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406
PROVERBS AND SAYINGS AS A SPECIAL SUBSYSTEM OF
PHRASEOLOGY
Khaydarova Nigora
Scientific supervisor: Andijan state institute of foreign languages
Xasanxonova Farzona
Student of the group-304
Student, Department of Theory and Practice of the Russian Language
Andijan state institute of foreign languages
Annotation: This article explores proverbs and sayings as a significant and
autonomous subsystem within phraseology. It analyzes their linguistic features,
cultural functions, and structural peculiarities. The study also highlights the
importance of proverbs and sayings in language education, intercultural
communication, and cognitive linguistics. Special attention is paid to their stability,
figurative meaning, and role in expressing collective wisdom.
Keywords:
phraseology, proverb, saying, idiom, figurative language, cultural
linguistics, folk wisdom.
Introduction:
Phraseology is a branch of linguistics that studies fixed
expressions, including idioms, collocations, and phrasal units. Among these, proverbs
and sayings represent a distinct and culturally rich subsystem. They reflect the
worldview, norms, and values of a speech community
Defining Proverbs and Sayings
Proverbs and sayings are integral components of phraseology, functioning as
stable, commonly recognized expressions that convey meanings beyond the literal
interpretation of their individual words. Though closely related, proverbs and sayings
differ slightly in function and form.
MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
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A proverb is a concise, traditional statement that expresses a general truth,
moral lesson, or piece of practical advice. It often employs metaphor, symbolism, or
allegory to convey its message. Proverbs are typically complete sentences and are
widely accepted within a culture. They are often used to summarize collective
experiences or values in a memorable way. For example:
"Honesty is the best policy."
"You can’t judge a book by its cover."
A saying, while similar to a proverb, is usually more colloquial and may lack
the moral or advisory undertone that characterizes proverbs. Sayings often capture
habitual expressions or common observations but are not necessarily meant to teach
a lesson. For example:
"Easy come, easy go."
"Better late than never."
Both proverbs and sayings are characterized by:
Stability – their structure remains largely unchanged over time
Traditional usage – they are passed down through generations
Conciseness – they are brief and to the point
Figurative language – meanings often extend beyond the literal words
Despite their differences, proverbs and sayings are often grouped together
because of their stylistic and functional similarities within language. Their
significance lies not only in their linguistic properties but also in their cultural and
philosophical content.
Structural Features:
These refer to how a text is organized and constructed — the form,
arrangement, and grammatical elements. Key structural features include:
Syntax (sentence structure)
Paragraphing and text layout
Use of headings, bullet points, or lists
Text structure (e.g., introduction, div, conclusion)
Repetition, parallelism, or contrast
MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
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Tense, voice (active/passive), or aspect
Rhetorical structure (e.g., cause-effect, problem-solution)
Example:
In a persuasive essay, the structural features might include an introduction
with a thesis statement, div paragraphs with evidence, and a concluding paragraph.
Cultural and Communicative Roles
These expressions transmit cultural values and national mentalities. They
serve as tools for persuasion, teaching, criticism, and social commentary. In many
cultures, they are used to resolve conflicts or teach moral lessons.
Examples of Proverbs and Sayings
A stitch in time saves nine – emphasizes the importance of timely action.
Actions speak louder than words – stresses deeds over promises.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch – warns against premature
optimism.
Where there's smoke, there's fire – suggests that rumors often have a basis in
truth.
Proverbs in Language Teaching and Translation
Due to their idiomatic and metaphorical nature, proverbs are challenging for
learners and translators. Yet they are valuable for deepening language skills and
understanding cultural nuances.
Conclusion:
Proverbs and sayings form an essential part of phraseology,
offering insight into the culture and values of a linguistic community. Their unique
structure and deep meaning make them indispensable for linguists, educators, and
translators alike. Understanding this subsystem enriches both language competence
and intercultural communication.
REFERENCES:
1. Mieder, W. (2004). Proverbs: A Handbook. Greenwood Press.
2. Norrick, N. R. (1985). How Proverbs Mean: Semantic Studies in English Proverbs.
Mouton.
MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Выпуск журнала №-26
Часть–8_Май –2025
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3. Kunin, A. V. (1996). English-Russian Phraseological Dictionary. Russian
Language Publishers.
4. Dobrovol’skij, D., & Piirainen, E. (2009). Cultural Models in Language and
Thought. Mouton de Gruyter.
5. Taylor, A. (1931). The Proverb. Harvard University Press.
