Significance

This project sheds light on how short folk sayings—proverbs—in Arabic and Greek reflect universal human experiences and distinct cultural twists. Theoretically, it shows that across languages and centuries, people use similar creative structures to express values like generosity, patience, and caution. By mapping near-identical wording and shared themes, the study builds on ideas in linguistics and anthropology about how language carries culture. It supports the view that proverbs are compact vessels of collective memory, shaped by historical contact around the Mediterranean. Comparing Arabic and Greek proverbs side by side also enriches theories of cultural hybridity, demonstrating that wisdom travels, adapts, and sometimes retains the same phrasing across borders.

Practically, the findings offer an accessible toolkit for teachers, translators, and anyone interested in intercultural communication. The matched proverb pairs can spark lively classroom discussions about humor, moral values, and the rhythm of language. On the website, they become interactive windows into everyday life—complete with pronunciation guides, translations, and thematic filters—helping visitors explore cultural connections at their own pace. This digital hub preserves fragile oral heritage by putting it online and invites visitors to contribute their own sayings, turning static lists into living archives. By turning academic data into user-friendly features—maps, search tools, visual essays—the project bridges scholarship and community engagement, showing how studying old sayings can refresh our understanding of modern coexistence and even inspire cross-border cooperation in education, tourism, and cultural events.

Ultimately, this work highlights how small, everyday sayings can open big conversations across cultures and foster mutual respect.