" has only one form of structure Exclamation with “How” is used to express or express emotions more intensely than
The exclamatory structure using "How" differs significantly from the previously mentioned forms, as it incorporates both adjectives and adverbs Unlike the subordinate subjective clusters in the other structures, the "How" exclamation necessitates a complete subject-verb component, making it an essential part of the expression.
For example: “How cold it is!”
“How interesting this film is!”
“How wonderful the stars are,” he said to her, “and how wonderful is the power of love!” (The Happy Prince – Oscar Wilde)
(The Selfish Giant - Oscar Wilde)
2.6.1.2 Exclamations with “So” and “Such”
In addition to the two types of exclamation sentences with "What" and "How" we also have exclamation types with "Such", "So" and some other types of exclamation
English exclamations using "so" and "such" are typically employed in sentences to enhance clarity about the speaker's attitude, especially in contexts where prior conversation has occurred Similar to exclamations starting with "How," these structures require a subject-predicate combination (S + V) and can be paired with both adjectives and adverbs, depending on the verb type As noted on the Multimedia – English website, these expressions serve to create exclamations that convey a significant degree of quality associated with the adjective or adverb used.
For example: “She is so thin!”
It can also be used as an emphasizer with: much, many, few, little
Also, according to this website, exclamation with “Such” expresses the same idea as
“So”, but it is used with nouns (with or without a companion adjective)
For example: “Mai bought such a beautiful house!”
(The Daffodils - William Wordsworth) 2.6.1.3 Exclamations with “that” – clause
Beijer Fabian (2001) argues that sub-clauses functioning as independent clauses should be analyzed through the lens of three sentence types He notes that exclamatory "that"-clauses serve a declarative purpose, expressing that the existence of a particular fact deviates from a norm, without the use of extreme adjectives or adverbs Additionally, Beijer Fabian emphasizes that these exclamatory "that"-clauses do not necessitate the same stress patterns as other forms of exclamation.
For example: “That he should have left without me!”
Exclamative "that"–clause is scalar in that they refer to states of affairs that the speaker reacts emotionally to, since he finds them highly unlikely, extraordinary, or seemingly impossible
Bui Thi Thanh Mai (2015), “Exclamations in English and Vietnamese - A contrastive analysis” have claimed that a DP can be used as exclamations as long as a restricted relative clause modifies the NP
For example: “The way they obey him!”
Non-sentences, particularly exclamative types, depend heavily on intonation Bui Thi Thanh Mai (2015) noted that DP-exclamations typically convey disapproval, indicating that the speaker perceives the clothes as exceedingly unattractive or unsuitable This reflects an extreme viewpoint on an imagined scale of ugliness, highlighting the speaker's belief that the clothing deviates from established style norms.
Exclamatory questions, while structured like interrogatives, convey strong emotions and serve as exclamatory assertions, as noted by Bui Thi Thanh Mai (2015) Typically, these sentences are negative questions that end with a falling tone, and the negation must be clitic, using forms like "n’t" or "not" to emphasize the exclamatory nature.
For example: “Did he look annoyed!”
Lastly, in English, a lot of exclamation examples with the forms are collected as follows: +) Operation + (not) + Subject + Verb / Adjective?
2.6.1.6 Some other forms of exclamation
⮚ When you want to motivate someone
For example: “It’s risky!” “Cheer up!”
⮚ When you want to express feelings of happiness, joy or satisfaction
For example: “That is amazing!” “That is great!”
⮚ When you want to express feelings of regret, sadness or anger at something
For example: “What a bore!” “Too bad!”
In his 2016 Ph.D thesis, Phan Thanh Bao Tran categorizes Vietnamese exclamation sentences into four distinct types based on two criteria: the presence or absence of content and whether the exclamatory action is performed directly or indirectly.
2.6.2.1 Exclamations without content - direct exclamation
Mr Phan Thanh Bao Tran explains that exclamatory sentences without content, known as direct exclamations, consist of grammatical and linguistic components that convey an exclamatory action without detailing the subject matter These direct exclamations may include interjections, which can be categorized into two types: those that solely express exclamation and those that are combined with other elements to convey exclamatory meaning.
Interjections can be simplified to the point where they lack content, resulting in reduced interjections that serve as exclamations without substance This category includes direct exclamations, which often manifest as shouts Such exclamations combine both verbal expressions and vocalizations, allowing speakers to convey intense emotions or cries through their utterances.
For example: Đẹp vô cùng Tổ quốc ta ơi!
Rừng cọ, đồi chè, đồng xanh ngào ngạt.”
“Hỡi ơi, súng giặc đất rền lòng dân trời tỏ.”
(Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu)
Exclamatory sentences in communication typically lack substantive content on their own; they are often accompanied by factual sentences that clarify their meaning These accompanying statements provide context, detail the cause of the exclamation, or add expressive nuances to enhance understanding.
2.6.2.2 Exclamations without content - indirect exclamation
Mr Tran defines indirect exclamation as a form of exclamation that conveys emotion or emphasis without explicitly stating the content of the matter This type of exclamation is executed through alternative linguistic acts There are six distinct types of sentences that fall under this category of indirect exclamation.
- Các kiểu gọi khác (gọi nhấn mạnh)
- Các cách nói chỉ có phần tình thái
- Gọi đối tượng với cảm xúc mạnh
In communication, indirect exclamations serve as grammatical elements without substantial content They manifest in specific situations through phrases like "thôi rồi," "được rồi," and "ôi thôi," which express a desire for someone to cease their actions, often infused with emotions such as love, anger, or surprise These exclamations may be accompanied by terms of endearment or frustration, such as "mẹ" or "cha nó," as well as incorrect name-calling like "thằng mắc dịch này." Additionally, expressions used to voice complaints, such as "chồng ơi là chồng!" or to indicate fear and reproach with pronouns like "này" and "kìa," are also included Brief phrases consisting solely of language elements, such as "sao," "gì," and "cái gì," fall under this category as well.
Exclamatory sentences lack substantive content, as indirect exclamations consist of grammatical, modal, and semantic components In communication, these exclamations are frequently paired with additional statements that provide context for the exclamatory action or enhance its expressive quality.
The problems in studying exclamations
According to the website “Greelane.com - Tài nguyên Giáo dục Lớn nhất Thế giới”, the author points out three problems when learning the exclamation sentence:
- Abuse of exclamation sentences, exclamation marks in posts
- It is essential to note exclamation sentences with the imperative sentence because they are relatively similar in usage
- For languages in minutes, contracts, applications exclamation statements are not allowed because it does not match the nature of needing accuracy and objectivity
2.7.1 Abuse of exclamation sentences, exclamation marks in posts
Exclamations are infrequently used in academic writing, typically appearing only in cited material, which is uncommon in the field Overusing exclamatory sentences and marks in essays, nonfiction articles, or novels often indicates amateur writing It is advisable to use exclamations sparingly and only when necessary, such as in quotes or direct conversations, and to eliminate any that are unnecessary.
To enhance the quality and persuasiveness of your writing, it’s advisable to limit the use of exclamation points to one for every 2,000 words, or even less if feasible Careful editing of these punctuation marks will significantly improve the overall impact of your article.
The main purpose of exclamation sentences is to convey strong emotions Therefore, exclamation sentences end with exclamation points instead of dots For example, in the following two sentences:
- “Mary is going to have a baby.”
- “Mary is going to have a baby!”
The two sentences reflect different purposes despite conveying the same truth The first sentence presents the fact that Mary is expecting a baby in a neutral tone, while the second sentence serves as an emotional exclamation, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the news.
Imperative sentences are used to give commands or make requests They may also include negation and can sometimes end with an exclamation mark Examples of imperative sentences include:
- “Please leave the door open.”
Imperative sentences may sometimes be formed as interrogatives or end with a tag question It makes the request sound more polite, such as:
- “Shut the door, will you?”
- “Would you mind shutting the door, please?”
Similarly, in Vietnamese, we can follow the table below to understand these two types of sentences better
Câu Hình thức Chức năng
Có những từ cầu khiến: “hãy, đừng, chớ…”
Khi viết, thường kết thúc bằng dấu chấm than, nhưng có khi chỉ kết thúc bằng dấu chấm
Dùng để ra lệnh, yêu cầu, đề nghị, khuyên bảo
Có những từ cảm thán: “ôi, than ôi, thay, biết bao…”
Khi viết, thường kết thúc bằng dấu chấm than
Dùng để bộc lộ trực tiếp cảm xúc của người viết
To accurately distinguish between different types of sentences, it is essential to closely observe the signs, evaluate the context, and understand the purpose of communication.
2.7.3 Cases when exclamations are not used
With languages in minutes, contracts, applications exclamation cannot be used because it is not suitable for accuracy, objectivity and seriousness
Edward D Johnson, in “The handbook of good English revised and updated” (1983-
The exclamation point serves as an emotional indicator, conveying feelings such as anger, pleasure, surprise, and strong resolve However, excessive use can diminish its impact and irritate readers Certain sentences necessitate its use due to their exclamatory nature Additionally, it should not be paired with a true period, though it can accompany abbreviations and ellipses Care should also be taken not to use it with a comma, particularly when it concludes a quotation and the sentence continues.
While exclamation marks are frequently utilized in both literature and everyday conversation, their use is not always appropriate They should be avoided in texts that require precision, objectivity, and seriousness Additionally, exclamation points should not replace a true period at the end of a sentence and should not be used in conjunction with commas.
THE STUDY 25 3.1 The problems in studying the exclamations
Abuse of exclamations
An exclamation mark signifies surprise or strong emotion at the end of a sentence, commonly found in messages and social media posts While this punctuation style enhances communication, some individuals find excessive use of exclamations somewhat annoying.
For example: “My gosh!!! I was thinking about calling you the other night! It is exciting (!) to hear from you!!!!! How have you been!?!?!?! Congratulations on successfully defending your thesis!!!!!!”
Exclamation marks are generally unnecessary in professional and academic writing, as their overuse can indicate inexperience.
In a post written by Philip Cowell on 2nd March 2017, statistics that in 2016 alone, the 45th President of the United States - Donald Trump, posted 2251 tweets using an exclamation mark
For example: “Do you believe it? The thousands of illegal dumb dead!”
Mr Philip randomly selected 100 of Mr Trump's posts and gave the result: 68% of
Mr Trump's posts frequently utilize exclamation marks, often conveying a sense of urgency or excitement However, the author argues that the exclamation mark should generally be avoided, emphasizing that its effective use is rare According to the Chicago Manual of Style, exclamation marks should be employed sparingly to maintain their impact.
Knowing when to use an exclamation point can be challenging, as it’s crucial to convey emotion and intent effectively in writing However, overusing exclamation marks can diminish their impact, making them less effective As F Scott Fitzgerald noted, using exclamation marks excessively is akin to laughing at your own jokes.
To effectively convey urgency, replace phrases like “Make sure you finish this by tomorrow morning!” with “It’s crucial that you finish this before tomorrow morning’s deadline.” Instead of depending on exclamation points to express excitement, enhance your communication by utilizing more vivid vocabulary.
In short, you should use the exclamation point sparingly, use only an exclamation point if needed.
Confusions of exclamations and imperatives
“Hey! Stop playing tricks on me!”
“Get out of my way!”
Exclamatory sentences convey strong emotions, while imperative sentences issue commands that require compliance Both types of sentences conclude with an exclamation point, which can lead to confusion for students who struggle to differentiate between them Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective communication.
Câu cầu khiến là loại câu sử dụng các từ như hãy, đừng, chớ, đi, thôi, nào và có ngữ điệu cầu khiến, nhằm ra lệnh, yêu cầu, đề nghị hoặc khuyên bảo Thông thường, câu cầu khiến sẽ kết thúc bằng dấu chấm than, nhưng nếu ý cầu khiến không cần nhấn mạnh, nó có thể kết thúc bằng dấu chấm.
Imperative sentences are those that contain imperative words like "hãy," "đừng," "chớ," "đi," "thôi," and "nào," or feature imperative intonation They are employed to issue commands, make requests, offer suggestions, or provide advice Typically, imperative sentences conclude with an exclamation point, although they may end with a period when the emphasis is less pronounced.
Exclamatory sentences are those that contain expressive words such as "oh," "alas," "oh dear," "wow," and "my goodness," used to convey the speaker's or writer's emotions directly These sentences predominantly appear in everyday conversation and literary contexts In written form, exclamatory sentences typically conclude with an exclamation point.
An imperative sentence issues a direct command, while an exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion or excitement This distinction highlights the fundamental difference between imperative and exclamatory sentences.
For example: “Westley: Give us the gate key
Yellin: I have no gate key
Inigo Montoya: Fezzik, tear his arms off
Yellin: Oh, you mean this gate key.”
(The Princess Bride - William Gold)
In the first line, the character “Westley” has requested but without using appeals Finally, in the third line, the character has given an order to break “Yellin’s” arms
“And there she lullèd me asleep, And there I dream’d – ah! woe betide!
The latest dream I ever dream’d
On the cold hill’s side.”
(La Belle Dame Sans Merci - John Keats)
This poem expresses the medieval romantic setting of a cave, where a woman lulls a knight to sleep and he begins to dream
Furthermore, as in the two examples above, while imperative sentences can end with exclamation marks or full stops, exclamatory sentences always end with exclamation marks
Imperative sentences differ from exclamatory sentences in that the subject is always the listener, typically represented by the second person pronoun "you." While imperative sentences issue commands, exclamatory sentences express strong emotions or exclamations and can feature various subjects.
“Come here, check these documents, and give me your opinion.”
“John's gift was so amazing!”
In short, exclamation and imperative sentences are distinguished as follow:
Definition A sentence that gives a direct command
A sentence that conveys strong emotion or excitement
Function Give a command Presents an exclamation
Imperative sentences can end with exclamation marks or full stops
Exclamatory sentences usually end with exclamation marks
Subject Subject is always the second person pronoun “you” May have various subject
Cases when exclamations are not used
Using exclamation points in professional communication, such as work emails, can undermine clarity, objectivity, and seriousness For instance, to ensure your message is conveyed accurately, it’s best to avoid exclamatory sentences.
Using simple punctuation like periods and commas can streamline your writing process and save time on other tasks This approach not only enhances your efficiency but also helps readers concentrate on the message without being distracted by excessive exclamation points or tone variations.
- Reader/listener need to know when you mean it
Exclamations serve to convey strong emotions or reactions, but their effectiveness relies on the listener's ability to grasp the intended meaning In contexts where clarity is crucial, the use of exclamations may be deemed inappropriate, as they can obscure the speaker's intended message.
Worrying excessively about punctuation can create unnecessary stress for both you and your readers To alleviate this burden, use exclamation points sparingly and only when expressing genuine excitement By simplifying your approach to punctuation, you can focus on more important matters and reduce anxiety in your communication, especially in emails.
D Johnson (1983-1991, 149) advises against using an exclamation point with a true period, although it can accompany an abbreviation, as in "Mrs.!" It is also acceptable to use it with ellipsis points However, the exclamation point should not follow a comma, particularly when it concludes a quotation and the sentence continues.
The similarities and differences between the exclamations in English and Vietnamese 30 1 The similarities between the exclamations in English and Vietnamese
3.2.1 The similarities between the exclamations in English and Vietnamese
3.2.1.1 Exclamatory structures formed by interjections
Exclamations in both English and Vietnamese convey intense emotions, including excitement, anger, joy, humor, and sadness Typically, these exclamatory sentences conclude with an exclamation point (!), serving to directly express the speaker's or writer's feelings, whether in complaints or compliments.
Admittedly, the syntax of each language is different and in terms of syntactic features, but English and Vietnamese share a few similarities
Interjections in both English and Vietnamese serve as exclamatory expressions conveying sudden emotions such as surprise, pleasure, or annoyance Structurally, these interjections function as independent sentences, typically followed by an exclamation mark, although they may occasionally end with a period This highlights their role as exclamations in both languages.
Expressing surprise Ah!, Dear!, Oh!, Well!, God
Heavens!, Eh!… Ôi trời!, Ồ!, A!, Ơ!, Ai chà chà!, Ái chà!
Expressing pain Oh!, Oo!, Ouch!, Ow!… Ôi!, A!, Ái!, Ui da!
Expressing annoyance Damn!, Bloody hell!, Sh!,
Khốn nạn!, Mẹ kiếp!, Bỏ mẹ!, Giời ơi!
Expressing grief or pity Alas!, Good Grief!,
Than ôi!, Khốn khổ!, Hỡi ôi!, Thật khổ!, Khổ quá!
Expressing pleasure/joy Ooh!, Oh la la!, Oh my god!
Wow!, Oh!, … Ôi!, Ôi chà!, Chà!, Oà!
Expressing resignation Oh, humm, yah,… Ờ!, Ừ!, Ừm!, À!
Expressing enquiry How…, eh? Ơ!, Ô hay!, Hử, Hả!
Expressing hesitation Eh, yah,… Ừm!, À!…
For examples: “My god! I could hit you Did you never think that some women may not only say it but feel it?”
“Ô hay, bà cứ tưởng con đùa!”
“Than ôi! Sắc nước hương trời!
Tiếc cho đâu bỗng lạc loài đến đây!”
Interjections such as “My God,” “Good heavens,” “Ô hay,” and “Than ôi!” serve to amplify the speaker's emotions and attitudes toward various subjects or situations.
Exclamatory sentences can often mimic the structure of questions, yet they serve to convey strong emotions rather than seek answers While the formation of exclamatory questions varies between languages, their usage remains quite similar These sentences are employed to express intense feelings and emotions in specific situations, emphasizing the speaker's passionate response rather than soliciting a reply.
+) Operation + (not) + Subject + Verb / Adjective?
Vietnamese has the same kind of questions functioning as exclamations compared with that in English And the combinations of the following elements usually form exclamatory questions in Vietnamese
For example: “Biết bao giờ mẹ lại về với con?”
“Buồn trông ngọn nước mới sa Hoa trôi man mác biết là về đâu?”
No doubt, in many languages, especially in English and Vietnamese, exclamations have many shared characteristics when they are exclamatory questions And the following examples will prove this opinion
English “Has she grown?” “Has she grown?”
Vietnamese Bao giờ mới được nghỉ đây?
Bao giờ mới được nghỉ đây?
The examples in the table exhibit consistent structural elements, regardless of whether they are exclamatory questions or definitive questions The key differentiators lie in the intonation, facial expressions, and other contextual cues associated with these expressions.
Successful conversations require more than just examples; they depend on context, intonation, and non-verbal cues like eye contact and body language Ignoring these elements can hinder effective communication.
3.2.1.3 Exclamations with no modal verbs
In both English and Vietnamese daily conversations, exclamations do not utilize modal verbs Instead, speakers often rely on base forms of verbs to convey their messages effectively.
For example: "Khama runs so fast! -> “Khama chạy nhanh thế!”
"How dexterous!" -> “Khéo tay thật!”
In the second example, the phrase “How dexterous he is!” can be effectively shortened to “How dexterous!” Similarly, the Vietnamese expression “Khéo tay thật!” translates to “He is really skillful!” which can be further condensed to “Anh ta khéo tay thật!” to convey the same meaning succinctly.
"He is truly skilled!" The addition of "is" combined with "truly" enhances the emphatic quality of the statement Notably, there are no modal verbs present in these instances.
Exclamations do not utilize modal verbs, and the tense-aspect is often overlooked in these expressions This is because exclamations are typically conveyed when a speaker experiences strong emotions, such as delight, surprise, or sadness, regarding people or events at the moment of speaking Consequently, both English and Vietnamese exclamations tend to downplay the importance of tense-aspect.
3.2.2 The differences between the exclamations in English and Vietnamese
The syntax of each language varies, leading to distinct exclamatory structures in English and Vietnamese Both languages exhibit a variety of exclamatory forms, each with unique characteristics that often convey the speaker's intense emotions.
+ Exclamations formed with “so” and “such”
+ Exclamations formed with repetitive structure“X ơi là X”
In comparing English and Vietnamese, it is evident that there is no direct one-to-one equivalent among their grammatical structures English primarily employs wh-elements in various exclamations, whereas Vietnamese relies on particles and adverbs Additionally, a notable distinction lies in the use of repetitive structures; Vietnamese frequently utilizes this pattern in both formal and informal contexts, while English lacks equivalent repetitive structures.
The table below will show many distinguished differences of exclamations under the syntactic consideration in English and Vietnamese
Exclamatory elements English Exclamations Vietnamese equivalents
What What a nice shirt you have got!
Bạn có chiếc áo sơ mi đẹp thế!
You have such a nice shirt!
How How sweetly she sings! Chị ấy hát hay làm sao!
So We drank so much beer today!
Hôm nay chúng ta đã uống rất nhiều bia rồi đấy!
Today we have drunk so much beer!
Such She has such a nice cat! Chị ấy có con mèo dễ thương thế!
She has a cat so nice!
Aren’t you lucky? Bạn thật là may mắn!
That he should have left without me!
Lẽ ra mình không nên đi cùng hắn!
I shouldn’t have gone with him!
DPs as exclamations The way they obey him!
Họ vâng lời ông ấy thế!
How obeyed they are to him!
In addition, we consider the following examples:
“How beautiful the flowers she bought!” ~ “Những bông hoa cô ấy mua đẹp làm sao!”
“How white her skin is!” ~ “Làn da của chị ấy trắng thật!”
“What a cute boy (he is)!” ~ “Cậu bé kháu khỉnh làm sao!”
In English, exclamatory elements typically appear at the beginning of sentences, contrasting with Vietnamese, where they are positioned at the end Additionally, the use of adverbs in English differs from their combination with adjectives in Vietnamese, as adverbs enhance the emphatic nature of exclamatory sentences This distinction highlights how Vietnamese speakers effectively incorporate exclamatory forms in their daily conversations.
Languages differ significantly in lexicology and syntax, yet exclamations often retain similar forms One key distinction lies in the use of wh-elements in English, which are prevalent in exclamations, whereas Vietnamese relies on particles and adverbs Additionally, English mandates subject-verb agreement and grammatical concord, resulting in a less flexible word order and positioning of exclamatory elements compared to Vietnamese.
The suggestions for learning exclamation sentences
A frequent challenge in mastering exclamatory sentences is the confusion between exclamatory and imperative sentences To effectively differentiate between these two sentence types, it is essential to first grasp their definitions and understand their unique characteristics.
When studying, you need to understand the formulas and sentence types of exclamation sentences, especially exclamation sentences with "what" and "how" (This part I mentioned in chapter II)
Exclamatory sentences play a significant role in both literature and daily communication, as they convey strong emotions and reactions To effectively identify an exclamation, one must consider the context in which the speaker or writer is expressing their feelings If the intention is merely to narrate a story, provide information, or issue a casual command, those instances do not qualify as exclamatory expressions.
In literature, you need to carefully read entire sentences, even paragraphs, to avoid misunderstanding or misidentifying sentence types
In everyday life, to determine the type of sentence, it is necessary to see the situation and the feelings and expressions of the speaker
And finally, you need to have a rich vocabulary and practice speaking and writing exclamations every day to use and recognize exclamations more easily.
CONCLUSION 37 4.1 Summary of the study
Limitations of the study
The present study acknowledges two key limitations Firstly, it does not comprehensively cover English and Vietnamese exclamations in terms of pragmatics, lexicology, or their various uses Consequently, while some exclamations have been analyzed, many others remain unexamined, with the research primarily focusing on their semantic aspects due to time constraints.
Suggestions for further studies
Some further problems that the researcher should continue to study could be enumerated as follows:
- Distinguish the exclamations and the imperative sentences
- Study on metaphor in English and Vietnamese
- Study on simile in English and Vietnamese
- Contrastive analysis between metaphor and metonymy
- A contrastive analysis of imperative sentences in English and Vietnamese
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