TTLV: Symbolic meaning of the word "hand" in Vietnamese idioms (Compared with Chinese)

MASTER'S THESIS INFORMATION

1. Student name: HUANG YINGSHAN 2. Gender: Female

3. Date of birth: February 25, 1999 4. Place of birth: China

5. Student recognition decision No. 2750/QD-XHNV, dated August 2, 2023 of the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

6. Changes in the training process: Decision on extending the study period of students. No. 5300/QD-XHNV dated July 21, 2025 of the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

7. Thesis topic: Symbolic meaning of the word "hand" in Vietnamese idioms (Compared with Chinese)

8. Major: Vietnamese Studies; 9. Code: 8310630

10. Scientific advisor: Dr. Tran Thi Hien, Faculty of Vietnamese Studies and Vietnamese Language, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

11. Summary of thesis results:

The thesis analyzed and compared the symbolic meaning of “tay” in Vietnamese and Chinese idioms, exploring the similarities, differences and cultural causes behind. The results showed significant similarities when “tay” symbolizes “human”, “possession”, “skill”, “power”, “action” and “brotherhood”, originating from the common perception of body functions and long-term cultural exchange. Regarding differences, in Vietnamese idioms, “tay” focuses more on collective spirit, cooperation, and attachment to agricultural labor, family affection and love. In contrast, “手” (tay) in Chinese extends to abstract concepts such as “self”, “part” and “financial situation”. These differences stem from the influence of geographical environment, production method, idiom origin, social context and value orientation of each ethnic group.

12. Practical applicability: None

13. Further research directions: None

14. Published works related to the thesis: None

INFORMATION ON MASTER'S THESIS

1. Full name: HUANG YINGSHAN 2. Sex: Female

3. Date of birth: February 25, 1999 4. Place of birth: China

5. Admission decision number: 2750/QD-XHNVDated August 2, 2023

6. Changes in academic process: Decision on extending the study period of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. No.5300/QD-XHNV dated July 21, 2025

7. Official thesis title: Symbolic Meanings of "Hand" in Vietnamese Idioms (A Comparative Study with Chinese Idioms containing 手 (hand))

8. Major: Vietnamese Studies 9. Code: 8310630

10. Supervisors: PhD Tran Thi Hien, Faculty of Vietnamese Studies and Language, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

11. Summary of the findings of the thesis:

The thesis analyzes and compares the meaning of the word for "hand" (tay in Vietnamese and 手 in Chinese) within the idioms of both languages, exploring their similarities, differences, and underlying symbolic cultural origins. The findings reveal significant parallels, where "hand" symbolizes core concepts such as "person," "possession," "skill," "power," "action," and "brotherhood." These commonalities stem from a shared human perception of the body part's function and long-term cultural exchange. In terms of differences, Vietnamese idioms featuring tay (hand) place a greater emphasis on collectivism, cooperation, and are closely tied to agricultural labor, kinship, and love. Contrary, the Chinese 手 (shǒu/hand) extends to more abstract concepts, such as "oneself," "a part/section," and "financial status." These distinctions are attributed to the influences of geographical environments, modes of production, idiomatic origins, social contexts, and the respective value orientations of each culture.

12. Practical applicability, if any: No

13. Further research directions, if any: No

14. Thesis-related publications: No