LATS on Fixed Language Expressions

"Fixed linguistic expressions in English scientific and technical texts and their equivalents in Vietnamese" was the doctoral dissertation topic of PhD candidate Hoang Thi Minh Phuc, defended at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities on August 19, 2010.This dissertation studies fixed linguistic expressions (FLs) commonly used in English-language scientific and technical texts from various linguistic perspectives. It identifies the structural, grammatical, and semantic characteristics of FLs, distinguishes them, and proposes methods for translating them into Vietnamese. The dissertation highlights the characteristics of FLs from the structural, formal, functional, grammatical, and semantic levels. Furthermore, it points out common difficulties faced by Vietnamese translators when translating FLs from English: a lack of general knowledge about FLs, limitations in language skills (including both source and translation), and difficulty in clearly defining the context in which FLs are used. The dissertation also proposes translation techniques for FLs from English to Vietnamese, such as literal translation, literal translation with modifications or blending, and translation of specific terms. Pham Tat Thang assessed the research subject of the dissertation on English-language grammars as very complex, with many differing viewpoints, and Vietnamese learners of English often make mistakes in translation and learning. However, this research was successful because it identified English-language grammars, presented the constituent units of English-language grammars, described the structure of English-language grammars, presented the concept of equivalence, and compared English and Vietnamese. Professor Hoang Van Van (reviewer 1) also assessed that the dissertation presented a correct concept of English-language grammars, with rich and up-to-date illustrative examples. However, Professor Hoang Van Van suggested that the dissertation needs to pay attention to some words and terms that are not translated accurately. Associate Professor Vu Van Thi (reviewer 3) stated that one of the highlights of the dissertation should be the difficulties in translating English-language grammars into Vietnamese. The doctoral candidate focused on surveying and describing English-language grammars and proposing translation solutions. In addition, several other comments from members inside and outside the council suggested that the dissertation would be more in-depth if more investment were made in the equivalent translation of English-Vietnamese vocabulary. The overall comments show that the dissertation provided a more comprehensive, specific, and detailed overview of English vocabulary, helping to address vocabulary issues and overcome the difficulties they cause during English-Vietnamese translation. As a result, all 7 members of the council recognized the dissertation as a state-level doctoral dissertation, with 5 out of 7 voting for it as excellent. The dissertation contributes to a more complete and comprehensive reflection of the theoretical foundations, identification criteria, structural characteristics, semantic and grammatical forms of vocabulary. This makes vocabulary more accessible to Vietnamese speakers, further enhancing the effectiveness of English teaching and learning for Vietnamese people.