Wielokulturowość w przysłowiach polskich i angielskich. Aspekty glottodydaktyczne

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of proverbs in developing intercultural competence in Polish students learning English as a second language. Proverbs can be used to illustrate some differences between Polish culture and "Anglo" culture, i.e., the elements of culture shared by such Anglophone countries as the UK, Ireland, the USA, and Australia. For example, English proverbs illustrate the Anglo respect for facts (Facts are facts, Facts are stubborn things) and figures (Figures don't lie), whereas Polish proverbs illustrate the traditional Polish hospitality (Gość w dom, Bóg w dom 'A guest in your house is like God in your houst!, Gościowi należy się pierwsze miejsce 'Guests deserve the best seats'). Some English proverbs reflecting Anglo values are beginning to be used in Polish (e.g. Figures don't lie, Facts are stubborn things), which is one of the symptoms of the influence of Anglo-American culture on Polish culture. Regional proverbs found in different English-spealdng countries may serve as a good source of information about the worldview and sodal attitudes of the people who use them. New England proverbs, for instance, illustrate traditional Puritan values, such as taciturnity (Talk less and say more), perseverance and hard work (If you want to get to the top of the hill, you must go up it). Proverbs may also serve as a starting point for a discussion of stereotypes and radal prejudices (The only good Indian is a dead Indian, Two Blacks will never make a White).