Proverbs and sayings as an example of folk art have been honed for centuries, passed on unchanged by old people to the younger generation. Folklore carries the experience, spirit and wisdom of the nation that gave birth to it. Great Britain is an island state where warm air masses go towards the coast and give rise to the famous fogs, which gave the figurative name to the country - Foggy Albion. The sea climate brings many surprises, so most English proverbs and sayings are about the weather. At the time of the birth of popular expressions that have survived to this day, it was important how many sunny days there would be in a year, what the harvest would be and how trade would go. The climate influenced the English so much that eventually the language was enriched with proverbs about the weather, illuminating almost every aspect of life.
Another reason to often talk about the weather is because the reserved and shy British simplyuse this topic to make new acquaintances. Johnson Samuel, said that when two Englishmen meet, they will certainly begin to discuss the weather.
We'll weather the weather
Every weather is good! But how else to relate to the weather, if three days out of four the sun hides behind the clouds, and the latter is hidden by fog? And how do you like this proverb: after rain comes fair weather? With translation: after bad weather comes great weather. Analogue: not all bad weather, the sun will be red. All these English proverbs belong to the first group, characterized by the presence of similar expressions in Russian.
Comparative
The following weather proverbs also have twins in our culture.
- When the thunder is very good, there's very little rain. Translation: When the thunder is too loud, it rains a little. We have: a little splash from a large cloud.
- Everything is good in its season. Literally: everything is good in its season. Analogue: every vegetable will ripen in due time.
Instructive
Who can argue that the science of pedagogy has not developed without the help of knowledge accumulated over the centuries? Here are some great examples of these English weather proverbs:
- Make hay while the sun shine. Translation: Mow while the sun shines. In our folklore, iron is struck while it is hot.
- The wind cannot be caught in a net. Translation: You can't drive the wind into the net. Analogue: you can't catch the wind with a mitten.
English mentality and Russian culture
By studying the proverbs and sayings of the British people, you can better understand the true values of England, as well as compare and compare with your own culture. Here are examples of proverbs about the weather that carry the originality of Foggy Albion, which echoes the primordially Russian worldview:
- Small rain lays a great dust. Translation: a little rain beats up great mud. Analogue: a small spark will give birth to a big fire.
- After a storm comes a calm. Translation: after the storm comes calm. Analogue: after the rain there will be a bright sun.
These proverbs belong to the second group, characterized by a partial coincidence of meaning in the English and Russian versions.
To the origins of folklore
Without learning about cultural heritage, it is impossible to talk about a good level of language proficiency. Studying English folklore will help you get to know the traditions, signs and way of thinking of the British.
There are proverbs in English that cannot be translated into Russian. Nevertheless, you can pick up Russian proverbs that are close in meaning to them:
- Although it rains, throw not away your watering pot. Literal translation: don't throw away the watering can when it rains. Similar analog: don't spit in the well, it's good to drink some water.
- To lay by for a rainy day. Translation: Save up for the day it rains. Analogue: for a rainy day.
These proverbs belong to the third group, where national characteristics are most pronounced.
Idiomaticexpressions, proverbs and sayings are often used in the media, cinema, everyday speech.
Knowledge of proverbs and sayings allows you to figuratively and emotionally speak the language being studied. Liveliness of communication depends on a deep understanding of the foundations of a particular culture. British folklore will help you learn the language better and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of fogs, tea and the British monarchy.
