Proverbs and sayings as an example of folk art have been honed for centuries, passed on by the elderly to the younger generation in an unchanged form. Folklore carries the experience, spirit and wisdom of the nation that generated it. Great Britain is an island state where warm air masses go towards the coast and generate the famous fogs that gave the country a figurative name - Misty Albion. The maritime climate brings many surprises, so most English proverbs and sayings are about the weather. At the time of the emergence of winged expressions that have come down to our days, it was important how many sunny days there will be in a year, what will be the harvest and how the trade will go. The climate influenced the British so much that in the end the language was enriched by proverbs about the weather, covering almost every aspect of life.
Another reason to often talk about the weather is due to the fact that the restrained and shy British just use this topic in order to make new acquaintances. Johnson Samuel, said that when two Englishmen meet, they certainly begin to discuss the weather.
We'll weather the weather!
Every weather is good! But how else to relate to the weather, if for 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 a bad weather, great weather comes. Analog: 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 the Russian language.
Comparative
The following proverbs about the weather also have “twins” in our culture.
- When the thunder is very good, there's very little rain. Translation: when the thunder booms too much, the rain is small. We have: a little sprayed from a big 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 about the fact that the science of pedagogy developed not without the help of knowledge accumulated over the centuries? Here are some great examples of such English proverbs about the weather:
- Make hay while the sun shine. Translation: mow while the sun is shining. In our folklore: iron is forged while it’s hot.
- The wind cannot be caught in a net. Translation: the wind cannot be driven into the network. Analog: 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 their own culture. Here are examples of proverbs about the weather, bearing the originality of Foggy Albion, which echoes the original Russian worldview:
- Small rain lays a great dust. Translation: little rain nails great dirt. Analog: a small spark gives birth to a big fire.
- After a storm comes a calm. Translation: calm comes after the storm. Analog: 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 mastering the knowledge of cultural heritage, it is impossible to speak of a good level of language proficiency. The study of English folklore will help to better learn the traditions, signs and way of thinking of the British.
In the English language there are proverbs that cannot be translated into Russian. Nevertheless, they can pick up Russian proverbs that are close in meaning:
- Although it rains, throw not away your watering pot. Literal translation: in the rain, do not throw the watering can. A close analogue in meaning: it’s not worth spitting in the well, it’s useful to drink some water.
- To lay by for a rainy day. Translation: save up for the day on which it will rain. Analog: for a rainy day.
These proverbs belong to the third group, where national characteristics are most pronounced.
Idiomatic expressions, 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 you are studying. Liveliness of communication depends on a deep understanding of the foundations of a particular culture. British folklore will help to better learn the language and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of fog, tea and the British monarchy.