Abstract:

Many researchers divide proverbs in two main categories, those having direct meanings and others with metaphoric meanings. Whether poverbs only have direct and metaphoric meanings? Particiularly those proverbs that are known as having direct meanings really have that characteristics? Whether proverbs could be classified in accordance with other criteria? The answers of these questions were sought in this article. This study descriptively analyses and evaluates documentary evidence to find out answers for the above questions. The first section of this paper examines the relevant literature to find out the current classification of the proverbs. Then, the meanings of proverbs were analysed, sorted and sampled in accordance with the views of four experts. The findings reveal that some proverbs that are known as having direct meanings actually have partially metaphoric meanings. Partially direct, partially metaphoric meaning proverbs should be named different term. Researcher suggests the term “partially metaphoric meaning proverb” for such proverbs. Accordingly, proverbs are classified as direct meaning, partially metaphoric meaning and metaphoric meaning for the first time by the researcher. According to this classification, various proverbs books may be classified. Especially for primary and secondary school students, firstly direct meaning, then partially metaphoric meaning and later metaphoric meaning can be taught

Keywords: