The Operational Metaphor of Diligence Value in Malay and Tamil Proverbs: A Hybrid Theory Analysis

Authors

  • Parameswary Shanmugam Jabatan Bahasa dan Kesusasteraan Melayu, Fakulti Bahasa dan Komunikasi, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak
  • Anida Sarudin Jabatan Bahasa dan Kesusasteraan Melayu, Fakulti Bahasa dan Komunikasi, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37052/jb23(1)no2

Abstract

Proverbs serve to convey a message implicitly as a way to reprimand or praise a person's behaviour without offending his/her feelings based on the context of the situation and culture. Moral values are able to form a noble mind and a good personality. This paper highlights the operational metaphors in Malay and Tamil proverbs based on the diligence value through the conceptual space of Hybrid Theory proposed by Tendahl (2009). This conceptual space consists of lexical concept, ad hoc concept as well as empty slots that include domain, image schema, conceptual metaphors and conceptual metonyms. This is a qualitative study that involves content analysis. Detailed focus is given to one Malay proverb data and one Tamil proverb data that is used at the primary school level only. The analysis of the study found that the conceptualisation of diligence in Malay and Tamil proverbs emphasizes on effort and perseverance. The life practices of the Malay
and Indian communities clearly show similarities and differences in terms of cultural values and philosophy of proverbs. The application of Hybrid Theory exhibits a new trend in dismantling the common sense of traditional societies comprehensively and explaining lexical pragmatics.

Keywords: Diligence value, conceptual space, Hybrid Theory, Malay proverbs, Tamil proverbs, common sense

Full text: PDF

References

Published

2023-04-18

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 1 (2023): Jurnal Bahasa Volume 23 Number 1 Jun 2023

Section

Articles

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