Concept “Family” and Its Metaphorical Models in the Mari and Finish Paroemiae

Abstract

The article presents the comparative analysis of the concept Family in the Finnish and Mari paroemiological funds, both belonging to the Finno-Ugric languages, from the point of view of their metaphorical conceptualization. We define a metaphorical model as an interaction between different conceptual spheres as a result of which new linguistic units with a figurative meaning are formed. The Finnish and Mari mentalities reflected in proverbs and sayings are characterized by three cognitive levels according to their inner form and meaning, plane of content and plane of expression. In the analyzed fragment of the linguistic worldview metaphorical paroemiae make up in the Finnish language 51 % (70 out of 137 units) and in the Mari language – 74 % (128 out of 173), which means that in the Mari paroemiological fund metaphorical conceptualization prevails. Four types of metaphors are typical of the paroemiae in both funds: anthropomorphic, naturomorphic, sociomorphic and artefact. Artefact metaphors occupy a significant place in the paroemiological funds of both languages.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n3s7p21