Environmental Risk Representations in Al-Ahsa Traditional ‎Proverbs: An Eco-linguistic Analysis

البوحنيه, د/ مؤيد

doi:10.21608/mkwn.2024.447579

Environmental Risk Representations in Al-Ahsa Traditional ‎Proverbs: An Eco-linguistic Analysis

نوع المستند : بحوث علمية محکمة

المؤلف

د/ مؤيد البوحنيه

كلية الآداب، جامعة الملك فيصل، الأحساء

10.21608/mkwn.2024.447579

المستخلص

This study investigates environmental risks as represented in traditional proverbs from the Al-Ahsa region of eastern Saudi Arabia, utilizing a qualitative content analysis (QCA) approach within an eco-linguistic framework. Ten culturally significant proverbs were purposively selected based on their relevance to ecological themes such as biodiversity, water management, agriculture, and climate. By integrating cognitive linguistic theories—particularly conceptual metaphor and metonymy—this research decodes the figurative language embedded in these expressions to uncover localized environmental knowledge and values. The analytical process combines discourse analysis with an ethnographic lens to reveal how these expressions encode practical environmental wisdom while reflecting social norms and cultural identity. Results show that the proverbs function not only as linguistic artifacts but also as ecological narratives warning against overexploitation, advocating caution in volatile conditions, and emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship. By highlighting metaphorical constructions such as “danger as animal” or “risk as terrain,” this study demonstrates the role of traditional discourse in shaping ecological consciousness. The findings contribute to the fields of eco-linguistics, sustainability education, and cultural heritage preservation, and propose that proverbs can serve as effective communicative tools in environmental awareness campaigns and community-based conservation efforts.

الكلمات الرئيسية