THE ROLE OF PROVERBS IN SHAPING FIGURATIVE MEANING ACROSS CULTURES

Abstract

Proverbs are concise, traditional sayings that encapsulate cultural wisdom through figurative language. This paper examines how proverbs shape figurative meaning across different cultures, with a focus on their linguistic form and cultural function. We explore the idea that proverbs serve as repositories of metaphor, analogy, and imagery that influence how speakers conceptualize abstract ideas (like morality, success, or relationships) figuratively. Through cross-cultural examples, we demonstrate that while many proverbs express universal human experiences in figurative ways, the specific imagery used is often culturally specific. For instance, the notion that “a small misstep can lead to a big consequence” appears in many cultures’ proverbs, but one culture might say “he dropped a rice grain and slipped,” while another says, “missing a nail lost the kingdom.” By shaping such figurative associations, proverbs contribute to a culture’s shared metaphoric vocabulary and worldview. Our analysis highlights that proverbs play a dual role: they transmit cultural values and norms through figurative lessons, and they provide ready-made figurative expressions that speakers draw on, thereby reinforcing metaphors and frames. In conclusion, proverbs significantly shape figurative meaning within a culture by providing memorable imagery and analogies that influence everyday language and thought.