Cohesive Meaning of Linking Word “Nhưng” in Vietnamese Language

Abstract

In linguistics, adversative conjunctions are linking words that connect different parts of language to produce a cohesive message. They are studied for their formation, functions, and relation to content words. “Nhưng” is an example of an adversative conjunction in Vietnamese, which functions as a syntactic and textual cohesive marker. This article explores the patterns of “nhưng” usage in terms of sentence and utterance cohesion, highlighting structural differences that affect meaning and reflect the speaker’s communicative intent. The authors investigate the structural differences that affect meaning and reflect the speaker’s communicative intent. Through analysis, the author highlights the ways that “nhưng” can be used to connect contrasting ideas or expressing opposition. The author also examines the role of context and intonation in shaping the meaning of this conjunction. The findings of this study have implications for understanding of language use and communication. By shedding light on the patterns of adversative conjunctions in Vietnamese, this research contributes to the broader field of linguistics and provides insights for language learners and teachers.