FUNCTIONAL AND PRAGMATIC ROLES OF PROVERBS IN ENGLISH AND GERMAN DISCOURSE COMMUNITIES
Keywords:
Keywords: proverbs, discourse communities, pragmatics, communicative function, English, German, cultural linguistics, argumentation, mitigation, social identity, discourse analysis, comparative study, communication strategies.Abstract
Annotation: This article explores the functional and pragmatic roles of proverbs
in English and German discourse communities. Proverbs, as culturally embedded
linguistic units, serve not only as carriers of collective wisdom but also as tools for
persuasion, social regulation, and identity expression. The study analyzes how English
and German speakers employ proverbs in everyday communication, institutional
discourse, media, and literature. Attention is given to the pragmatic functions of
proverbs such as argumentation, mitigation, strengthening claims, and establishing
social solidarity. By comparing their use across the two linguistic and cultural contexts,
the article highlights similarities rooted in shared European cultural heritage as well as
differences influenced by historical, social, and cognitive factors. The findings
contribute to a deeper understanding of how proverbs shape interpersonal interaction
and cultural communication patterns.
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