SYNTACTIC AND SEMANTIC SYMMETRY IN VIETNAMESE IDIOMS

Abstract

Idioms with symmetric structures are characterized by a balance between their two sides in terms of the number of syllables. Based on their syntactic features, idioms can have symmetric sides as phrases (free word groups) in their structures. These include symmetric cases based on the word class of the phrase onset which can be a verb phrase, a noun phrase, an adjective phrase, a clausal phrase, a phrase with a repetitive word class in the initial position. Symmetric sides as phrases are the results of splitting words into two corresponding sides. This symmetry shows a balance in terms of form.

The structure-based symmetry can lead to symmetry in meaning. Based on their semantic features, idioms can be divided into two types: symmetric idioms with compatible meanings and the ones with incompatible meanings. This symmetry creates interaction and reduplication in meaning, enriching the idioms’ nuances and expressiveness. This is the symmetry in terms of the idioms’ expressive contents.