A FOLK TAXONOMY OF TERMS FOR SPIRITS AND GHOSTS IN VIETNAMESE: AN ETHNOSEMANTIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study delves into an exploration of terms referring to spirits and ghosts in Vietnamese. Specifically, the research organizes those terms according to a folk taxonomy within the scope of ethnosemantics – an extension of linguistic anthropology, following five levels proposed by Berlin. This classification is based on semi-structured interviews with nine Vietnamese informants from three different age groups, as well as perusal of various documentary sources. Concurrently, the study incorporates Nida’s componential analysis approach to understand the relations between those terms. The research findings reveal insights into Vietnamese cognition and culture, notably highlighting the emphasis on familial solidarity, ritual formality and moral education of people embedded within the terminology. Besides, the lexicon also reflects the belief in linh (sacred) in Vietnamese cosmology - meaning the spiritual world is dynamic and interacts with the human world. Terms containing the lexeme linh demonstrate respect and awe.