The Language of Colors: Symbolism of Hues in Kazakh Proverbs and Cross-Cultural Comparison
Tlegenova G. Shukenay G. Shynybekova A. Rakysh Z. Agabekova B. Berkimbayeva S. Kabdrgalinova S.
7 January 2026Academy Publication
Theory and Practice in Language Studies
2026#16Issue 1324 - 333 pp.
—This paper explores the symbolic and cultural meanings of color terms in Kazakh proverbs. It examines how colors such as white (ақ), black (қара), red (қызыл), yellow (сары), and blue (көк) function as cultural codes that convey moral values, aesthetic ideals, and philosophical concepts within Kazakh traditional thought. Proverbs that include color references reflect complex ideas about truth and justice, beauty, patience, and respect for the natural and spiritual world. The study is based on a qualitative linguo-cultural approach, using Kazakh paremiological dictionaries as primary sources and employing comparative analysis with Turkic and global proverb traditions. The paper also addresses the contemporary relevance of color-based proverbs in Kazakh media, public messaging, and educational discourse, showing how they retain pedagogical and communicative power. Ultimately, the paper emphasizes the role of color symbolism as a medium for transmitting cultural memory and shaping national identity across generations.
cross-cultural comparison , cultural metaphors , culture , Index Terms—language , Kazakh proverbs
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Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies, Zhetysu University named after I. Zhansugurov, Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan
Department of Kazakh linguistics named after A. Baytursinuly, Al-Farabi Kazakh national University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Manuscript and Textology Center, M.O. Auezov Institute of Literature and Art, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Department of Foreign Languages, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Department of Social and Humanitarian Sciences, International Educational Corporation KazGasa, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Department of Languages, International Information Technology University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Department of Foreign Languages and Translation Studies
Department of Kazakh linguistics named after A. Baytursinuly
Manuscript and Textology Center
Department of Foreign Languages
Department of Social and Humanitarian Sciences
Department of Languages
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