Wisdom across borders: a comparative study of Russian and English proverbs

Abstract

This comprehensive exploration delves into the multifaceted world of proverbs in the Russian and English languages. It aims to dissect the historical, cultural, linguistic, and educational significance of these timeless expressions, offering a detailed analysis of their roots, expressive qualities, and universal relevance. The exploration will encompass the historical and cultural foundations of Russian and English proverbs, shedding light on their connections to folklore, literature, and societal values. It will also delve into the distinctive linguistic and expressive nature of these proverbs, highlighting their profound insights and universal applicability.

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Ganibaeva , S., & Jumabaeva , A. (2024). Wisdom across borders: a comparative study of Russian and English proverbs. Advantages and Challenges of Applying Local and Global Science and Technology Achievements into Foreign Language Teaching, 1(1), 117–121. Retrieved from https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/field-foreign-education/article/view/32912
Sayora Ganibaeva , Karakalpak State University named after Berdakh
Student
Ayzada Jumabaeva , Karakalpak State University named after Berdakh
Student
Crossref
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Abstract

This comprehensive exploration delves into the multifaceted world of proverbs in the Russian and English languages. It aims to dissect the historical, cultural, linguistic, and educational significance of these timeless expressions, offering a detailed analysis of their roots, expressive qualities, and universal relevance. The exploration will encompass the historical and cultural foundations of Russian and English proverbs, shedding light on their connections to folklore, literature, and societal values. It will also delve into the distinctive linguistic and expressive nature of these proverbs, highlighting their profound insights and universal applicability.


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basic concepts of linguistic speech. Speech conditions such as the relationship between the
interlocutors and their social roles and statuses should influence the choice of vocabulary and
grammatical means [2;69].

Intercultural competence is an important component, since communication failures can be

caused by gaps in the ability to interact with representatives of other cultures. Mastering intercultural
competencies makes it possible to perform productive communicative functions of achieving
agreement, resolving conflict situations, and overcoming communication barriers. The importance of
developing intercultural competence is due to the formation of the ability to build a constructive
dialogue with any subject of communication, skills of intercultural and social behavior [4;15].

The development of foreign language intercultural competence when teaching students at non-

linguistic universities is a necessary condition for the training of modern bachelors/specialists.

REFERENCES

1.

Almazova, N.I. Cross-cultural component of foreign language communication:

cognitive and didactic aspects / N.I. Almazova. – St. Petersburg: Nauka, 2003.

2.

Baryshnikov, N.V. Parameters for teaching intercultural communication / N.V.

Baryshnikov // Institute of Nuclear Sciences. 2002.

3.

Barannikov, A.V. Contents of general education: competency-based approach / A.V.

Barannikov. – M.: Higher School of Economics, 2002.

4.

Gureeva, A.V. Fundamentals of organizing an elective English language course

according to the specialty profile: non-linguistic university: dis. Ph.D. ...ped. Sciences / Gureeva A.V.
– M., 2010.

5.

Elizarova, G.V. Culture and foreign language teaching/ G.V. Elizarova. – St.

Petersburg: Soyuz, 2001.

6. Khudaibergenov A.A. National features of the semantics of phraseological units// Archive

of Conferences. – 2020. – Т. 10. – №. 1. – С. 223-225.

WISDOM ACROSS BORDERS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RUSSIAN AND

ENGLISH PROVERBS

Ganibaeva Sayora Tleumuratovna

Jumabaeva Ayzada Oralbaevna

Student, Karakalpak State University

This comprehensive exploration delves into the multifaceted world of proverbs in the Russian

and English languages. It aims to dissect the historical, cultural, linguistic, and educational
significance of these timeless expressions, offering a detailed analysis of their roots, expressive
qualities, and universal relevance. The exploration will encompass the historical and cultural
foundations of Russian and English proverbs, shedding light on their connections to folklore,
literature, and societal values. It will also delve into the distinctive linguistic and expressive nature of
these proverbs, highlighting their profound insights and universal applicability.

Historical and Cultural Roots of Russian Proverbs:
The historical and cultural roots of Russian and English proverbs are deeply embedded in the

legacy of each language, reflecting the rich tapestry of historical events, folklore, literature, and
societal values that have shaped their development.

The historical and cultural roots of Russian proverbs can be traced to the enduring traditions,

folklore, and religious beliefs of the Russian people. Many Russian proverbs have origins in oral
storytelling, folk traditions, and the experiences of generations. They encapsulate the collective
wisdom, resilience, and spiritual beliefs of the Russian culture, reflecting the nation's historical
trajectory and its enduring values. Additionally, Russian proverbs are informed by the literary works
of prominent authors such as Pushkin, Tolstoy, and Dostoevsky, integrating the cultural wisdom and
insights gained from these influential literary figures.


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Similarly, the historical and cultural roots of English proverbs are intricately linked to the

historical experiences and literary traditions of English-speaking societies. English proverbs
showcase the indelible influence of folklore, biblical teachings, historical events, and the literary
works of renowned authors such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Dickens. These proverbs offer insights
into the moral values, societal norms, and linguistic traditions that have shaped the English language,
reflecting the nation's cultural narrative and its enduring contributions to global literature and
language. Some proverbs attributed to renowned authors such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Dickens:

Geoffrey Chaucer:
Known as the "Father of English Literature," Chaucer penned many timeless works, including

"The Canterbury Tales." Though not many proverbs are directly attributed to him, his writing style
and characters have inspired popular sayings. One example is:

"All good things must come to an end." - This sentiment of impermanence and the inevitability

of change can be found in Chaucer's narratives, reflecting the transient nature of life. Russian: Всё
хорошее когда-нибудь заканчивается.

"Time and tide wait for no man" (Chaucer, "The Clerk's Tale") - Russian: Время и прилив ни

на кого не ждут.

"Love is blind" (Chaucer, "The Canterbury Tales" - Russian: Любовь слепа.
William Shakespeare:
The Bard of Avon, Shakespeare, is a treasure trove of proverbs and wise sayings that have

become ingrained in the English language. Here are a couple of examples:

"All that glitters is not gold." - This line from "The Merchant of Venice" warns against judging

things solely by their outward appearance, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond surface-
level impressions. - Russian: Не всё то золото, что блестит.

"Brevity is the soul of wit." - Found in "Hamlet," this proverb highlights the value of being

concise and to the point, a quality often admired in communication. - Russian: Краткость – сестра
таланта.

"What's past is prologue" (Shakespeare, "The Tempest") - Russian: Что было, то было

предисловием.

"Better a witty fool than a foolish wit" (Shakespeare, "Twelfth Night")- Russian: Лучше умный

дурак, чем глупый остроумец.

"A man can die but once" (Shakespeare, "Henry IV") - Russian: Человек умирает только один

раз.

Charles Dickens:
The prolific Victorian author, Charles Dickens, captured the social issues of his time in his

novels, many of which contain memorable quotes that have stood the test of time. Here's an example:

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." - Opening lines from "A Tale of Two

Cities," this famous paradoxical statement sets the tone for the novel and reflects the contrasting
nature of life itself. - Russian Это были лучшие времена, это были худшие времена.

"Charity begins at home" (Dickens, "Martin Chuzzlewit") - Russian: Милосердие начинается

дома.

"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done" (Dickens, "A Tale of Two Cities")

- Russian: Это гораздо, гораздо лучшее дело, что я делаю, чем когда-либо делал.

"No man is an island" (attributed to Dickens) - Russian: Никто не является островом.
Both Russian and English proverbs share common themes that are reflective of the human

experience, moral guidance, and societal values. These shared characteristics highlight the enduring
universal applicability of proverbs in offering insights into human nature, resilience, and
relationships. They emdiv the spirit of each language, preserving cultural insights and collective
wisdom. The historical and cultural roots of Russian and English proverbs are deeply entrenched in
the traditions, literature, folklore, and spiritual beliefs of each linguistic community. These proverbs
serve as cultural artifacts, reflecting the values, experiences, and enduring wisdom of the Russian and
English-speaking societies, while offering valuable insights into the complexities and shared human
experiences that define these linguistic traditions.


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Linguistic and Expressive Nature of English Proverbs:
The linguistic and expressive nature of English and Russian proverbs reflects the cultural

heritage and historical context of each language, conveying profound insights into human experience
and societal values. Both English and Russian proverbs exhibit unique qualities that contribute to
their linguistic and expressive richness.

English proverbs are known for their vivid imagery, concise phrasing, and universal

applicability. They often employ metaphorical language to convey profound insights into human
behavior, relationships, and life's complexities. In contrast, Russian proverbs frequently draw on
allegorical language, folklore, and historical references, reflecting the historical and spiritual
traditions of the Russian people. These linguistic nuances emdiv the expressive qualities of each
language and offer distinctive avenues for conveying cultural and moral wisdom.

The expressive nature of English and Russian proverbs serves as a reflection of the cultural

values, historical experiences, and societal norms of the respective linguistic communities. English
proverbs often convey insights into individualism, interpersonal relationships, and self-reliance,
mirroring the values inherent in English-speaking societies. Meanwhile, Russian proverbs reflect
communal values, perseverance, and pragmatism, offering insights shaped by the rich historical and
spiritual traditions of Russian culture.

Despite their linguistic and cultural differences, both English and Russian proverbs possess

universal applicability, resonating with audiences beyond the boundaries of their respective
languages. They convey enduring wisdom, insights into human nature, and guidance for navigating
life's challenges, making them valuable repositories of shared human experience and cultural
resilience.

The memorable phrasing and succinctness of English and Russian proverbs enable them to be

easily remembered and shared, contributing to their widespread familiarity and impact on everyday
communication. This makes them powerful tools for conveying profound messages and moral lessons
in a concise and impactful manner.

The linguistic and expressive nature of English and Russian proverbs captures the essence of

each language's cultural and historical heritage, offering insights into the rich tapestry of human
experience, values, and societal norms. By appreciating the unique linguistic and expressive qualities
of these proverbs, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the enduring relevance and cultural
significance of these succinct, yet profound linguistic expressions in English and Russian languages.

Comparative Analysis of Russian and English Proverbs:
The expressive nature of English and Russian proverbs serves as a reflection of the cultural

values, historical experiences, and societal norms of the respective linguistic communities. English
proverbs often convey insights into individualism, interpersonal relationships, and self-reliance,
mirroring the values inherent in English-speaking societies. Meanwhile, Russian proverbs reflect
communal values, perseverance, and pragmatism, offering insights shaped by the rich historical and
spiritual traditions of Russian culture.

Russian and English proverbs serve as educational tools for language learners, offering insights

into the nuances of expression, idiomatic language use, and cultural references. Language learners
gain a deeper understanding of the linguistic and cultural contexts in which these proverbs are
embedded, enhancing their grasp of the subtleties of each language. Furthermore, studying proverbs
provides an opportunity to explore the historical, literary, and social dimensions of the Russian and
English languages.

The study and exploration of Russian and English proverbs offer valuable cultural insights,

shedding light on the historical, social, and philosophical foundations of each linguistic tradition.
These proverbs reflect the enduring values, beliefs, and societal norms of Russian and English-
speaking communities, providing windows into their respective cultural identities. By examining
proverbs, individuals gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experiences, societal
values, and cultural nuances inherent in both Russian and English cultures.

Despite being rooted in specific linguistic traditions, Russian and English proverbs transcend

linguistic boundaries, conveying universal truths and enduring wisdom that resonate with diverse


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audiences across cultures and languages. Their ability to convey profound insights into human nature,
values, and societal norms highlights their significance as cultural artifacts that foster cross-cultural
understanding and appreciation.

Russian and English proverbs hold educational and cultural significance as they offer valuable

linguistic insights, cultural reflections, and timeless guidance. By studying and appreciating these
proverbs, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the richness and diversity of human
expression, cultural values, and the enduring relevance of these succinct, yet profound linguistic
expressions.

While both Russian and English proverbs share the common purpose of conveying wisdom and

cultural insights, they exhibit distinct characteristics rooted in the historical and cultural contexts of
their respective languages. Russian proverbs frequently draw upon historical events and Russian
Orthodox Christian traditions, reflecting the country's cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs. In
contrast, English proverbs often employ vivid and relatable imagery that resonates with universal
human experiences, transcending cultural boundaries and appealing to audiences beyond the English-
speaking world. Despite these differences, both Russian and English proverbs serve as conduits for
expressing shared human experiences and conveying enduring wisdom.

Proverbs and sayings that are similar in both Russian and English can be categorized into

multiple groups: Proverbs and sayings in English that have full equivalents in Russian (e.g., "As clear
as day - Ясно, как день"; "Health is better than riches - Здоровье дороже денег"; "A sound mind in
a sound div - В здоровом теле здоровый дуx»); Partial equivalents, which are Russian proverbs
and sayings with slightly different meanings in English (e.g., "Better an egg today than a hen
tomorrow"; "учшe синица в руках, чем журавль в небе"); "Better pay the butcher than the doctor";
"Добрый повар стоит доктора"; "When it rains, it rains for everyone equally"; English proverbs and
sayings that do not have equivalents in Russian and require additional research and clarification (e.g.,
"A cat falls on his legs" or "Правда восторжествует"); "There are many slips between the cup and
the lip" or " Where there is strong riding, there is strong abiding" or "Лес рубят – хепки летят").

Educational and Cultural Significance:
Proverbs in both Russian and English languages have educational significance, offering

valuable lessons for understanding cultural norms, societal values, and human behavior. They serve
as pedagogical tools for language learners, providing insights into the nuances of expression,
language use, and cultural references. Furthermore, they enrich cultural understanding, fostering
appreciation for the diversity of human experiences and perspectives. By examining proverbs in both
languages, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the shared human experience and the
enduring relevance of these succinct, yet profound expressions.

In conclusion, proverbs in the Russian and English languages stand as testament to the enduring

significance of collective wisdom and cultural expression. They offer valuable insights into historical
events, cultural beliefs, and human experiences, enriching language and communication. As
repositories of timeless wisdom and cultural reflections, proverbs in both languages continue to
inspire and educate, transcending linguistic boundaries to convey universal truths. By appreciating
the historical, linguistic, and cultural roots of proverbs in Russian and English, individuals can gain
a deeper understanding of the shared human experience and the enduring relevance of these succinct,
yet profound expressions.

REFERENCES

1.

Deignan, A. (2005) “Metaphor and Corpus Linguistics”

2.

John Benjamins Publishing Company, Amsterdam/Philadelphia Dundes, A. (1975)

“On the structure of the Proverb”

3.

Proverbium (25) Duval, J. (1996) “Proverbs”, Translation Review, 50:1 Grambo, R.

(1972) "Paremiologica Aspects." Folklore Forum 5 Jakobson, R.

4.

Halle, M. (1956) “Fundamentals of Language”, The Hague: Mouton Kemper, S.

(1981) "Comprehension and the Interpretation of Proverbs", Jour of Psycholinguistic Research 10

5.

(Proverbs and Sayings: A Cross-Cultural Dictionary, 2013).


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6.

Khudaybergenova Zukhra, Sarsenbaeva Ariwkhan THE VERBALIZATION OF THE

NOTION “TIME” WITH THE HELP OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS AND QUOTATIONS IN
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACADEMICIA: An International Multidisciplinary Research Journal

7.

Khudaibergenov A.A. Gender aspects in phraseology expressing human character in

English and Karakalpak languages //Berlin Studies Transnational Journal of Science and Humanities.
– 2022. – Т. 2. – №. 1.6 Philological sciences.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ СРАВНИТЕЛЬНОЙ ГРАММАТИКИ В ОБУЧЕНИИ

ФРАЗЕОЛОГИЗМОВ АНГЛИЙСКОГО ЯЗЫКА

Магистр Испандиярова А.М. Магистр Даулетова А.С.

Центрально-Азиатский Инновационный университет

Казахстан Шымкент

Фразеологизмы - это благодатный материал, используемый в обучении. Трудно отыскать

курс английского языка, который обходился бы без их помощи. Известно, что еще в десятом
столетии фразеологические единицы (в частности пословицы и поговорки) использовались в
Англии как одно из средств обучения латыни.

Фразеологизмы, как единое целое, охватывает большую часть человеческого опыта.

Благодаря обобщенному характеру фразеологизмов, их можно использовать во всех классах,
обучая искусству иносказания, именно иллюстрировать свою мысль и обобщать ее в краткой
форме.

Использование фразеологических единиц в практике преподавателя английского языка,

несомненно, будет способствовать лучшему овладению этим предметом, расширяя знания о
языке, лексический запас и особенности его функционирования. С другой стороны, их
изучение представляет собой дополнительный источник страноведческих знаний.

Формирование навыков произношения с первых уроков должно идти в условиях

реального общения или как можно точнее имитировать эти условия. Другими словами,
учащиеся должны "не готовиться к речи, как предусмотрено устными вводными курсами, а
начинать обучение сразу".

Создать реальную обстановку на уроке, ввести элемент игры в процесс овладения

звуковой стороной иноязычной речи поможет знание фразеологических единиц. Кроме того,
пословицы и поговорки прочно ложатся в память. Их запоминание облегчается разными
созвучиями, рифмами, ритмикой. Фразеологизмы могут использоваться при введении нового
фонетического явления, при выполнении упражнений на закрепление нового фонетического
материала и при его повторении, во время фонетических зарядок.

Опыт учителей показывает, что одним из эффективных приемов обеспечения интереса у

детей к учению, их активность и работоспособность является использование фразеологизмов
на уроках английского языка на разных этапах обучения.

На начальном этапе можно обращаться к пословицам и поговоркам для обработки

звуковой стороны речи. Они помогают поставить произношение отдельных трудных
согласных, в особенности тех, которые отсутствуют в русском языке. Вместо отдельных слов
и словосочетаний, содержащих тот или иной звук, можно предложить классу специально
отобранные пословицы и поговорки. Затем в течение двух-трех уроков пословица или
поговорка повторяется, корректируется произношение звука. Данный вид работы можно
включить в урок на разных его этапах, он служит своеобразной разрядкой для детей. Нужно
отбирать пословицу или поговорку в зависимости от того, какой звук отрабатывается.

Фразеологизмы можно использовать и на среднем этапе обучения, когда их

использование

не

только

способствует

поддержанию

и

совершенствованию

произносительных навыков учащихся, но и стимулирует речевую деятельность.

Очень часто на старших ступенях обучения увлечение накоплением лексического запаса

ведет к неправильностям в артикуляции звуков. Опыт показывает, что и в старших классах
учащиеся с увлечением работают над произношением, повторяя звуки, если они представлены

References

Deignan, A. (2005) “Metaphor and Corpus Linguistics”

John Benjamins Publishing Company, Amsterdam/Philadelphia Dundes, A. (1975) “On the structure of the Proverb”

Proverbium (25) Duval, J. (1996) “Proverbs”, Translation Review, 50:1 Grambo, R. (1972) "Paremiologica Aspects." Folklore Forum 5 Jakobson, R.

Halle, M. (1956) “Fundamentals of Language”, The Hague: Mouton Kemper, S. (1981) "Comprehension and the Interpretation of Proverbs", Jour of Psycholinguistic Research 10

(Proverbs and Sayings: A Cross-Cultural Dictionary, 2013).

Khudaybergenova Zukhra, Sarsenbaeva Ariwkhan THE VERBALIZATION OF THE NOTION “TIME” WITH THE HELP OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS AND QUOTATIONS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACADEMICIA: An International Multidisciplinary Research Journal

Khudaibergenov A.A. Gender aspects in phraseology expressing human character in English and Karakalpak languages //Berlin Studies Transnational Journal of Science and Humanities. – 2022. – Т. 2. – №. 1.6 Philological sciences.