A Comparative Cross-cultural Investigation of Feline Proverbs in English and Malay Languages: From the Perspective of GCM Theory

Abstract

This study aims at analysing the disparity of the feline representations with the search for their cross-cultural differences between English and Malay feline proverbs. It is an attempt to scrutinize the influence of distinctive cultural backgrounds behind the inauguration of feline representations in the proverbs. The Great Chain of Metaphor Theory (GCM) framework by Lakoff and Turner (1989) is utilised in the process to achieve the purposes of this study, with a focus on the four components, namely the Naïve Theory of the Nature in Things, the Great Chain of Being, the Generic is Specific Metaphor, and the Maxim of Quantity; to explore the differences based on the cross-cultural factors in the proverbs. The findings from this study indicate that customs, religion, and the core values of the particular cultural background, with the touch of favouritism, existence in the surroundings, and the top position of the feline animals, are the factors that influenced the different representations generated within the cultural notions. This study helps to fill the gaps of past research on the comparison and contrast analysis of proverbs between different languages, particularly the English and Malay languages, besides adding new insights on the cross-cultural aspects, which would be beneficial for language learners, primarily foreign learners, to enhance their cultural knowledge.