Representation of Zoomorphic Images in Karachay-Balkar Proverbs and Sayings Using Elements of Frequency Analysis

Abstract

The article is devoted to the representation of zoomorphic images in Karachay-Balkar proverbs and sayings using elements of frequency analysis based on “AntConc” concordancer. During the analysis, we found that the images of sixty animals were reflected in the Karachay- Balkar folklore. To form a more complete picture of the world, the article further reveals the images of individual animals, including by conducting a comparative analysis with proverbs and sayings of other peoples. The author pays special attention to rare zoomorphic images, i. e. those animals that are not represented in the territory of modern residence of Karachays and Balkars (for example, elephants, lions and tigers). The analysis conducted allows to conclude that the zoomorphic images used in Karachay-Balkar proverbs and sayings are largely universal and are reflected in various cultures and languages. However, the most popular images are those that together make up the appearance of the Karachay-Balkar shepherd’s work. The identified animals can be classified into the following four categories: animals watched by the shepherd, his assistants, pests, and animals that make up his ration in the mountains. The results obtained can be used in teaching schoolchildren and students the Karachay-Balkar language, as well as become a starting point for conducting and developing similar studies in the context of other languages, including those belonging to the Turkic language group.