Structural - morphological and semantic features of Vietnamese idioms containing the word “eating”

Abstract

The article uses a combination of descriptive methods under the synchronic
approach, analysis of semantic components, and statistical techniques to clarify the structuralmorphological and semantic features of Vietnamese idioms which contain the word “eating”.
The results show that there is a small number of Vietnamese idioms consisting of the word
“eating”; nevertheless, their hidden linguistic and cultural values are diverse. Various meanings
of Vietnamese idioms illustrate a critical attitude towards the negative side of people and
society. Besides, they honor humans’ good qualities and actions as well. Therefore, it is possible
to be aware of Vietnamese people’s worldview, outlook on life and humanistic values through
idiomatic expressions.