HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF ENGLISH AND GERMAN PROVERBS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON MODERN SPEECH

Abstract

Annotation: This article explores the historical development of English and German proverbs and examines their influence on contemporary spoken and written discourse. Proverbs, as culturally embedded linguistic units, have played a significant role in shaping communicative norms, worldview, and social behavior across generations. The study highlights how English proverbs evolved through Old English, Middle English, and Renaissance periods, influenced by religious texts, folklore, and literary traditions. Similarly, German proverbs are analyzed through their origins in Old High German, medieval manuscripts, and the Reformation era, particularly under the influence of Martin Luther’s translations. The article also investigates how these proverbs continue to function in modern speech, reflecting cultural values, pragmatic strategies, and cognitive metaphors. Comparative insights reveal shared Indo-European roots as well as unique national characteristics that distinguish English and German proverbial systems. The findings illustrate the enduring relevance of proverbs in shaping communication, identity, and intercultural understanding.