TÂY NGUYÊN UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES STUDIES
-------------------

GRADUATION THESIS

TITLE: A STUDY ON THE USAGE OF HYPERBOLE
IN DAILY COMMUNICATION BETWEEN ENGLISH
AND VIETNAMESE

Student: Lê Ngọc Nguyên Chính
Student code: 12701004
Class: Pedagogy of English K12
Supervisor: Hoàng Thị Xuân M.A

Đắk Lắk, June 2016
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Above all, I would like to express my deepest thanks to my supervisor Mrs.
Hoang Thi Xuan – M.A, who has given me a lot of suggestions on the topics of my
thesis and who has given me many ideas and corrections on my outline as well as
my thesis during the time I was conducting it.
I am also grateful to the Teachers of Faculty of Foreign Languages Studies at
Tay Nguyen University, who have given me useful lessons and experience for the
four years I have been in the university. They are the ones who gave me the basic
background as well as knowledge of the specific fields so that I am able to carry out
the research.
I also want to send my best gratitude to my family and my friends who have
supported me and given me help whenever I need so that I can complete my

2.3.2.2 Functions of hyperbole............................................................................................ 17
2.3.2.2.1 Hyperbole is used to insult.................................................................................19
2.3.2.2.2 Hyperbole is used to boast.................................................................................. 19
2.3.2.2.3 Hyperbole is used as a rhetorical device .......................................................20
2.3.2.3 The syntax aspect of hyperbole............................................................................21
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY............................................................................................... 24
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3.1 Subjects of the study........................................................................................................ 24
3.2 Scope of the study............................................................................................................. 24
3.3 Research questions.......................................................................................................... 24
3.4. Research methods........................................................................................................... 24
CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS.......................................................................26
4.1 Some hyperbolic words and phrases in English and Vietnamese daily
conversations............................................................................................................................ 26
4.2 Similarities between English and Vietnamese hyperbole in daily
conversations............................................................................................................................ 26
4.2.1 In terms of concept ...................................................................................................... 26
4.2.2 In terms of functions.................................................................................................... 26
4.2.3 In terms of the syntax aspect..................................................................................... 27
4.2.3.1 Using adjectives to express hyperbole...............................................................27
4.2.3.2 Using figures to express hyperbole ....................................................................28
4.2.3.3 Using comparative structures to express hyperbole.....................................29
4.2.4 In terms of the usage.................................................................................................... 31
4.3 Differences between English and Vietnamese hyperbole in daily
conversations............................................................................................................................ 32
4.3.1 In terms of concept ...................................................................................................... 32
4.3.2 In terms of functions.................................................................................................... 32
4.3.3 In terms of the syntax aspect..................................................................................... 33

easy-to-understand brief view on hyperbole in English and Vietnamese. Lastly, I
hope it will offer useful knowledge for your understandings in further researches
regarding hyperbole (if there is any), especially bilingual speakers of two languages
(English and Vietnamese)

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
This chapter gives the statement of the problem, the objectives, the
significance, and the outline of the study.
1.1 Statement of the problem
English is spoken widely in many parts of the world nowadays, and without doubt it
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plays a significant part in international communication. In any language, it is
noticeable that the language itself does not exist with only the lexical items – a
single word, a part of word, a chain of words and some fundamental grammatical
rules. Language phenomenon appears throughout the development of language, for
this reason the study of semantics, morphology, syntax, phonology and other
departments of linguistics are carried out. When a speaker of any language utters, it
is necessary to understand the meaning. To that end, semantics, a branch of
linguistics that studies the meaning of language has been founded.
There are three main aspects in semantics: lexical meaning, sentence meaning and
utterance meaning [Lyons, 1995: 33]. The study of lexical meaning (or as known as
word meaning) in semantics points out the meaning of words when they are
standing on their own. This may concern many aspects: semantic features, lexical
gaps, figures of speech, etc... Many people may concern and query what figures of
speech are. Figures of speech relate to the ways of speaking in languages. For a
native speaker of a language, it is crucial to master the language by using different
ways of speaking. A figure of speech is a word or a phrase of which the meaning is
not literally conveyed for unusual purposes [To Minh Thanh, 2007:36]. Simile,

To propose some implications in mastering the use of hyperbole in English
for Vietnamese speakers when engaging in a conversation.

1.3 Significance of the study
The outcome of the study points out the usage of hyperbole in two different
languages: English and Vietnamese; as well as the similarities and dissimilarities.
This study may help bilingual speakers (English and Vietnamese) master the way
hyperbole is used in their expression. Moreover, it also gives people a perspective
of hyperbole in terms of cultural and linguistic aspects.
1.4 Outline of the study
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides the statement of the problem, the objectives, the
significance and the outline of the study.
Chapter 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter gives theoretical background brief of semantics, its subdivision
and hyperbole in particular
Chapter 3: METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the subject of the study, the scope, the content and the
research method of the study.
Chapter 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter presents the usage of hyperbole used in English and
Vietnamese: similarities and dissimilarities.
Chapter 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter gives conclusions of the study and suggests recommendations.

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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter gives theoretical background brief of semantics and its

“clipped her wings” here mean “stopped her from doing what she likes”
[Examples from To Minh Thanh, 2007:35 and Oxford Dictionary of English]
2.2 Figures of speech
A figure of speech is “a word or phrase which is used for special effect, and which
does not have its usual or literal meaning.” [Richards et al, 1987: 105]
As stated, many lexical items have figurative meaning which denote unusual
meanings. A figure of speech absolutely is figurative and used when there is the
need for delivering indirect message toward other speakers or readers. Some
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common figures of speech are: simile, metaphor, personification, metonymy, litotes,
euphemism, hyperbole, etc...
Simile is the way one thing is in compared to another thing. For example: as brave
as lion, a face like a mask, etc… Simile is used to compare things directly or plainly
by using the a function word like “as” or “like”:
-

My hands are as cold as ice (My hands are really cold)
Tom eats like a horse (Tom eats like a horse)
[Examples from To Minh Thanh , 2007:36]

Metaphor is the way something is conveyed differently from the literal meaning by
using a word.
-

She has a heart of stone (She is a heartless and insensitive person)
[Example from To Minh Thanh, 2007:37]
heart is an organic part of human body made of biological cells whereas stone is
made of solid rock so a heart can never be made of stone. By using “stone” to

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[Examples from To Minh Thanh, 2007:45]
Euphemism is the way words are used to avoid indecency, impoliteness or
offensiveness when expressing something:
-

He passed a way = He died

-

Restroom = WC

Hyperbole is a “exaggerated statement that is made for special effect and is not
meant to be taken literally.” [Crowther (ed.), 1992: 446]
-

I haven’t seen you for ages = I haven’t seen you for a long time
[Example from Claridge, 2011:15]

Hyperbole has the opposite functions with understatement (also known as Litotes)
in English. Hyperbole intensifies the meaning of a statement whereas
understatement weakens a saying. They both share ironical effects in certain
circumstances.
[ />For instance:
-

It wasn’t easy (ironical understatement that means “It was so difficult”)
I owe you a thousand thanks (ironical exaggeration that mean “I owe you a

2.3.1 Hyperbole in English
2.3.1.1 Definition
According to Wikipedia: “Hyperbole is the use of exaggeration as a rhetorical
device or figure of speech. In rhetoric, it is also sometimes known as auxesis (lit.
"growth"). In poetry and oratory, it emphasizes, evokes strong feelings, and creates
strong impressions. As a figure of speech, it is usually not meant to be taken
literally”.
The New Oxford American Dictionary defines that hyperbole is “exaggerated
statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.”
Here are a few examples of English hyperbole:
-

I’ve invited millions of (= a lot of) people to my party.
She sheds floods of tears (= cries a lot) whenever she is upset.
[Examples from To Minh Thanh, 2007:45]
In the examples above, hyperbole words are used to express something that is
beyond the reality: it’s rare for a person to hold a party with millions of guests and
nobody can cry like loads of floods.
2.3.1.2 Functions of hyperbole
In English, hyperbole is commonly used to amplify a point made by speakers in a
humorous way or to show satire (irony, sarcasm) in writings or speeches. When
using hyperbole there’s a lie inside the hyperbolic word but the meaning of the
whole hyperbolical sentence is still based on certain truth. Let’s consider this
conversation:
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Norrine:

That’s Edward Fox on the radio

the adjective “old” is attached with the image of a woman “taking her driving test
on a dinosaur” seem unusual because naturally dinosaur had been extinct millions
of year ago. Additionally, everyone drives kinds of vehicle like a car, a truck, etc…
No one would drive an animal, only ride. By uttering in this way, the speaker
clearly expresses an annoyed attitude toward the woman.
2.3.1.2.2 Hyperbole is used to boast
Speakers of a language in conversations sometimes make boast of their words to
express their pride or show the narcissistic personality. These are some illustrations
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found in a English conversation:
S1: I am the poisonous mushroom that makes the fearless vomit.
S2: As for me, I am the ravenous cock, the poison does not matter to me.
S1: Behave yourself, little boy, or you will burn your foot, for I am the redhot cinder.
S2: But me, I am the rain that extinguishes the cinder; I am the boisterous
torrent that will carry you off.
S1: I am the mighty silk-cotton tree that looks from on high on the tops of
other trees.
S2: And I, I am the strangling creeper that climbs to the top of the forest
giant.
[Claridge, 2011: 160]
S1 and S2 in this conversation show off their abilities, which are out of this world.
In the first sentence of the conversation, S1 says that S1 is a “poisonous mushroom”
that makes the “fearless vomit”. This makes no sense at all because a person cannot
be a mushroom and in fact no mushroom in this world can make “fearless” (an
abstract concept) vomit. Following this, S2 is up against S1 by considering himself
a “ravenous cock” (a hungry chicken) that is not afraid of that mushroom. Next in
the conversation, S1 boasts to be a “red-hot cinder” (a burned coal or wood) that
can hurt S2. Then S2 declares himself to be “the rain that extinguishes the cinder”

Partners; and what through Presses and Necessity, earning their Bread
as Underlings in the Royal English Navy.
[Claridge, 2011:221]
Politicians who gave these speeches in these cases obviously could not see all the
things in their speeches happen in real life because they have to run the countries
meanwhile the citizens and the soldiers were far away from the politicians doing
their jobs. For that reason, politicians were not really there to witness all of those
people so what the politicians said is just an exaggeration. The way they gave these
speeches is just to earn the endorsements from people and make the speeches more
inspirational.
-

In humor

For most presenters running a seminar, perhaps humor is also a needed factor to
help making the presentation effective, less boring and entertaining as well. Like
presenters, politicians and other people also have the need for humors in not only
speeches but also routine conversations. Hyperbole is one of the forms that could
deliver humor into speeches and conversations. This is an illustration in English:
“But of all the things I remember, I don't have a clue who the commencement
speaker was that evening, and I certainly don't remember anything they said. So,
acknowledging that fact, if I can't make this commencement speech memorable, I
will at least try to make it short.”
[University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address - Admiral William H.
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McRaven]
In his mind, of course the admiral knew that he would deliver a memorable speech;
he just exaggerated to make all the students laughed at the commencement address.

[Claridge, 2011]

-

Using expressions:
• A comparison maybe used as hyperbole:
o “This place is turning into a jungle.” [Claridge, 2011:8]
o “as cheap as dirt”, “as clear as crystal”, “as cold as ice”, “as hard as
steel”, “as heavy as lead”, “as gentle as a lamb”, etc… [Table 1 –
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Appendix]
Example: “He is skinny as a tooth pick”
[ />Using such comparisons have the characteristic of a common figure of speech
called “simile”. In this case, “simile” is also “hyperbole” as stated previously.
-

Using a figure (a cardinal number or an abstract figure) is also a way of
exaggeration: “ten feet tall”, “like a ton of bricks”, “like a cat with nine lives”,
“in a minute”, “in a flash”, “in ten etc. seconds flat”, “for ages (and ages)”,
“far/miles away”, “feel / look like a million dollars”, etc.… [Table 1 –
Appendix]
Example:
“I have about a thousand calls to answer by noon.” [Claridge, 2011:15]

2.3.2 Hyperbole in Vietnamese
2.3.2.1 Definition
There are various ways to define hyperbole in Vietnamese as it has many
Vietnamese synonyms. Particularly, some such words like “khoa trương”, “phóng

exaggerated statements within it but direct people convey what is implied in it.
In “Phong cách học Tiếng Việt” by Dinh Trong Lac and Nguyen Thai Hoa
[2006:174], it is said that “ngoa dụ” – hyperbole is the way that we intensify the
size, characteristics and degree of described phenomenon:
Đồn rằng bác mẹ anh hiền
Cắn hạt cơm không vỡ, cắn đống tiền vỡ đôi.
the two authors also mention that hyperbole commonly is used in utterances with
the functions of giving expression. For examples: rét như cắt ruột, vui nổ trời, quét
sạch bong, ngon dễ sợ, đánh nhừ đòn, gầy trơ xưong, chết một cái, etc… Hyperbole
can be found also in folk songs, folk tales, proverbs, legend stories and satire, etc…
Furthermore, it has strong influences in epigrams, romantic poems:
Ước gì sông hẹp một gang
Bắc cầu dải yếm cho chàng sang chơi.
[An epigrammatic Vietnamese folk song]
Đau lòng kẻ ở người đi
Lệ rơi thấm đá, tơ chia rũ tằm.
[A romantic poem by To Huu]
In the book “Phong cach hoc tieng Viet hien dai”, Huu Dat has different ideas about
“khoa trương” – hyperbole believing that it is a rhetorical technique that involves
exaggerating a certain truth or understating a fact to describe a phenomenon with a
satirical purpose or optimistic hope. In contrast to other authors, hyperbole in Huu
Dat’s point of view can be both exaggeration and understatement.
For example:
Lỗ mũi mười tám gánh lông
Chồng yêu chồng bảo râu rồng trời cho
[Vietnamese folk song]
Mong manh áo vải hồn muôn trượng
Hơn tượng đồng phơi những lối mòn
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thợ lặn tên là Paul Worsley ở nước Anh. Anh này có băt được một con cua rất to ở
vịnh Lyme ở bờ biển Dorset nặng 8 kilogram và chiều rộng của mai là 30,5 cm và
cái càng của nó to như tay một người đàn ông tôi nói với anh đến cua Tây to như
thế còn bắt được thì tôi nghĩ là cái cụ cua ta của cái làng của bạn Ôi Quê Tôi ấy là
anh ấy bắt tốt
in this conversation, Cu Trong Xoay told a lie because there’s no evidence assure
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that he really knew any person named Paul Worsley in England or not. The question
itself sent to the TV program by the TV audience is exaggerated when asking about
inviting a lion catching expert from Animal Channel to Vietnam (the statement is
completely boasted and impossible to be true).
2.3.2.2.3 Hyperbole is used as a rhetorical device
-

In persuasion

Folk songs are familiar with Vietnamese people, they can be seen that folk songs
existed in many aspects of Vietnamese people from literature to daily conversation.
In Vietnamese folk songs, hyperbole is one of the common rhetorical devices:
Chim khôn thì khôn cả lông
Khôn cả cái lồng người xách cũng khôn.
Ước gì sông rộng một gang
Bắc cầu giải yếm cho chàng sang chơi
[Vietnamese folk songs]
the size of those phenomenon in two Vietnamese folk songs has been exaggerated
in order to emphasize the romantic characteristics in these poets, along with the
purpose of winning readers’ emotion. In the first folksong, “Chim khôn cả lông”
hereby means that if a bird is smart, all its feathers are smart too. This is

đính chính ngay vì uy tín của chương trình
Xuân Bắc: Nhân tiện nói với giáo sư, thế đối với những người đầu to hơn người
khác thì chúng ta gọi là gì.
Cù Trọng Xoay: Thì chúng ta gọi là thủ đô, thủ tức là đầu, đô tức là to, to con đô
con
[Hoi xoay dap xoay]
Cu Trong Xoay here explained every single word of a phrase to change the real
meaning to make an exaggeration. He explained “thủ” means “head” when standing
on its own and “đô” means “big” so that he could changed the meaning of “thủ đô”
to “big head”. However, “thủ đô” actually means “capital of a country”; each word
cannot be separately translated and “thủ đô” must be translated as a phrase. The
way he changed the meaning of the phrase was to create laughter.
2.3.2.3 The syntax aspect of hyperbole
Following Dinh Trong Lac’s viewpoints [1994:46] in his other work called “99
phương tiện và biện pháp tu từ Tiếng Việt), Vietnamese hyperbole is divided in two
forms: high degree and low degree. Here are some several ways to express
hyperbole in Vietnamese are also suggested in Dinh Trong Lac’s work along with
some different ways by other authors:
-

Using nouns and noun phrases:
• Animal – related nouns and noun phrases: cầy sấy, chuột, cá, voi, trâu, chó,
etc… [Table 1 – Appendix]
• Human body – related nouns and noun phrases: gan, ruột, tim, óc, bụng,
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etc… [Table 1 – Appendix]
Example: Người gì mà ngáy như voi, như trâu như bò rống lợn kêu
[ />-

Example: Tính mạng như “Chỉ mành treo chuông”
[ />
-

Using expressions: in some cases, the whole sentence is a hyperbolic expression.
• According to Dieu Tan, Vietnamese people may use some exclaimative
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sentences related to animism: “Trời ơi!”, “Ôi trời đất ơi”, “Thánh thần thiên
địa ơi!”, etc… [Table 1 – Appendix]
• The whole sentence is a lie and hyperbolic.
Example: Tôi hát được cả hai bài cơ
[Dinh Trong Lac & Nguyen Thai Hoa, 2006: 118]
“cả” here is an adjective with the meaning of “the whole”. If a person can sing two
songs, he/she can simply say “I can sing two songs” – “Tôi hát được hai bài”. By
combining the adjective and the ability to sing two songs, the person in this case has
made the statement hyperbolic (to boast that he/she could sing many songs).

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CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the subject of the study, the scope, the content and the
research method of the study.
3.1 Subjects of the study
The subjects of the study are English and Vietnamese hyperbole used in
daily communication.
3.2 Scope of the study
The scope of the study is involved in the similarities and the differences



Stage 2: Radicalizing the fundamental understandings
In this stage, the knowledge that concerns hyperbole in English and Vietnamese
will be radicalized. On the other hand, the definitions, the functions, the syntax
aspect and the usage of hyperbole in each language.
Stage 3: Analyzing and concluding
Fundamental knowledge regarding hyperbole in two languages will be analyzed
constrastively in order to conclude the similarities and the differences. Moreover,
some recommendations will be drawn in the latter part of the study.

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