LEXICAL SETS OF CULINARY VOCABULARY IN CHINESE AND VIETNAMESE

Abstract

It is worthwhile examining lexical sets in lexicology studies. A lexical set is a group of words which are semantically associated and describe distinctive features of an object or an event. Lexical set is hierarchical in that a broad lexical set can be divided into narrower sets, and a group of small lexical sets that are semantically related can form a bigger set. Lexical sets can reflect logical thinking and cognitive ability of each people. It is, therefore, significant not only in the linguistic field but also in the cultural sphere. Basing on the theories of lexical sets, the article attempts to clarify the features of lexical sets of culinary vocabulary in Chinese and Vietnamese and to contribute a reference to teaching and researching Chinese in Vietnam.