Understanding Proverbs Cross-Culturally in Light of Framing Theory

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to shed light on how some proverbial utterances are understood on the light of framing theory. Proverbs can be considered to be a summery to human experiences or a short story. They can be about anything, although they are ordinarily about human concerns. This inclination might be shared by the different cultures around the world. They are also meant to eternalize the memory of a person – in a positive or negative way – as said in Arabic braver than Antarah. The former is to be praised, and the latter is to be memorized. Or as in saying  more coweredly than Isma’iel Yaseen. Although he is one of the renowned comedians, his roles were merited with fear and cowardice.  Proverbs-making is an art that only creative people can master. Just as drawing relies on symbolism to express an idea, so the proverb summarizes a story or an incidence in a creative way that has significance and implicature. The study will explore the reasons that the same notion can be found in different cultures; however, different utterances and/or expressions are to be used to convey the same notion in the different communities. Examples are chosen from English and Arabic. Proverbs are to be discussed from the perspective of framing theory which is as a branch of cognitive linguistics that deals with the way people perceive the surrounding. The first who connected the interpretation of schemata to cultural systems and beliefs through the framing theory is said to be Erving Goffman (1974).