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A Cognitive Approach to the Study of Paremiology

Mardonova Guljahon 1

Abstract: This article looks at paremiology, or the study of proverbs, and how cognitive
linguistics may be applied to it. The way that proverbs capture cultural information, conceptual
analogies, and common human experiences is examined. The study uses cognitive frameworks to show
how proverbs serve as cognitive aids for comprehending abstract ideas via concrete imagery. The
mental processes that go into using proverbs and how they influence communication and cultural
identity are shown by this method. This work helps to bridge the gap between paremiology and
cognitive linguistics by providing fresh perspectives on how language, cognition, and culture interact.
Key words: Cognitive linguistics, paremiology, conceptual metaphor, cultural knowledge,
mental processes, proverbs, cultural identity, language.

Introduction.
The language field of paremiology, or the study of proverbs, is full of cultural, social, and cognitive
relevance. Proverbs, which are often regarded as a society's condensed wisdom, are language artefacts
that capture cultural norms and values. They are brief, metaphorical statements that provide light on
human communication and thought processes. Understanding how proverbs serve as instruments for
conceiving and communicating abstract concepts is the goal of the cognitive approach to paremiology.
In this research, the concepts of cognitive linguistics are integrated to investigate how proverbs
represent common cultural schemas and mental processes. With its focus on conceptual metaphor
theory and embodiment, cognitive linguistics offers a strong foundation for comprehending how
proverbs function in regular conversation [1, p.12].
Discussion.
1. The Cognitive Underpinnings of Proverbs.
As language units, proverbs serve to connect tangible experiences with abstract ideas. According to
cognitive linguistics, embodiment—the ways in which mental processes are shaped by bodily and
sensory experiences—is the foundation of human knowledge. According to Lakoff and Johnson's
conceptual metaphor theory, metaphors based on physical experiences are used to build abstract
notions [2, p. 45]. To illustrate the cognitive propensity to give weight to concrete proof over
intangible promises, the adage "Actions speak louder than words" figuratively maps the
communication domain onto observable behaviour.
In addition to being mental shortcuts, proverbs condense difficult concepts into forms that are simple
to understand. This cognitive economy makes it possible for people to digest and convey information
effectively. The saying "A stitch in time saves nine" sums up a proactive approach to problem-solving
and lessens the mental strain needed to explain this idea in lengthy conversations [3, p.67].
2. Cultural knowledge encoded in proverbs.
Proverbs serve as cultural knowledge bases in addition to being cognitive aids. As cultural indicators,
they represent common experiences, beliefs, and social norms. The Uzbek saying "Yaxshi ot – yarim
davlat" (meaning "A good horse is half a state"), for example, links social objectives to cognitive
categories and highlights the cultural significance of resources and dependability [4, p. 23]. Similar to

1
Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages, Samarkand City, UZB.

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this, English sayings such as "The early bird catches the worm" reflect the importance of diligence and
timeliness in society.
Proverbs function as cultural schemas, or mental models that influence perception and behavior, as
shown by cognitive techniques. These schemas help people navigate social situations by providing
them with direction based on culturally embedded knowledge. An example of a universal schema of
cultural adaptation and compliance is the adage "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" [5, p. 34].
3. In paremiology, conceptual metaphors may include.
Analysis of the cognitive processes behind proverbs may be done via the perspective of conceptual
metaphor theory. According to this view, metaphors organize ideas by projecting one conceptual area
onto another. Both sophisticated metaphors influenced by particular cultural settings and fundamental
metaphors, which are universal because of common human experiences, are often found in proverbs.
The English saying, "Time is money," is an example of a primary metaphor as it emphasizes the
economic worth of time by mapping it onto a desirable item. In capitalist cultures, this metaphor
represents a common cognitive paradigm [6, p.78]. A culturally particular metaphor is shown by the
Uzbek adage "Ko‘p gap – kam amal" ("Much talk, little action"), which criticizes verbosity and
emphasizes the value placed on action over rhetoric [7, p.92].
4. Aphorisms and Mental Functions.
Proverb understanding is supported by cognitive processes such as cultural knowledge activation,
analogous reasoning, and metaphorical mapping. People use mental models to piece together the
meanings of proverbs in context when they come across them. Invoking an anticipatory cognitive
paradigm, the saying "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" cautions against drawing hasty
judgements. Planning and caution-related schemas are activated throughout this process [8, p.56].
Psycholinguistic research indicates that the metaphorical quality of proverbs helps people remember
and retrieve information. They are cognitively conspicuous due to their rhythmic patterns and strong
imagery, which increases their usefulness in communication [9, p.103]. This explains why proverbs
are often used as effective rhetorical and educational devices.
5. Differences Across Cultures in Proverbs.
Proverbs show common cognitive processes, although their conceptual analogies and language
representations differ from culture to culture. Different cultural experiences and worldviews are the
cause of these variances. The English saying "Make hay while the sun shines" underscores the
agricultural context of taking advantage of chances, whereas the Uzbek counterpart "Oltin – tuproqda"
(meaning "Gold is in the soil") emphasises the importance of land and labour [10, p.115].
Cognitive methods show how proverbs' metaphorical mappings are influenced by cultural variations.
By highlighting common cognitive models and distinctive cultural constructions, these insights
promote understanding and respect amongst people from different cultural backgrounds.
6. Implications for Teaching Languages and Communicating Across Cultures.
Intercultural communication and language instruction may benefit from the cognitive approach to
paremiology. Proverbs may serve as instructional resources for teaching language patterns, cultural
standards, and metaphorical thinking. Teaching the conceptual metaphors included in proverbs, for
example, improves students' cultural competency and cognitive flexibility. Gaining a practical
understanding of proverbs also helps students become more adept at navigating social situations [11,
p.72].
Proverbs act as cultural bridges in international communication, providing insights into cultural
uniqueness and common human experiences. Cognitive analysis of proverbs improves communication
by reducing cultural misconceptions and fostering empathy [12, p.88].

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Conclusion.
Paremiology's cognitive approach offers a thorough framework for comprehending proverbs as
linguistic, cultural, and cognitive phenomena. Proverbs' influence on mind, communication, and
cultural identity is highlighted in this research by examining them using conceptual metaphor theory
and cognitive linguistics. Proverbs illustrate the interaction of language, cognition, and culture by
serving as educational resources, cultural archives, and cognitive aids. To improve our knowledge of
this age-old linguistic art form, future studies may delve further into the psycholinguistic aspects of
proverbs and how they are used in multicultural settings.
List of used literature.
1. Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. Metaphors We Live By. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1980.
p.12.
2. Gibbs, R. W. The Poetics of Mind: Figurative Thought, Language, and Understanding. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 1994. p.45.
3. Honeck, R. P. A Proverb in Mind: The Cognitive Science of Proverbial Wit and Wisdom.
Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1997. p.67.
4. Beknazarov, U. "Cultural Insights in Uzbek Proverbs." Journal of Central Asian Linguistics, vol. 5,
no. 2, 2019, pp. 20-25. p.23.
5. Taylor, A. "Proverbs and Cultural Schemata." American Anthropologist, vol. 103, no. 2, 2001, pp.
341-349. p.34.
6. Kövecses, Z. Metaphor: A Practical Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002. p.78.
7. Mamatov, S. "Metaphors in Uzbek Paremiology." Language and Culture Journal, vol. 12, no. 3,
2021, pp. 89-94. p.92.
8. Sperber, D., & Wilson, D. Relevance: Communication and Cognition. Oxford: Blackwell, 1995.
p.56.
9. Tannen, D. Talking Voices: Repetition, Dialogue, and Imagery in Conversational Discourse.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. p.103.
10. Kadir, B. "Proverbs in Agricultural Societies: A Comparative Study." Ethnolinguistics Review,
vol. 8, no. 1, 2020, pp. 110-118. p.115.
11. Littlemore, J., & Low, G. Figurative Thinking and Foreign Language Learning. Basingstoke:
Palgrave Macmillan, 2006. p.72.
12. House, J. Translation as Communication across Languages and Cultures. London: Routledge,
2015. p.88.

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