A Cross-Cultural Study: Animal Proverbs, the Case of English and Colloquial Arabic
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The study investigates animal-related proverbs' use, meanings, and cultural significance in English and Colloquial Arabic. The research aims to compare and contrast proverbs from both languages, exploring their thematic similarities and differences by conducting a qualitative comparative analysis. A primary focus is understanding how these proverbs reflect English and Arabic-speaking cultures' values, beliefs, and attitudes, particularly emphasizing how animals symbolize abstract concepts such as wisdom, strength, greed, and loyalty. The study utilizes a mix of proverb databases, qualitative analysis software, and interviews with native speakers to uncover the linguistic structures and cultural contexts that shape these proverbs. Expected results include insights into shared and divergent themes between the two cultures and findings on how cultural values influence the portrayal of animals. Additionally, the study examines translation dynamics, highlighting the cultural nuances that may shift or be lost in the process. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how animal metaphors in proverbs shape cultural narratives and reflect broader worldviews in both languages.
Source: Journal of Ecohumanism
Author: Sana’ Ababneh
Language: English
Topic: Language and Culture
Subfield: Linguistics and Language
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4407809958