ANALYZING THE SPOKEN DISCOURSE IN 'DAO' BY NGUYEN NGOC TU: A STUDY OF FIRST AND SECOND PERSON PRONOUNS

Abstract

Communication among individuals of the same ethnicity, though from different regions, exhibits distinct characteristics. The literary works of authors hailing from various locales also reflect these unique communication styles. This article explores the use of first-person and second-person pronouns in dialogue as portrayed in literature. The focus is on the short story collection "Dao" by Nguyen Ngoc Tu, a writer from the Southwest region of Vietnam. Comprising 17 short stories and over 100 pages of text, this collection provides a rich corpus for analysis. Dialogues were systematically collected and examined to highlight pronoun usage in the interactions between characters. By generalizing these pronoun characteristics, the article draws connections to the conversational styles prevalent among people in the Southwest region, showcasing the artistry of language that captures the simplicity and rustic charm of its inhabitants.