COMPARISION BETWEEN THE SIMILE AND PERSONIFICATION RHETORIC IN CHINESE AND VIETNAMESE

Abstract

Simile and personification are the most commonly used rhetorical methods both in Chinese and Vietnamese languages. The article describes and analyzes the characteristics of simile and personification in Chinese and compares them with equivalent figures of speech in Vietnamese, thereby identifying the similarities and differences between the two languages in the use of these rhetorical devices. Based on the findings, the article is wrapped up with suggestions for teaching and learning Chinese rhetoric. The research results show a number of similarities in terms of characteristics, structures and usages between Chinese and Vietnamese. These common traits are facilitative factors for Vietnamese students in learning as well as using Chinese in communication and translation. However, differences in geographical areas, language system, and culture between Chinese and Vietnamese also means several disparities between the two languages.