Methodology

I approached our study of Arabic and Greek proverbs much like collecting recipes from two kitchens to see which dishes share the same ingredients and cooking style.

First, I built two “collections” (or corpora) of proverbs—one for Arabic, one for Greek—by gathering examples from a wide range of sources: printed anthologies, scholarly compilations, online databases, newspapers, and even song lyrics. Each proverb was recorded with its exact wording, the regional variety or dialect it came from, and a simple English gloss.

Next, I designed a straightforward comparison process. I read each Arabic proverb alongside its English gloss, then looked for a Greek counterpart that either matched word for word or carried the same core message. When I found a pair, I noted down both versions side by side.

To add scientific rigor, I categorized every proverb according to its “tone” or effect on listeners—positive (encouraging, hopeful), negative (cautionary, skeptical), or neutral (plain observation). Two independent coders worked separately at first, then came together to discuss any disagreements until we agreed on each proverb’s category. This helped reduce personal bias.

Throughout, I paid attention to cultural details: did the Arabic version lean on religious or communal values? Did the Greek version use humor or philosophical language? I also recorded which dialects or historical periods each proverb represented.

By the end, the data set included dozens of well-matched proverb pairs, each clearly labeled and ready for sharing on the website. This method ensures visitors see not just the words themselves but the stories, values, and local flavors that make these proverbs living connections between Arabic and Greek cultures.