ANIMAL PROVERBS AND ADAGES AS A LINGUO-CULTURAL CONCEPT IN THE GREEK LANGUAGE

Abstract. The purpose of the research is to analyse the phraseological units of animal proverbs and adages in the Greek language, to determine the international phenomenon called proverb, and to identify the particular reason why animal proverbs and adages are so apparent in Greek folk legacy and oral tradition. To accomplish this goal, the following tasks were set: to specify the reasons why such phraseological units appear in Greek tradition; to identify their purpose; to pinpoint the equivalent in the English language. The outlined tasks required the use of methods such as analysis and discussion on particular phraseological units, comparative linguistic analysis on these units in the English and Greek languages.

Analysing the linguistic background of a community should not be limited to language and understanding, but should also include the study of the cultural background, of which proverbs and adages are a crucial part. The exploration of the following phraseological units is classified according to animal groups and species. The process is as follows. First of all, the pronunciation of each phraseological unit is stated. Secondly, Newmark’s Through-Translation technique is utilised just to transmit the meaning of the words from Greek into English. Thirdly, the context of each proverb and adage is asserted. Last but not least, the equivalent in the English language is disclosed.

As a result, we attribute the function of these phraseological units to oral folk tradition of the Greek language. These instances stem from everyday life and perception of the world through the eyes of the common

person. In addition to that, this hypothesis is emphasised by the fondness of the Greek folk for national and cultural traditions and customs. Furthermore, the numerous cases may be due to the observation of the local fauna that historically inhabits the territory of Greece. Generally speaking, Greek phraseology and paremiology reflect local customs and traditions, the people’s mindset, the life values, and the overall mentality of the nation.

Keywords: Proverb, adage, paremiology, Greek, English