PROVERBS AS SOCIAL GLUE: HOW SHARED WISDOM CREATES CONNECTION AND UNDERSTANDING
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Abstract
Proverbs are concise expressions of collective wisdom that are essential for the development of social cohesion and shared identity among cultural communities. By conducting interviews and examining natural conversations with 58 participants, this qualitative study examines the manner in which proverbs serve as social adhesive in the Uzbek, Zulu, and American communities. The results indicate that proverbs function as verbal symbols of group membership, conflict resolution instruments, and vehicles for the transmission of cultural values. Proverbs' ubiquitous function in preserving social harmony and comprehension is underscored by their consistent social bonding role, despite cultural variations. The study emphasizes the significance of integrating proverb awareness into language education and intercultural communication to improve social connectedness and pragmatic competence.
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