Expression of Cultural Relations in Proverbs with the Component “Horse”

Abstract

Proverbs are a fundamental part of oral folk tradition, encapsulating the wisdom, cultural values, and social norms of a community. They have been an essential means of communication and cultural transmission throughout history. In the Turkic world, proverbs containing the “horse” component hold special significance due to the horse’s integral role in the cultures, traditions, and livelihoods of these people. Such proverbs are rich in cultural and historical meaning, reflecting the values, beliefs, and worldview of the community. While proverbs in general have been widely studied, there has been a lack of comparative linguocultural analysis of horse-related proverbs across different Turkic-speaking communities, particularly Uzbek and Turkish cultures. This study aims to analyze and compare Uzbek and Turkish proverbs that feature the horse as a central symbol, focusing on their linguistic and cultural meanings, as well as the social values they reflect. The study reveals that in both cultures, the horse is a symbol of strength, loyalty, and freedom, with its representation varying according to cultural contexts. Proverbs involving the horse reflect key social concepts such as labor, nobility, social relations, and gender roles. This research provides a linguocultural analysis of horse-related proverbs in Uzbek and Turkish, offering new insights into the cultural significance of the horse and its symbolic roles in the folk traditions of both societies. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how language and culture intersect, particularly in relation to cultural symbols, and highlight the importance of proverbs in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage across generations.