MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

THE UNIVERSITY OF DANANG

VŨ THỊ BÍCH NGỌC

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE STYLISTIC

DEVICES COMMONLY USED IN “DE MEN
PHIEU LUU KY” AND THEIR ENGLISH
TRANSLATIONAL EQUIVALENTS IN
“DIARY OF A CRICKET”

Field : THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Code : 60.22.02.01

MASTER THESIS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

AND HUMANITIES
(SUMMARY)

Da Nang, 2015
The thesis has been completed at the University of Foreign Language
Studies, University of Danang.

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. LƯU QUÝ KHƯƠNG

Examiner 1: Nguyễn Thị Quỳnh Hoa, Ph.D

Examiner 2: Nguyễn Quang Ngoạn, Ph.D

The thesis to be orally defended at Examining Committee.

Time: 29/11/2015
Venue: Danang University

The original of this thesis is accessible for purpose of reference at the

University of Foreign Language Studies Library, University of
Danang and the Information Resources Centre, Danang University.
 1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1. RATIONALE
To Hoai is one of the most well- known writers in Viet Nam
with various kinds of novels. The most wonderful thing which makes
“De men phieu luu ky” successful is that a lot of stylistic devices
were used to describe the main character-a cricket as well as other
characters lively. Look at some examples of stylistic devices in
Vietnamese story and English version, we could clearly realize that
they had a big influence on his work’s success. The author used
simile to compare between the cricket’s mandibles and the blades of
a mowing machine to describe the appearance beauty and the
strength of a grown cricket such as:
[1.1] “Hai cái răng đen nhánh lúc nào cũng nhai ngoàm ngạp
như hai cái liềm máy làm việc." [34, p.10]
[1.2] “My two blades mandibles were always moving
crosswise, like the blades of a mowing machine.” [20, p.9]
The similarity is that To Hoai and the translator used simile to
compare the appearance of the cricket but “Hai cái răng đen nhánh”
was translated into “My two blades mandibles” with completely
different meaning because the color of the mandibles was not
manifested sincerely.
Personification is one of the stylistic devices used throughout
the story because all characters have thoughts, emotions and actions
as humans. Look at the examples below to see that not only people
but also animals have true love for each other, especially blood
relationship:
[1.3] “Mẹ tôi nói thế rồi chan hòa nước mắt sung sướng và
cảm động.” [34, p.40]
The cricket’s desire is to travel everywhere he likes and
 2
explores the world, we can realize it easily thanks to repetition
through the following example:
[1.6] “Lên đường! Lên đường!” [34, p.41]
However, instead of using repetition in English translation, the
translator did not apply any stylistic devices in this case:
[1.7] “Explore the world! My heart leaped for joy at the mere
thought of it” [20, p.42]
From the above analysis, I would like to discover the similarities
and differences of the use of stylistics devices in the two languages
with the following topic:“An investigation into the stylistic devices
commonly used in “De men phieu luu ky” and their English
translational equivalents in “Diary of a Cricket” by Dang The Binh.
1.2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1.2.1. Aims
The study aims to conduct an investigation into the stylistic
devices used in “De men phieu luu ky” and their English translational
equivalents in “Diary of a Cricket”. Moreover, we also focused on
comparing the loss and gain of meaning in the process of stylistic
devices translation because of the differences between English and
Vietnamese as well as their cultures.
1.2.2. Objectives
This study is intended to:
- identify and describe the common stylistic devices used in
both “De men phieu luu ky” and its English translational version.
- compare the similarities and differences of stylistic devices
used in “De men phieu luu ky” and its English translational version
“Diary of a Cricket” by Dang The Binh.
- show the frequencies of occurrences of some common
stylistic devices in “De men phieu luu ky” and its English
translational version.
- make some suggestions for successfully teaching and
 3
learning stylistic devices.
1.3. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
- First, the study provides Vietnamese learners with a better
insight into the use of some common SDs in “De men phieu luu ky”
and “Diary of a Cricket”, then raise their awareness of the importance
of SDs in using language, especially in writing.
- Second, teachers can enable students to read and compare
SDs in two languages and then ask them to write and use SDs in
Vietnamese as well as English, thus it can improve not only their
writing skill but also broaden their knowledge.
1.4. RESEARCH SCOPE
This thesis investigated some SDs used in “De men phieu luu
ky” by To Hoai and their English translational equivalents in “Diary
of cricket” by Dang The Binh. However, the thesis just focused on
comparing the similarities and differences of stylistic devices and the
loss and gain occurs in meaning in the translation process.
1.5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The study tried to find the answers to the following questions:
1. What are the commonly used stylistics devices in “De men
phieu luu ky” and “Diary of a Cricket” by Dang The Binh?
2. What are the similarities and differences between commonly
used stylistics devices in “De men phieu luu ky” and their English
translational equivalents in “Diary of a Cricket” by Dang The Binh?
1.6. ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
The research consists of five main chapters as follows:
- Chapter 1. Introduction
- Chapter 2. Literature review and theoretical background
- Chapter 3. Research design and methology
- Chapter 4. Findings and discussion
- Chapter 5. Conclusions and implications
 4
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2.1. PREVIOUS STUDIES RELATED TO THE RESEARCH

In Viet Nam, there have been many scholars inspired in
stylistic devices such as Cu Dinh Tu (1983), Dinh Trong Lac (2003)
who mentioned the classifications and the distinctive features of SDs
so that we could find a proper logic way to analyze SDs based on the
specific level such as phonetic, lexical and syntactical.
However, there has been so far no research into the
investigation of the stylistic devices used in “De men phieu luu ky”
and its English translation version. This is the reason why I have
decided on this thesis entitled: “An Investigation into the Stylistic
Devices Commonly Used in “De men phieu luu ky” and Their
English Translational Equivalents in “Diary of a Cricket”.
2.2. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
2.2.1. Definition of Stylistic Devices
Galperin [7, p.9] made a clear definition of a stylistic device
like as a conscious and intentional intensification of some typical
structural and/or semantic property of a language unit (neutral or
expressive) promoted to a generalized status and thus becoming a
generative model. A stylistic device is an abstract pattern, a mould
into which any content can be poured.
2.2.2. Functions of Stylistic Devices
Madison [14] gives the notion of basic function of stylistic
device as follows:
“The basic function of rhetoric is the use of words by human
agents to form attitudes or to induce actions in other human agents.”
He adds: “for rhetoric as such is not rooted in any past condition of
 5
human society. It is rooted in the essential function of language itself,
a function which is wholly realistic, and is continually born anew.”
2.2.3. Classification of Stylistic Devices
a. Phonetic Stylistic Devices
Onomatopoeia is a combination of speech-sounds with aims at
imitating sounds produced in nature (wind, sea, thunder, etc) by
things (machines or tools, etc), by people (sighing, laughter, patter of
feet, etc) and by animals. There are two varieties of onomatopoeia:
direct and indirect.
Direct onomatopoeia is contained in words that imitate natural
sounds such as chirr…chirr describes vividly a low trilling sound of a
cricket to show us the special feature of the cricket when it feels
complacent with rubbing its wings.
b. Lexical Stylistic Devices
 Simile
Galperin defined simile as follows: “Simile is a figure of
speech in which an explicit comparison is made between two things
essentially unlike. The comparison is made explicitly by the use of
some such words or phrases as: like, as, than, similar to, resembles,
or seems.” [7, p.13]
 Personification
Lakoff and Johnson [11, p.33] gave a clear definition of
personification: “The most obvious ontological metaphors are those
where the physical object is further specified as being a person. This
allows us to comprehend a wide variety of experiences with non-human
entities in terms of human motivations, characteristics, and activities.”
 Reduplicative
Laura [12] defines: “Reduplication is a process similar to
derivation, in which the initial syllable or the entire word is doubled,
exactly or a slight morphological change”.
 6
 Metonymy
According to Galperin:
“Metonymy is based on different types of relation between the
dictionary and contextual meanings, a relation based not on affinity,
but on some kind of a1ssociation connecting the two concepts which
these meanings represent.” [7, p.140]
 Polysemy
Taylor [21] emphasized that a word having several meanings is
called polysematic, and the ability of words to have more than one
more meaning is described by the term polysemy..
 Hyperbole
It derived from a Greek word meaning “over-casting” is a
figure of speech, which involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake
of emphasis. It is a device that we employ in our day-to-day speech.
The use of the idiom expression “đen bóng như cột nhà
cháy bôi mỡ” exaggerates this statement to add emphasis to the scare
of the brother, even when he looked at the cricket’s appearance.
Therefore, a hyperbole is an unreal exaggeration to emphasize the
real situation.
 Interjections and Exclamatory words
As we know, many words in “De men phieu luu ky” such as
“ôi”, “nhỉ”, “nhé”, “sao” appeared frequently to convey the particular
emotion or sentiment of the author such as surprise, digust, joy,
excitement, enthusiasm and so on.
c. Syntactical Stylistic Devices
 Stylistic Inversion
Inversive structures can highlight description and avoid the
monotonous traditional word-order because the translator wants to
emphasize the angry attitude of the cricket towards to his eldest
brother. To Hoai used this stylistic device to make a surprise to the
 7
readers when he described two boys coming to the cricket. It would
seem to be an unexpected sign for the cricket. In normal structure, he
has to write “Bỗng đằng cuối bãi hai cậu bé con tiến lại…” but he
changes the position of predicate to achieve his intention. Yet, the
English translational version is different from the original one
because the translator did not use stylistic inversion in this case.
 Repetition
Vandryes [22, p. 211] writes: “Repetition is also one of the
devices having its origin in the emotive language. Repetition when
applied to the logical language becomes simply an instrument of
grammar. Its origin is to be seen in the excitement accompanying the
expression of a feeling being brought to its highest tension.”
 Enumeration
Gaperlrin [7, p.216] wrote: “Enumeration is a stylistic device
by which separate thing, objects, phenomena, properties, actions are
named one by one so that they produce a chain, the links of which,
being syntactically in the same position ( homogeneous parts of
speech), are forced to display some kind of semantic homogeneity,
remote through it may seem”.
2.2.4. To Hoai’s Profile
To Hoai (1920-2014) was born in Thanh Oai, Ha Dong, Ha
Noi but he spent most of his childhood in his mother's native village,
now Nghia Do Ward, Cau Giay District. He embarked on his
literature career in the early 1940s, but he could not devote his life to
writing until 1954.
The writer is famous for a great number of works,
including De Men phieu luu ky, 1941 (Diary of a Cricket); O Chuot,
1942 (Hunting Mice); Nha Ngheo, 1944 (Poor Family); Truyen Tay
Bac, 1953 (Stories of the Northwestern Region); Mien Tay, 1967
(The Western Region); and Ba Nguoi Khac, 2006 (Three Others).
 8
2.2.5. A Brief Review of “De Men Phieu Luu Ky”
It was firstly named “Con de men” published in Ha Noi and
then the author wrote “De men phieu luu ky” including 10 chapters.
“De men phieu luu ky” was considered as a masterpiece in To Hoai’s
writing life and it was translated into many languages in the world.
However, the English version is “Diary of a cricket” translated by
Dang The Binh in the 1960s and until now it still makes a strong
expression for Vietnamese people and readers all over the world
because of some following reasons.
2.3. SUMMARY
In short, we have reviewed the theories of some types of SDs
and prior studies in this chapter. Along with the traditional views, we
have consulted many different classifications of SDs and known how
to apply them in literary works as well as in daily life. In addition, the
analyses of some examples are presented to help us understand the
functions and characteristics of types of stylistic devices.

CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

3.1. RESEARCH DESIGN

For conducting an investigation into the stylistic devices
commonly used in “De men phieu luu ky” and their English
translational equivalents in “Diary of cricket”, both qualitative and
quantitative approach were used.
3.2. DESIGN METHODS
The paper was conducted on the principle of combining the
descriptive and analytic methods.
3.3. DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLES
The samples for this research are 200 English and 200 Vietnamese
SDs from “De men phieu luu ky” by To Hoai and “Diary of cricket” by
 9
Dang The Binh published by Kim Dong Publishing House. Moreover, the
samples defined as instances of the study containing SDs were picked out
from the population of more than 200 sentences, phrases or words in
Vietnamese and their English translational versions.
3.4. INSTRUMENTATION
To the extent of descriptive research, observation and
investigation were used to collect data. Observation and investigation
techniques could be part of qualitative approach as well as
quantitative approach. They were the proper instruments for data
collection.
Other supporting instruments such as checklists, calculating,
statistics, tables, numeration… are performed to calculate percentage
of SDs and set them in list in order of population and frequency.
3.5. DATA COLLECTION
In order to conduct this research, the data are collected by the
following ways:
- Collecting all stylistic devices in “De men phieu luu ky”
written by To Hoai and “Diary of cricket” of Dang The Binh
published by Kim Dong Publishing House.
- Categorizing them in many kinds of stylistic devices
consisting of onomatopoeia, simile, metonymy, personification,
polysemy, hyperbole, reduplicative, interjections and exclamatory
words, stylistic inversion, repetition and enumeration.
- Analyzing, comparing and contrasting to clarify the
similarities and differences between the uses of stylistics devices in
two literary works.
3.6. DATA ANALYSIS
The following steps were done for the data analysis.
- The samples from the collected data are considered to
identify the characteristics of SDs in two versions.
- The collected data were sorted into categories in terms of
 10
phonetic, lexical and syntactical devices.
- These examples were given and analyzed to illustrate for
each type of stylistic devices.
- The researcher considered the frequency of occurrence
depending on different categories identified.
- The researcher compared to find out the similarities and
differences in terms of linguistic features and their use in literary works.
-After evaluating and commenting the comparison resulted to
draw conclusions, suggestions and implications for learning and
teaching stylistics devices were mentioned.
3.7. RESEARCH PROCEDURES
The following steps were be involved:
- Identifying, collecting 200 English samples of stylistic
devices in “Diary of a Cricket” of Dang The Binh.
- Identifying, collecting 200 Vietnamese samples in “De men
phieu luu ky” by To Hoai.
- Discussing and comparing the result of analysis, then giving
the explanation for the similarities and differences between the two
languages in using stylistic devices in “De men phieu luu ky” and
“Diary of a Cricket”.
- Evaluating and commenting the comparison results to draw
conclusions
- Suggesting some suggestions for learning and teaching
stylistic devices.
3.8. RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY
In respect of reliability, the information cited in this study as
well as the data employed for analysis were derived from De men
phieu luu ky” written by To Hoai and “Diary of cricket” of Dang The
Binh published by Kim Dong Publishing House.
In respect of validity, observation and investigation techniques
have been chosen to be main instruments for data collection. The
 11
supporting instrument such as calculation, statistics, and tables were
employed.
3.9. SUMMARY
In this chapter, we described the methods and procedures for
the study. The first is the presentation of the qualitative and
quantitative approaches. Three main methods of data generation were
employed, namely descriptive, analytic and contrastive methods.

CHAPTER 4
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
.
4.1. PHONETIC STYLISTIC DEVICES
Here are several instances of onomatopoeia found in “De men
phieu luu ky” and “Diary of a cricket”.
[4.1] “Be noisily clapped his hands, “Good! Let’s do
that.””[20, p.22]
The translator created the exciting atmosphere by using the
direct onomatopoeia “clap” so that the readers seemed to get lost into
the children’s world with a traditional Vietnamese game. They can
feel the lively life with a range of noise because children use act of
clapping to encourage their crickets in the battle. In Vietnamese
version, we can see lots of onomatopoeia used as an integral part in
the description, for instance:
[4.4] “Và ríu rít những tiếng nói, tiếng gọi: Á à. Này.”
[34, p.18]
The calling sounds of children can make readers imagine real
scenery as if they live in this village where children play together and
take part in every childhood’s activity. Perhaps it is people who were
born and grown up in the countryside can understand all, whereas
people living in the city also feel a small part of the joyful moments
thanks to the big effect of these onomatopoeia.
 12
4.2. LEXICAL STYLISTIC DEVICES
4.2.1. Reduplicative
a. Partial Reduplication
To describe the shadow of the moon in the night and the
picturesque scenery with leaves damps dew, reduplicative words
show the readers the picture of the dark sight decorated by breeze,
bamboo leaves in the moon light:
[4.20] “Trên cao mặt trăng sáng vằng vặc. Làn gió đưa đẩy
những chiếc lá tre dài và nhọn đẫm sương óng ánh thành những nét
sắc trong bóng trăng.” [34, p.28]
[4.21] “During the whole night, we would hold merry dancing
and singing parties, stopping from time to time to drink dew drops or
nibble at juicy blades of young grass.” [20, p.9]
In the example above, morphological reduplication - one kind
of reduplication, using suffix “ing” makes the readers feel the
stretching and continuous changes of what are happing in the happy
cricket’s life.
b. Full Reduplication
To Hoai used a lot of reduplicative words to describe colour,
feelings in “De men phieu luu ky”:
[4.23] “Đôi càng bè bè, nặng nề, trông đến xấu. Râu ria gì mà
cụt một mẩu, và mặt mũi lúc nào cũng ngẩn ngẩn ngơ ngơ.”
[34, p.11]
The appearance of Choat is described in the simple way of
using the full reduplicative word "bè bè", which helps the readers
imagine the image of the creature clearly and vividly. Whereas, the
repetition of the words in the same example is considered as a new
word "ngẩn ngẩn ngơ ngơ" indicating the abnormal state of Choat.
Here is another example of full reduplication in his writing:
[4.24] "Tôi thản nhiên. Tôi xông vào chiến ngay thằng bé. Nó
khóc hu hu rồi chạy quanh lồng. Mấy đứa trẻ xem chọi dế cười ha
 13
hả.” [34, p.26, 27]
The reduplicative words "hu hu","ha hả" creat vivid sounds.
Two contrast words in the same situation express the cricket's
suffering in the battle but it brings the comfortable laugh for children.
4.2.2. Simile
To Hoai uses simile in his work by using the word “như” to
describe Choat. Maybe it is difficult for everyone to imagine the
animal living in the fields in the countryside, yet thanks to the
comparison with “người cởi trần mặc áo ghi lê” they can understand
easily through their knowledge and experience in their life.
[4.27] “Cái chàng Dế Choắt người gầy gò và dài lêu nghêu
như một gã nghiện thuốc phiện. Đã thanh niên rồi mà cánh chỉ ngắn
củn đến giữa lưng, hở cả mạng sườn như người cởi trần mặc áo
ghi lê.” [34, p.11]
We could imagine a lot of places of scenic beauty in front of
our eyes when the author used simile to describe lake, flowers or
animals vividly. Everything seemed to be beautified magically thanks
to his clever writing, so it created an impression on the readers.
[4.42] “Bóng kiếm loang loáng mặt hồ như hoa may”
[34, p.90]
[4.43] “Bỗng nghe trên những cây dó đã nở hoa như treo đèn
thơm khắp cánh rừng trước mắt, có tiếng ồn ào.” [34, p.94]
4.2.3. Personification
Let us look at the below examples to see how it is used
throughout two works:
[4.54] “Thoát nạn rồi, mà còn ân hận quá, ân hận mãi.”
[34, p.10]
[4.55] “My heart would then be filled with remorse.”
[20, p.10]
It seems that To Hoai and Dang The Binh have the same idea
in using this stylistic device to make the cricket become a real person
 14
who felt sorry for what he did wrongly. Thanks to the author’s lively
imagination, we can understand thoughts of a normal animal after a
mishap happened in his life. It is a good way for us to remember the
first lesson of the cricket in this story and remind us how to behave
with people around us every day.
[4. 55] “Như ta đây đường đường là một đấng trượng phu, hai
nhãi ranh ấy chưa đáng mặt đọ sức với ta… ” [34, p.69]
[4.56] “No one dared lay a finger on us, so each went back to
his own occupation.” [20, p.69]
The writer used personification cleverly here when the King
frog considered himself as “đấng trượng phu”. An animal was
personified to have characteristics and qualities like a human hero.
By contrast, the translator only tried to convey the writer’s intention
which creates a funny factor for the viewers about the King frog’s
bragging attitude.
4.2.4. Metonymy
As can be seen in two works, To Hoai and Dang The Binh
used metonymy in their works to exhibit deeper or hidden meanings
and thus draw readers’ attention. Let us observe a few metonymy
examples:
[4.63]“Lũ trẻ trong xóm thi nhau đi “đúc” dế, đào dế, săn dế
đem về cho chọi với tôi – tôi đã trở nên tay võ khét tiếng.” [34, p.25]
[4.64] “All the other children in the hamlet went out to the
fields to search for a cricket who could outfight me. I knocked out all
my opponents after only a few blows and my reputation spread far
and wide.” [22, p.24]
Clearly, "hand" is often used as a part for the whole person
who has a good capability of taking part in competition. In this
context, “tay võ” can be understood as a strong animal which can
knock out any opponents in the warrior - cricket. By contrast, the
translation did not use metonymy to express the writer’s intention in
 15
a simple way by using “my reputation spread far and wide” so that
the readers can understand better this situation.
4.2.5. Polysemy
To understand how polysemy is used in literary works, we
analyze some examples:
[4.73] “Thôi tôi hiểu bụng chú rồi.” [34, p.58]
[4.74] “Trông những cái bụng lép và nét mặt vêu vao, tôi đoán
biết họ kéo ra làm gì.” 34, p.62]
The two words “bụng” reveal the different meanings in each
context. The first word expresses the kindness of the Mole-cricket
when he is ready to devote himself being as the cricket’s food in the
journey. The cricket understood the Mole-cricket’s intention to help
him overcome the hardship.
The second one indicates the part of body- stomach which is in
hunger. To Hoai used the polysematic words properly here, but the
translator realized the difficulty if he applied the same way to
describe. That is the reason why he used the simple way without any
stylistic devices.
In this study, various examples of polysemy were found in two
works to make the readers think each detail deeper and have a lot of
experiencing feelings about the story as if they were characters as
well as gets readers or viewers’ attention by appealing to curiosity.
4.2.6. Hyperbole
And To Hoai is one of the writers who used hyperbole to make
change his characters as well as their qualities creatively. For
example:
[4.83] “Anh tôi gầy kheo khư đến nỗi tưởng sức tôi mà đá thì
chỉ phách một cái cũng đủ khiến anh tôi bắn xa mười lăm trượng.”
[34, p.42]
 16
[4.84] “He was so thin and looked so weak that a kick from
me would have send him sprawling ten yards away.” [20, p.42]
Hyperbole is applied here to emphasize a weak health and a
skinny appearance of the second brother, so the cricket can kick him
easily without any difficulty. The writer as well as the translator
chose hyperbole with the same purpose to catch’s the readers’
attention. [4.87] “Được dịp, tôi vội nhảy chốn vào giữa bãi cỏ.” [34,
p.21]
[4.88] “I started running like mad.” [20, p.21]
In brief, hyperbole can be found a lot in “De men phieu luu
ky” and “Diary of a cricket” because it is a useful tool to evoke
strong feelings or emphasize a point.
4.2.7. Interjections and Exclamatory words
An exclamation is a word or a number of words which
expresses an emotion. An interjection can be defined as a word that is
being used with an exclamation mark. For instance:
[4.94] “Trông thấy tôi Dế Choắt khóc thảm thiết. Tôi hỏi một
câu ngớ ngẩn: - Sao? Sao?” [34, p.109]
[4.95] “When he saw me, my poor neighbor cried out bitterly
and I asked stupidly, “What? What happened?” [20, p.16]
Unlike the writer, Dang The Binh used an interjection “What”
in the above example to express the cricket’s surprise before Choat’s
mishap although he knew all what happened. He seemed to be afraid
of facing his neighbor because of his foolish action.
4.3. SYNTACTICAL STYLISTIC DEVICES
4.3.1. Stylistic Inversion
Inversion is frequently used to emphasize in literature so that
the writer can highlight what they want readers to pay more attention
to as well as increase evocative value in their description. Let us
 17
examine examples quoted from “De men phieu luu ky” and “Diary of
a cricket”:
[4.106] “Đứng đâu Trũi cũng tỏ vẻ khoái, cứ nghiêng râu mép
lên gảy đàn tưng tưng.” [34, p.30]
As a usual, we find that the predicate “đứng đâu” stands
behind the subject “Trũi” but To Hoai changed the position the
predicate to stress anywhere the mole-cricket also feels excited and
happy when other animals admire them as a deputy canton-chief.
In short, stylistic inversion is used commonly in English and
Vietnamese literary works because its effects. It does not influence on the
sentences’ meaning, but it is valuable to emphasis a particular point.
4.3.2. Enumeration
This is a popular stylistic device that is frequently employed in
“De men phieu luu ky” as well as its English translational version.
The following examples show us the importance and the effect of
enumeration:
[4.113] “Hai đứa trẻ kia sẽ bắt tôi đem về làm miếng mồi béo
cho con gà chọi, con họa mi, con sáo mỏ ngà của chúng xơi ngon.”
[34, p.19]
[4.114] “Was I to serve as food for some fighting-cock or
nightingale or starling?” [20, p.20]
The translator as well as To Hoai used the same stylistic device in
this case. Because of worrying the fate, the cricket draws a terrible future
by enumerating some kinds of big animals enjoying it tasty in their meals.
The above examples show us how differently To Hoai and
Dang The Binh apply enumeration. Writing a simple sentence with a
full meaning is not easy, yet it is amazing that To Hoai can do this
effectively by his clever writing style. To become a good translation,
the translator has to understand the author’s intention by using
stylistic device to change suitably. In this case, Dang The Binh used
 18
enumeration to enhance the rewarding honour of animals for the
cricket and the mole-cricket. We can see that enumeration is one of
integral stylistic devices in literary works in general.
4.3.3. Repetition
In different works, To Hoai and Dang The Binh have the same
choice when using word repetition to describe in rhythm “luc bat”
which is popular in only Viet Nam to play a good joke on mister
coward and make a good effect, for instance:
[4.127] “Cái cò, cái vạc, cái nông
Ba cái cùng béo vặt lông cái nào?
Vặt lông con mụ Cóc cho tao
Tao nấu, tao nướng, tao xào, tao ăn” [34, p.14,15]
[4.128] “The egret, the heron, and the pelican
All are fat enough, so which one should I pluck, sir?
Pluck the cormorant for me, my boy!
I’ll have it cooked, broiled, fried, and eat the whole thing up”
[20, p.14]
The use of repetition here arises from the need that the
repeated use of words produces rhythmical effect which sounds
pleasant to the mind as well as to the soul. Moreover, it captivates the
audience and readers alike by giving musical effect to a speech or a
literary piece. The examples above indicates the important role of
repetition in “De men phieu luu ky” and “Diary of a Cricket”.
Therefore, To Hoai as well as the translator took advantage of
repetition exactly and effectively.
4.4. SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERNCES BETWEEN STYLISTIC
DEVICES USED IN “DE MEN PHIEU LUU KY” BY TO HOAI
AND “DIARY OF A CRICKET” BY DANG THE BINH
4.4.1. Similarities
Firstly, because of coming from the same culture and having
 19
the same language, the writers and translator seem to use the same
stylistic devices as a wonderful means to transfers their implications
and massages about life, human and society.
Secondly, all the stylistic devices used in English and
Vietnamese works have high artistic effects in the way of expressing,
drawing attention to and making a strong impression on readers.
Thirdly, in Vietnamese work and its English version, each of
them can contain many same stylistic devices. Onomatopoeia, simile,
personification, inversion, repetition, enumeration are more
frequently used and occur with high rate among the investigated data.
Lastly, there are only some differences in terms of structure of
some stylistic devices but in general, they are the same.
4.4.2. Differences
Stylistically, there are some differences in terms of structure in
stylistic devices. The reduplicative words, enumerative sentences do
not appear in the English translation version. For example, To Hoai
made a list of spiders exactly, but the translator just provides general
information for the readers. Making a comparison between two
examples, we can see that the translator tried to simplify the sentence
like:.
[4.133] “Khi tôi gần tới mạng lưới, nhìn vào các khe đá xung
quang đã thấy lủng củng những nhện là nhện: Nhện mẹ, Nhện con,
Nhện già, Nhện trẻ, Nhện nước, Nhện tường, Nhện võng, Nhện
cây, Nhện đá, Nhện ma…đủ họ hàng Nhện.” [34, p.37]
[4.134] “Out came a whole family of spiders, from the old
grandma to the tiny tots.” [20, p.36]
4.5. FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE OF SOME
COMMONLY USED STYLISTIC DEVICES IN “DE MEN
PHIEU LUU KY” BY TO HOAI AND “DIARY OF A
CRICKET” BY DANG THE BINH
 20
Table 4.1. Summary of Common Stylistic Devices Used in “De Men
Phieu Luu Ky” by To Hoai and “Diary of a Cricket” by Dang The Binh
Common Phonetic stylistic devices Onomatopoeia
Stylistic Reduplicative
Devices Simile
Used in “ De Personification
Men Phieu Lexical stylistic devices Metonymy
Luu Ky” by Polysemy
To Hoai and Hyperbole
“ Diary of a Interjections and
Cricket” by Exclamatory words
Dang The Stylistic Inversion
Binh Syntactical stylistic devices Repetition
Enumeration

Table 4.2. Frequency of Occurrence of Stylistic Devices in “De Men

Phieu Luu Ky” by To Hoai
Types of
Occurrence Percentage (%)
stylistic devices
Onomatopoeia 15 7.5
Reduplicative 39 19.5
Simile 35 17.5
Personification 20 10.0
Metonymy 12 6.0
Polysemy 18 9.0
Hyperbole 11 5.5
Interjections and 18 9.0
Exclamatory words
Stylistic Inversion 9 4.5
Repetition 10 5.0
Enumeration 13 6.5
Total 200 100.0

The table presents the frequency of occurrence of stylistic

devices in “De Men Phieu Luu Ky” by To Hoai. After analyzing 200
samples, it is noticeable that reduplicative has the highest percentage
(19.5%) while the others have the lower values, simile (17.5%),
 21
personification (10.0%), interjections and exclamatory words (9.0%),
polysemy (9.0%) onomatopoeia (7.5%), metonymy (6.0%),
enumeration (6.5%), hyperbole (5.5%), repetition (5.0 %), stylistic
inversion (4.5%).
Table 4.3. Frequency of Occurrence of Stylistic Devices “Diary of a
Cricket” by Dang The Binh
Types of
Occurrence Percentage (%)
stylistic devices
Onomatopoeia 20 10.0
Reduplicative 7 3.5
Simile 43 21.5
Personification 20 10.0
Metonymy 10 5.0
Polysemy 15 7.5
Hyperbole 9 4.5
Interjections and
15 7.5
Exclamatory words
Stylistic Inversion 37 18.5
Repetition 13 6.5
Enumeration 11 5.5
Total 200 100.0

The table presents the frequency of occurrence of stylistic

devices in “Diary of a Cricket” by Dang The Binh. Among 200
samples, it is noticeable that Simile takes predominant use with 43
samples (21.5%); holds 37 stylistic inversion (18.5%); onomatopoeia
takes 20 (10.0.%); personification has 20 (10.0.%), hyperbole and
interjections and exclamatory words have them same 15 (7.5.%),
repetition has minor use with 13 (6.5%); enumeration and metonymy
are with lower values respectively 11 (5.5%), 10 (5.0%); hyperbole
takes 9 (4.5%) and reduplicative words are the smallest proportion
with 7 (3.5%).
 22
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSIONS – IMPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS - RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1. CONCLUSIONS
The paper shows that some common SDs used in two works
consisting of onomatopoeia, reduplicative, simile, enumeration,
inversion. Therefore, in order to understand, apply SDs effectively,
studying on SDs is a necessary task to be done.
The thesis is a descriptive and contrastive analysis to present
and interpret stylistic features of stylistic devices in two works.
Especially, the discussion has highlighted the similarities and
differences in stylistic features and the frequencies of occurrence of
some commonly used stylistic devices in “De men phieu luu ky” by
To Hoai and “Diary of a Cricket” by Dang The Binh.
Another important factor in the research is how the stylistic
devices mentioned in the thesis different or similar in the two works
and how their meanings change in translational process. They help us
to identify the writer’s emotion and his strategies about attracting
attention, arousing interest, stimulating desire, creating conviction
and getting action in the audience.
5.2. IMPLICATIONS
5.2.1. For Learning of English
From the findings of this paper, it is hoped that students would
grasp some necessary information helping them with the study of
stylistic devices. Moreover, thanks to the effects of stylistic devices
identified in this study, students of English would find it more
interesting to learn about stylistic devices. Besides, the findings of the
study will help them appreciate the beauty of literary works. It will not
only help them get better understanding language also provide them
with some necessary strategies and techniques in writing.
 23
5.2.2. For Teaching of English
This study would give a suggestion on teaching stylistic
devices through sentences in famous literary works containing those
stylistic devices. By doing in that way, teachers not only inspire their
students with the help of interesting ideas in English and Vietnamese
literary but also bring the students clear examples of how good to use
stylistic devices. Also, the teacher should encourage his students to
practice by using stylistic devices in writing their compositions or in
translating books, novels, etc.
5.3. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
Due to the lack of time, space as well as relevant materials, the
topic under study may not have been thoroughly discussed as it should be.
Stylistic devices are complicated and abstract problems of
stylistics. There are a lot of stylistic devices used in literary works.
However, this thesis only investigates some commonly used ones in
literary language. With the limited data for the analysis, there are
certainly many other stylistic devices used in literary language such
as euphuism, pun, alliteration, etc. that the research has not covered.
Furthermore, the similarities and differences of using SDs in
two work has not been analyzed clearly yet.
With those difficulties and limitation of personal ability,
sources of materials relating to the problem under investigation and
outside factors, some weaknesses are inevitable.
I would be very grateful to those who take interest in the topic
and this work. Any comment, advice and adjustment is valuable to
make this work more fulfilled, diversified and perfect.
5.4. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
I now would like to suggest further researches on the following
problems:
Firstly, I find it interesting to investigate into the differences
and similarities of pun in English and Vietnamese literary works
 24
because it is pun that reflects the writer’s cleverness in using
appropriate language for his/her persuasive purposes through
polysemy and homonym.
Secondly, it had better study on interjection and exclamatory
words in English and Vietnamese literary works because these words
not only contribute to emotional tension but also effect of using
language with proper intonation and with an adequate pause.
Thirdly, an investigation into alliteration in English and
Vietnamese literary works is very popular because alliteration can
create emphasis and add to beauty to the writing style.