Buzz
1. Essay on 'Forms of Address in Dialogue' No. 4
I. Forms of Address and Their Usage
1) Some Common Forms of Address in Vietnamese
Common forms of address in Vietnamese include: tôi, mình, cậu, tớ, anh, chị, chúng tôi, bọn mày, bọn tao, etc.
- For self-address, the speaker uses: tôi, mình, tớ, etc., while the listener is referred to as cậu, anh, chị, etc.
- In plural forms: chúng tôi, bọn mày, bọn tao, etc.
2) Identifying Forms of Address in Two Excerpts
+ Forms of address in the first excerpt: Em — anh (from Dế Choắt to Dế Mèn), Ta — chú mày (from Dế Mèn to Dế Choắt).
+ Forms of address in the second excerpt: Tôi — anh (from Dế Choắt to Dế Mèn and vice versa).
_ Analyzing the change in forms of address between Dế Mèn and Dế Choắt in the two excerpts.
In the first excerpt, the forms of address reflect an unequal relationship where one character is in a subordinate position, feeling inferior and seeking favor from the other, who is more arrogant. However, in the second excerpt, the forms of address are equal (Tôi — Anh), indicating no sense of superiority or inferiority.
The shift occurs because the context of the communication has changed; Dế Choắt no longer sees himself as the junior needing to rely on Dế Mèn but as a peer, conversing as a friend.
II. PRACTICE EXERCISES
♦ Exercise 1
Here, the European student uses 'chúng ta' instead of 'chúng em'. This could lead to misunderstanding, as it may imply that the wedding is for both the student and the Vietnamese professor.
It is important to note that in Vietnamese, there is a distinction between inclusive forms of address (which refer to a group including both the speaker and listener, like 'chúng ta') and exclusive forms (which refer to a group that includes the speaker but excludes the listener, like 'chúng tôi'). European languages do not have such a clear distinction, as 'we' (in English) can be either inclusive or exclusive, depending on the context.
The student’s mistake likely stems from the influence of their native language.
♦ Exercise 2
In scientific texts, using 'chúng tôi' instead of 'tôi' helps to maintain objectivity and demonstrate humility. However, in debates or discussions, where individual opinions need to be emphasized, using 'tôi' is more appropriate.
♦ Exercise 3
Calling one's mother by a common name but addressing an imperial envoy with formal titles, such as 'ta — ông', reflects traditional respect for authority. This is demonstrated in the story of Saint Gióng, where even as a child, his actions were extraordinary.
♦ Exercise 4
Despite his fame and high position, the general still addressed his teacher as 'thầy' and referred to himself as 'con'. Even when the teacher called him 'ngài', the general did not change his manner of address. This shows deep respect and gratitude toward his teacher, a valuable lesson in honoring one's educators.
♦ Exercise 5
Before 1945, the head of the state in feudal Vietnam would refer to themselves as 'trẫm'. After the revolution, President Hồ Chí Minh used 'tôi' to refer to himself and called the people 'đồng bào', creating a sense of closeness and warmth. This marked a significant shift in the relationship between the leader and the people in a democratic society.
♦ Exercise 6
In the passage, the language of the character Cai Lệ reflects their authority, while the language of the oppressed character, Chị Dậu, changes from subservience ('nhà cháu', 'ông') to resistance ('tôi', 'ông', 'bà', 'mày'). This change in address demonstrates Chị Dậu's transformation and strong resistance against oppression.
2. Essay on 'Forms of Address in Dialogue' No. 5
3. Lesson "Forms of Address in Conversation" No. 6
I. Forms of Address and Their Usage
Example 1.
Some words used for addressing others: I, we, you, thou, they, he, she, etc.
Usage:
First person: I, we, us...
Second person: you, thou, you all...
Third person: they, he, she...
=> The system of address words is vast and full of expressive nuances.
Answer to Example 2:
Address words:
Part 1: you, me (Dế Choắt addressing Dế Mèn); you, I (Dế Mèn addressing Dế Choắt)
Part 2: I, you (Dế Choắt and Dế Mèn addressing each other)
Analysis of the change in address:
Part 1: Unequal addressing by someone in a weak position, feeling inferior, and seeking help; and someone in a strong position, proud and arrogant.
Part 2: Equal addressing. The change in address reflects a change in the situation: Dế Choắt speaks to Dế Mèn as a friend.
=> Addressing should be appropriate to the person and the communication situation.
Remember: Refer to the textbook
Question 1: A Vietnamese professor once received an invitation to a wedding from a European student studying Vietnamese. The letter included the line: "Tomorrow, we will hold the wedding ceremony, please come attend." What is the mistake in the choice of words in this invitation? Why is this mistake present?
Answer:
The mistake is in the use of "we" instead of "we (us)" because:
We: includes both the speaker and the listener
We (us): does not include the listener
Question 2: In scientific texts, authors sometimes use "we" instead of "I" even when there is only one author. Explain why this happens.
Answer: The reason:
To enhance the objectivity of the writing
To show humility of the author.
Question 3: Read the excerpt from Thánh Gióng. Analyze the terms of address used by the boy when speaking to his mother and to the emissary. What does this form of address signify?
Answer:
The boy calls his mother "mother" -> normal.
The boy addresses the emissary as "sir" -> this demonstrates exceptional confidence, reflecting a legendary tone.
Question 4: Analyze the forms of address and the attitude of the speaker in the story... (Textbook)
Answer:
Forms of address and the speaker's attitude:
The general, in the capacity of a former student visiting the school and meeting the old teacher, addresses as "child" -> demonstrating respect.
The teacher addresses the general as "sir" -> showing respect.
=> Both demonstrate appropriate social conduct -> A respectful and polite manner of addressing one another.
Question 5: Read the excerpt from *Those Unforgettable Years* (by Võ Nguyên Giáp). Analyze the effect of using address terms in Uncle Ho's speech. (Compare: Before 1945, did the head of state address the people in this way?)
Answer:
I – people: Creates a feeling of closeness, no distance, marking a turning point in the relationship between the leader and the people => Demonstrates the democratic relationship in the new regime.
Question 6: Read the excerpt from *The Breaking Point* and pay attention to the bolded address terms. Who uses these terms, and to whom? Analyze the social positions, attitudes, and personalities of the characters through their forms of address. Comment on the change in address used by Chị Dậu and explain the reason behind this change.
Answer:
In the first part, the address terms used by the deputy to refer to Dậu and Chị Dậu (e.g. "that guy," "sir," "you," "ma'am") clearly show the social gap and circumstances between the characters.
Chị Dậu, a lowly peasant, in a position of weakness, addresses as "child" or "our family" to the deputy.
The deputy, a local official, arrogantly uses "sir" and "that guy" to show dominance.
Later, the addresses change. Chị Dậu switches to "I – you" and then "madam – you," signaling a "breaking point" in her frustration and her defense of her husband.
4. Lesson on "Forms of Address in Conversations" No. 1
I. Forms of Address and Their Usage
Question 1. Some common address words in Vietnamese: I - we; you - you all; it - they; we - us; brother, uncle, mister - brothers, uncles, mister; I - we; you - we; he, she, …
- I - we, you - we, he, she…
Question 2.
a, Dế Mèn – the narrator uses "I"
- Dế Mèn addresses Dế Choắt: initially as "you" – "you", later as "I" – "you".
- Dế Choắt addresses Dế Mèn: initially as "me" – "you", later as "I" – "you".
In part (1), the two characters display unequal positions, with one using condescending and arrogant forms of address toward the weaker one.
- In part (2), the situation and communication dynamics change. Dế Choắt and Dế Mèn address each other equally as friends.
II. Practice
Exercise 1 (Textbook page 39, Literature 9, Volume 1)
- "We": speaker talking to the listener
- "We/us" or "we/us": excluding the listener
- "We": may or may not include the listener
- The student mistakenly used "we" in the wedding invitation, which could lead to confusion: that the student and the professor would marry.
- The word "we" should be replaced with "we/us" or "we/us"
Exercise 2 (Textbook page 40, Literature 9, Volume 1)
In scientific texts, even when the author is an individual, the plural "we" is often used.
The use of "we" in scientific writing aims to enhance objectivity and reflect the author's humility.
- When the author uses "I", they emphasize their personal stance on the subject matter.
Exercise 3 (Textbook page 40, Literature 9, Volume 1)
In the story of Thánh Gióng, the child calls his mother by the normal form of address.
- The form of address between Gióng and the emissary: "I" - "sir".
- This demonstrates that Gióng is a remarkable, unusually mature child.
→ To his mother, Gióng is a child, but to the country, he is a hero.
Exercise 4 (Textbook page 40, Literature 9, Volume 1)
The story describes a famous general, who, despite his high status, addresses his teacher as "I" - "teacher".
- The form of address demonstrates respect, humility, and politeness toward his teacher.
→ The story teaches the value of "respect for teachers".
Exercise 5 (Textbook page 40, Literature 9, Volume 1)
Before the August Revolution of 1945, in a feudal system, the head of the state used the term "I" to address subjects and inferiors.
In contrast, President Ho Chi Minh, the head of the new Vietnamese state, used "I" to address the people as "fellow citizens".
→ The use of "I" and "fellow citizens" makes the leader feel closer and more connected to the people.
Exercise 6 (Textbook page 41, Literature 9, Volume 1)
- The forms of address in the first passage clearly demonstrate the social and situational differences between characters:
+ Chị Dậu: a poor peasant, addressing with subservience, calling herself "child" and "our family" when speaking to the deputy.
+ The deputy, a person in power, arrogantly addresses her with words like "sir" and "you".
When cornered, Chị Dậu changes her forms of address to "I" – "you" and later "madam" – "you".
→ The shift in form of address marks the turning point when Chị Dậu defends her husband and stands up for herself.
5. Lesson on "Forms of Address in Conversations" No. 2
Part I
Answer to question 1 (page 38, Textbook of Literature 9, Volume 1):
List some pronouns used for addressing in Vietnamese and explain how they are used.
Answer:
Some pronouns used for addressing in Vietnamese include: tôi, mình, cậu, tớ, anh, chị, chúng tôi, bọn mày, bọn tao...
- When referring to oneself, one may use: tôi, mình, tớ, etc. when speaking to others who are addressed as cậu, anh, chị, etc.
- When addressing in plural: chúng tôi, bọn mày, bọn tao...
Answer to question 2 (page 38, Textbook of Literature 9, Volume 1):
Identify the pronouns used for addressing in the two excerpts above. Analyze the change in how Dế Mèn and Dế Choắt address each other in excerpt (a) and excerpt (b). Explain why this change occurred.
Answer:
* Addressing pronouns in the two excerpts:
- Dế Mèn - the narrator uses "tôi" (I)
- Dế Mèn addresses Dế Choắt: ta - chú mày in excerpt (1), tôi - anh in excerpt (2).
- Dế Choắt addresses Dế Mèn: em - anh in excerpt (1), tôi - anh in excerpt (2).
* Analyzing and explaining the change in the addressing pronouns.
- In the first excerpt, the way the two characters address each other reflects inequality: one feels inferior and seeks help, while the other is in a superior position, proud and condescending. However, in the second excerpt, the addressing changes completely, indicating equality (tôi - anh), where neither sees themselves as superior or inferior to the other.
- This change occurred because the situation changed, and the roles of the two characters shifted. Dế Choắt no longer saw himself as a subordinate needing to depend on Dế Mèn, but spoke to him as an equal, offering words of farewell as a friend.
Part II: PRACTICE
Answer to question 1 (page 39, Textbook of Literature 9, Volume 1):
Once, a Vietnamese professor received an invitation to attend the wedding of a European student studying Vietnamese. The letter included the phrase:
Tomorrow, we will have the wedding ceremony, and we invite the teacher to attend.
What error in addressing is present in this invitation? Why did this error happen?
Detailed answer:
- European languages use plural pronouns (such as “we” in English), which can be translated into Vietnamese as chúng tôi or chúng ta, depending on the context.
- Due to the influence of the student's native language, she mistakenly used the plural form, which led to the misunderstanding that the wedding was between the student and the Vietnamese professor.
Answer to question 2 (page 40, Textbook of Literature 9, Volume 1):
In scientific texts, the author is often one person but still uses "we" instead of "I." Why is this?
Detailed answer:
Using "we" instead of "I" in scientific texts adds objectivity to the scientific arguments presented in the text. Additionally, it reflects the humility of the author.
Answer to question 3 (page 40, Textbook of Literature 9, Volume 1):
Analyze the addressing pronouns the boy uses when speaking to his mother and when speaking to the envoy. What does this difference in addressing indicate?
Detailed answer:
- The boy uses the usual way of addressing his mother. However, when addressing the envoy, he uses terms like ta - ông (I - Mr.). This shows that Thánh Gióng is an exceptional child.
- Moreover, it foreshadows that to his mother, Gióng is just a child, but to the nation and society, Gióng will be a hero.
Answer to question 4 (page 40, Textbook of Literature 9, Volume 1):
Analyze the use of addressing pronouns and the attitude of the speaker in the story.
Detailed answer:
The general, though a renowned figure with high rank, still addresses his former teacher as "thầy" (teacher) and refers to himself as "em" (I). Even when the teacher calls him "ngài" (sir), the general does not change his form of address. This reflects the general's respectful attitude and gratitude towards his teacher. It is a profound lesson on "respecting teachers and valuing education" that we should all follow.
Answer to question 5 (page 40, Textbook of Literature 9, Volume 1):
Analyze the impact of using addressing pronouns in the speech of President Hồ Chí Minh.
Detailed answer:
Before 1945, Vietnam was a feudal society where the ruler was the king. The king never addressed the people as "I" but used "trẫm" (the royal "I"). When President Hồ Chí Minh, the head of the newly formed democratic state, used "tôi" (I) and referred to the people as "đồng bào" (fellow citizens), it created a sense of closeness and familiarity with the people, marking a significant shift in the relationship between the leader and the people in a democratic country.
Answer to question 6 (page 41, Textbook of Literature 9, Volume 1):
Who uses the addressing pronouns in the excerpt, and with whom? Analyze the social positions, attitudes, and personalities of each character through their choice of pronouns. Comment on the change in the way chị Dậu addresses the others and explain the reason for this change.
Detailed answer:
- The addressing pronouns in this excerpt are used by a powerful figure (the tax collector) and an oppressed person (chị Dậu).
- The tax collector uses a condescending and arrogant form of address, while chị Dậu initially addresses him humbly (nhà cháu - ông), but later changes to a more defiant tone (tôi - ông, then bà - mày). This shift reflects a change in her attitude and behavior. It signifies a strong resistance against oppression when a person is pushed to their limit.
6. Essay on "Addressing in Conversations" No. 3
I. Pronouns and the use of pronouns
Question 1, page 38, 9th-grade Vietnamese Textbook, Volume 1: List some pronouns used in Vietnamese and explain how they are used. Answer:
Some pronouns used for addressing in Vietnamese:
- Pronouns: tôi, bạn, mình, chúng tôi, họ,....
- Nouns: cô, chú, anh, chị, em,....
* Usage:
- First-person: tôi, tao,... chúng tôi, chúng tao...
- Second-person: Mày, mi, chúng mày,...
- Third-person: nó, hắn, chúng nó, họ,...
- Casual: mày, tao,...
- Friendly: anh, chị, em, cậu, tớ, mình,...
- Formal: quý ông, quý bà, quý vị...
* Vietnamese has a rich system of pronouns
Question 2, pages 38-39, 9th-grade Vietnamese Textbook, Volume 1: Read the excerpts in the 9th-grade Vietnamese textbook (from the work 'The Adventures of Dế Mèn' by Tô Hoài) and perform the following task:
Identify the pronouns used in both excerpts. Analyze the change in the way Dế Mèn and Dế Choắt address each other in excerpts (a) and (b). Explain the reasons for these changes.
Answer:
Pronouns used in the two excerpts:
- Excerpt 1: em – anh (Dế Choắt addressing Dế Mèn); ta – chú mày (Dế Mèn addressing Dế Choắt)
- Excerpt 2: tôi – anh (both Dế Choắt and Dế Mèn addressing each other)
* In the first excerpt, the way the two characters address each other is significantly different. One is in a weaker position, feeling inferior and in need of help, while the other is in a stronger, arrogant position. However, in the second excerpt, their address becomes more equal, with neither feeling superior or inferior to the other.
* This change in addressing is due to the shift in the communication context. The status of the two characters is no longer the same as in the first excerpt. Dế Choắt no longer sees himself as a subordinate in need of Dế Mèn's help, but speaks to him as a friend.
Therefore, the choice of pronouns must depend on the context of the communication.
Key takeaway:
- Vietnamese has a highly nuanced and varied system of pronouns, rich in expressive shades.
- The speaker needs to base their choice of pronouns on the context and the characteristics of the communication situation.
II. Practice
Question 1, page 39, 9th-grade Vietnamese Textbook, Volume 1: A Vietnamese professor once received an invitation to a wedding from a European female student learning Vietnamese. The invitation read: “Tomorrow, we will have the wedding ceremony, we invite you to attend.” What is the mistake in the use of pronouns, and why did it happen?
Answer:
- 'Chúng em/chúng tôi': a group of two or more people, including the speaker but excluding the listener.
- 'Chúng ta': a group of two or more people, including both the speaker and the listener. This leads to a misunderstanding that the wedding is between the student and the professor.
Question 2, page 40, 9th-grade Vietnamese Textbook, Volume 1: In scientific texts, the author is often one person, but they still use 'chúng tôi' (we) instead of 'tôi' (I). Why is that?
Answer:
- In scientific texts, using 'chúng tôi' instead of 'tôi' adds objectivity to the scientific points made in the text.
- Additionally, this use of pronouns reflects the humility of the author.
Question 3, page 40, 9th-grade Vietnamese Textbook, Volume 1: Read the following excerpt:
The boy heard the call and suddenly spoke: “Mother, invite the envoy in here.” When the envoy entered, the boy said: “Tell the king to provide me with an iron horse, an iron whip, and an iron armor, and I will defeat these invaders.”
(Thánh Gióng)
Analyze the pronouns the boy uses to address his mother and the envoy. What do these pronouns reflect?
Answer:
In the story of Thánh Gióng, the boy addresses his mother using a common form of address. However, when speaking to the envoy, he uses 'ta - ông'. This choice of pronouns indicates that Thánh Gióng is an extraordinary child.
Question 4, page 40, 9th-grade Vietnamese Textbook, Volume 1: Analyze the use of pronouns and the attitude of the speaker in the following story:
It is said that a famous general once passed by his old school and decided to visit. He met his former teacher and respectfully greeted him:
- Teacher, do you remember me? I am... The old teacher was startled:
- Sir, are you...?
- Teacher, to you, I am still your former student. The success I have today is thanks to your teachings...
Answer:
The use of pronouns and the attitude of the speaker in this story show the general's respect and gratitude toward his teacher. This is a profound lesson on the spirit of 'respecting teachers and valuing education', which is worth following.
Question 5, pages 40-41, 9th-grade Vietnamese Textbook, Volume 1: Read the following excerpt:
Reading the “Declaration of Independence” halfway through, President Hồ Chí Minh paused and suddenly asked:
- I’m speaking, can you all hear me clearly?
One million voices replied in unison, their voices booming like thunder:
- Yes…!
From that moment, President Hồ Chí Minh and the crowd of millions became one...
(Võ Nguyên Giáp recalls, Nguyễn Hữu Mai records, ‘The Unforgettable Years’)
Analyze the effect of the use of pronouns in President Hồ Chí Minh’s words. (Compare: Before 1945, did the head of state use pronouns like this with the citizens?)
Answer:
Before 1945, Vietnam was still a feudal country. The head of state, the king, would never refer to himself as “tôi” (I) when speaking to his people, but would use “trẫm” (I, used by kings). Therefore, when President Hồ Chí Minh, the leader of the new Vietnamese state, used 'tôi' and addressed the people as 'đồng bào' (fellow countrymen), it created a sense of closeness and intimacy, marking a turning point in the relationship between the leader and the people in a democratic country.
Question 6, pages 41-42, 9th-grade Vietnamese Textbook, Volume 1: Read the excerpt from page 41 and pay attention to the bolded words. Then answer the following question:
Who used the pronouns in the excerpt, and who were they used for? Analyze the social status, attitude, and character of each person based on their choice of pronouns. Comment on the change in addressing between Chị Dậu and explain why this change occurred.
Answer:
The pronouns in this excerpt are used by someone in a position of power (the chief officer) and a person under oppression (Chị Dậu). The chief officer's pronouns reflect arrogance and haughtiness. Initially, Chị Dậu addresses him with a submissive and patient tone (nhà cháu - ông), but later changes completely to a more defiant tone: “tôi - ông”, then “bà - mày”. This change in pronouns shows her fierce resistance after being pushed to the limit.
