A Study on Conceptual Metaphor of "Dream" in English and Vietnamese Songs

Abstract

This study aims at investigating conceptual metaphors of “dream” in English and Vietnamese songs”. The theory of conceptual metaphor suggested by Lakoff and Johnson (1980) and Kovecses (2002) is adopted as the analytical framework in this study. The descriptive and contrastive methods are used in combination with the qualitative and quantitative approaches in order to help the researcher achieve the aims and objectives proposed. 281 samples were found in English and Vietnamese songs which were written by native speakers. The results show that the same expressions of conceptual metaphor are DREAM IS HUMAN BEING, DREAM IS PERSONAL POSSESSION, DREAM IS HAPPINESS, DREAM IS SADNESS, DREAM IS OBJECT, DREAM IS CONTAINER, DREAM IS PRODUCT, DREAM IS BIRD, DREAM IS LIQUID, DREAM IS COLOR, DREAM IS LOVE/LOVER, DREAM IS LEADER. However, it is easier to find the metaphorical expressions DREAM IS PRODUCT in English than in Vietnamese. In addition, the results show that there are many expressions conceptualized DREAM IS LOVE/LOVER in American, but it is not popular case in English. In addition, implications of the thesis could be a useful reference for those who are interested in teaching and learning conceptual metaphor.