Articles · Vol. 2 No. 9 (2026)

The Study Of Arabic Proverbs And Sayings: A Historical And Linguocultural Analysis

Authors

  • Abror DINIQULOV

Keywords

Arabic proverbs paremiology folklore linguoculture Al-Jahiz Abu Ubayd Permyakov structural analysis comparative folklore Arab philology

Abstract

This article examines the historical development and linguocultural significance of Arabic proverbs and sayings (maqol-matallar) within the broader context of paremiological studies. Drawing upon classical Arabic philological traditions and modern folkloristic approaches, the study traces the evolution of proverb scholarship from pre-Islamic Jahiliyya period to contemporary research. The analysis encompasses the theoretical frameworks established by prominent Arab philologists such as Al-Jahiz, Abu Ubayd, and Al-Maydani, as well as the contributions of European and Uzbek scholars to the field. The research employs comparative-historical, structural-semantic, and linguocultural methodologies to investigate the distinctive features that differentiate proverbs (maqol) from sayings (matal) and idiomatic expressions. Particular attention is devoted to the classification systems developed by G.L. Permyakov and their application to Arabic paremiological material. The findings demonstrate that Arabic proverbs constitute an invaluable repository of cultural wisdom, reflecting the historical experiences, ethical values, and worldview of Arab civilization. The study concludes that comprehensive understanding of Arabic proverbs requires interdisciplinary approaches integrating philological, folkloristic, and anthropological perspectives.

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